Posted on October 6, 2022
According to the American Dental Association, it’s estimated that there are 10,658 orthodontists practicing in the United States. When was the last time you visited one? Most people only go to the orthodontist when something is wrong. Should you see an orthodontist even if you don’t suspect anything? Here’s what you may need to know.
There is no blanket approach when it comes to how often you need to visit an orthodontist. The answer to this question depends on the unique circumstances of the patient. For instance, the frequency can increase or decrease depending on whether you are on some sort of treatment or not. It will also depend on the stage of treatment and your smile goals. If you do not require treatment, your orthodontist will tell you how often you need to visit.
When in treatment, you may be required to visit the orthodontist more often. For instance, when you have traditional braces, you may need to visit the orthodontist every four to ten weeks. During these appointments, the orthodontist will examine your teeth to see if they are progressing. They may also tighten the braces and replace the wires. If you have Invisalign trays on, it’s important to go to the dentist once every four to six weeks. Again, they will check if there is any progress, and they may also give you new aligners.
Not every orthodontic treatment falls under braces or Invisalign. There are several other treatments, including specialist headgear, expanders, and several other technologies that have been designed to tackle various jaw, teeth, and bite issues. If you are receiving any of these treatments, the orthodontist might want to see you regularly. In most instances, this will be at least once every four to eight weeks. During these appointments, they will check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
There is no formula for how often you should visit an orthodontist. It just depends on what’s happening with you. If you are on treatment, the orthodontist will likely tell you when to come back. It may not be necessary to see an orthodontist if nothing is wrong with you. In most instances, people get referred to an orthodontist by their regular dentist. Get in touch with us today if you need to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist.
