How Often Do You Have to See the Orthodontist with Braces?

Braces in Philadelphia are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, giving patients a beautiful smile. They help improve the appearance of your face, as well as your overall oral health. With braces, a patient needs to visit an orthodontist in Philadelphia regularly for adjustments and to ensure that they remain effective and that any problems with them can be addressed quickly.

With regular visits, braces in Philadelphia will provide long-term benefits for both the appearance and function of your teeth, helping you look great and feel confident about your smile. However, it’s one of the major concerns that people have when considering braces. Many are wondering how they can fit their orthodontist appointments into their busy schedules.

How Often Do Orthodontic Visits Take Place?

Typically braces need to be adjusted every 6-8 weeks, but this can vary based on the individual patient and their particular braces system. During braces visits, the orthodontist will check the braces and make any necessary adjustments to keep them in the proper position. They may also use braces elastics, braces wires, braces coils, or braces bands to make corrections.

Below are the type of orthodontic appliances and how often braces should be checked and adjusted:

Metal and Ceramic Braces

These braces are designed to move teeth and correct misalignments, so they must be checked every 4-6 weeks. They are the most common braces among all types, and they use the traditional method of brackets and wires to keep the braces in place.

During the appointment, your orthodontist will adjust or tighten the braces to move the teeth into their correct alignment. They may also deal with any damaged brackets or wires.

Lingual Braces

These braces are placed on the back of the teeth and are not visible from the front. They are a great alternative for patient’s who doesn’t want to attract too much attention to their treatment. Orthodontists check and adjust lingual braces every 4-6 weeks, depending on the progress of the patient’s teeth.

Damon Braces

Damon braces use a slide system to move teeth into alignment, rather than traditional brackets and wires. Because of this, checkups may occur less frequently than with other braces systems, typically between 6-8 weeks.

Damon braces are a great option for busy adults or teens who want to minimize the amount of time they need to spend at the orthodontist’s office. They come in discreet and easy-to-clean brackets which may also come in clear brackets type.

Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners

Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners are great braces options because the check-ups do not need to be as frequent. They come in transparent and custom-fitted plastic trays and patients typically only need to visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. This makes them ideal for busy adults or teens who don’t have a lot of extra time for braces visits.

Clear aligner visits are different from braces visits because the orthodontist will check the progress of the teeth’ movement rather than making adjustments to the braces. They are quick and simple appointments, and the orthodontist will likely provide the patient with a new set of aligners. Some offices even offer virtual checkups for patients who cannot make it into the office.

Consult Farrow Orthodontics for Braces in Philadelphia

braces in Philadelphia

If you want to discover the exact frequency of your dentist appointments based on a specific treatment plan, then it’s best to consult with an experienced orthodontist. Farrow Orthodontics is the premier braces provider in Philadelphia, and we have been helping patients with braces for over 30 years.

Our experienced orthodontists Dr. Anthony Farrow and Dr. Wasna Dabbagh will be able to explain all of your brace options and how much time you need to spend with braces appointments. We are the leading provider of Damon braces, Invisalign, and Spark Clear Aligners in Philadelphia, and we make braces appointments as convenient and stress-free as possible!

Contact us today to book your braces in Philadelphia consultation and get on the path to a perfect smile. Our offices are located at Mt. Airy and City Center, Philadelphia and we welcome all patients from the city as well as the surrounding areas, including New Jersey, Delaware, and Montgomery County. We look forward to hearing from you!