Years ago, undergoing orthodontic treatment was quite a commitment. Patients were expected to visit the office every three to four weeks, making it hard to fit all those appointments into schedules. However, the answer to the question, “How often do I have to visit the orthodontist in NY?” has changed over the years. Now, you can see the orthodontist less while working toward a straight smile.
Find out how often you’ll need to go to the orthodontist for Invisalign, braces, and retainers. Also, find out how often your child will need to visit if he or she needs to wear headgear or expanders.
Invisalign – How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist?
If you’re going to straighten your smile with Invisalign, you can cut down on appointments by choosing a provider that uses artificial intelligence technology called dental monitoring. An Invisalign orthodontist with this technology will make your treatment a breeze.
The answer to the question, “How often do I have to visit the orthodontist in NY?” will likely be every three months in this case. However, it’s even possible to spread your appointments out, so you only go every four to five months if your treatment is going according to schedule.
Instead of going to the office, you’ll send the provider photos of your teeth. You’ll do this each week, and the orthodontist will use the technology to evaluate your progress.
This is a remote house call and allows you to receive the same level of care without going to the office. In fact, you could even argue that the care is superior because the provider will check your teeth more often. Thus, if you want a straight smile, it makes sense to choose dental monitoring when getting Invisalign.
You can even swap out your aligners without going to the orthodontist. Your provider will give you a series of clear aligners. Then, you will swap them out according to the schedule your provider sets.
Because you won’t have to go to the office often, you can keep the same provider, even if you move. It’s easy to snap and send photographs, regardless of where you’re located. Thus, if you don’t want to switch providers after relocating, this is the right choice for you.
Standard Invisalign – How Often to Visit the Orthodontist?
If you choose an orthodontist that doesn’t offer dental monitoring, you’ll need to go to the office approximately every six weeks. During the appointment, the provider will make sure the Invisalign treatment is moving the teeth as it should.
You won’t get better service by going in person. Instead, your orthodontist will check the same things he or she would monitor with artificial intelligence. However, you will have to go into the office instead of enjoying convenient appointments from the comfort of home.
Braces – How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist in NY?
It’s a bit different if you have braces. You will need to come into the office every four to eight weeks so your orthodontist can monitor your progress and make adjustments. During the appointment, your orthodontist will tighten the braces so they will continue to move your teeth into the proper location.
You will also need to keep regular dental appointments when wearing braces. While your orthodontist will go over proper cleaning techniques, you will need extra help from your dentist.
Your dentist will make sure that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, so you won’t develop dental carries while wearing braces. Also, the extra appointments will ensure that your teeth don’t turn yellow. If they do, the areas behind the brackets will remain white, so it will look funny when you take your braces off. That’s why orthodontists recommend including a dentist in your treatment plan.
However, keep in mind that this isn’t necessary if you choose Invisalign instead. You can remove the aligners to clean your teeth, so you won’t need extra help from your dentist. You will need to maintain your regular dental appointments, though.
Retainers – How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist?
Whether you get braces or Invisalign, you will transition to wearing a retainer at the end of treatment. The treatment will keep your teeth in place, so they don’t shift out of the position.
You’ll probably need to visit the orthodontist once a year if you have retainers. However, you might need to go more or less often, depending on your needs. Your orthodontist will go over your treatment plan when you start wearing retainers.
Other Treatments – How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist in NY?
If your child has a tooth or jaw issue, your provider might recommend expanders or headgear. Your child will likely need to go to the office every four to eight weeks if he or she is undergoing treatment.
Checking the progress during each step is critical. With the right orthodontic intervention, your child can overcome tooth and jaw issues as he or she ages. This can prevent the need for additional orthodontic treatment in the future.
Learn How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist in NY
Dr. Barry J. Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics offers dental monitoring for Invisalign patients. You can get the care you need without going to the office as often, making this the convenient way to straighten your teeth.
You can get started online by completing the smile assessment. Also, you can schedule a consultation to see Dr. Glaser in person. If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, call Glaser Orthodontics at (914) 353-4823. Then, you can undergo a consultation at our Cortland, NY, office. We can also discuss affordable payment plans so you can begin treatment immediately. Contact us today to discuss your options for a beautiful smile.