Use this guide to help prepare for this important appointment.

Before your Consultation Appointment: 

1. Research and choose a trusted orthodontist.

– Look for orthodontists with good reviews and credentials in your area.

– Ask friends and family for suggestions.

– Check if the doctor is a member of reputable orthodontic associations.

– See if the office offers the treatment you are interested in (such as Invisalign® or early braces).

2. Prepare your medical and dental history.

– Bring records of past dental work and any relevant medical history.

– Orthodontists should know about any allergies (latex, metals) or medications.

– A referral from a dentist is not necessary but can help if you are planning dental work in the future.

3. Verify your insurance benefits.

– Check to see if your insurance plan has any orthodontic coverage.

– Some insurances have age limits or waiting periods for orthodontic treatment that may affect your coverage.

– HSAs are great ways to pay for orthodontic treatment, so having your account funded and a card available will help you get started as soon as possible.

What to Expect During the Consultation:

1. Initial Examination.

– The orthodontist will examine your teeth and facial structure.

– X-rays, photos or digital scans may be taken to assess your teeth and jaw alignment.

2. Discussion of Treatment Options.

– The orthodontist will discuss your orthodontic problem list and the treatment options suitable for you (such as traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, expanders, etc).

– For complex cases, multiple treatment options may be presented.

– For children and teens, treatment may be recommended prior to all of the permanent teeth erupting (called Phase I) or the orthodontist may recommend periodic follow-up visits to monitor the growth and development and eruption of the permanent teeth (called Observation) until they are ready to begin treatment.

– Any recommended appliances or auxiliary equipment (such as elastics) will be reviewed.

– The orthodontist will review the pros, cons and sequencing of each option.

– A treatment time estimate for each treatment plan will be provided.

– In certain instances, the doctor may recommend dental work or extractions of baby teeth to be completed prior to treatment.

-The orthodontist should be able to comfortably answer your questions about your treatment options and help you make the best decision for your smile!

Helpful Questions to Ask

Every orthodontic treatment plan is different, so these questions can help you learn what to expect from your orthodontic treatment.

• What will be the duration of my treatment?

• How often do I need to schedule appointments?

• What is the cost of treatment? Are their financing options? Do you accept my insurance or payments from an HSA?

• Are there any lifestyle changes required if I move forward with this treatment plan?

• How can I maintain good oral hygiene during my treatment?

• What should I do in case of an emergency such as a broken or lost appliance?

• Should I be aware of any risks or side effects of the proposed treatment?

• What is the follow-up and retention plan after treatment is completed?

Post-Consultation:

1. Reflect on what you learned at your appointment to make an informed decision.

– Consider the treatment plan, costs and your confidence in the orthodontist.

– If you attend multiple consultations, compare the proposals of each office. You may consider factors such as office location, hours of operation and your impression of the staff.

– If multiple treatment options were offered, consider what aligns best with your treatment goals, budget and lifestyle.

2. Schedule your appointment to get started at your new orthodontic home!

– If you decide to proceed, schedule your next appointment to begin your treatment.

– If you decide to wait to save money, obtain insurance coverage, finish dental work, or wait for baby teeth to be lost, contact the office and they can get you scheduled to be contacted in the future.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask and team in Salt Lake City, Utah, is ready to assist you and your family with the orthodontic treatment you are looking for. Please call  385-500-7082 to learn more or schedule a consultation!

The post An Orthodontic Consultation Checklist for Your Orthodontic Journey first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Dental Disease: If you have active dental infections, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or significantly damaged or broken teeth, it is generally recommended to address these dental problems before starting orthodontic treatment. This ensures that your teeth and gums are in good health and can safely undergo orthodontic movement.

Extractions or Impacted Teeth: Teeth that need to be extracted, or impacted teeth that require surgical uncovering, are often addressed before or during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will collaborate to determine the appropriate sequence. In some instances (wisdom teeth in younger patients), the extractions can occur after orthodontic treatment.

Space Creation: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to create space for dental restorations. For example, if you require a dental implant or a bridge, orthodontic treatment may be recommended first to create adequate space for these restorations. Your dentist and orthodontist will likely coordinate to ensure the space generated is adequate.

Bite Alignment: In situations where your bite is misaligned or causing functional issues, orthodontic treatment may be recommended first before final dental restorations or gum grafts are placed. Addressing the bite problems first can improve the stability of the future dental treatments.

It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with both your orthodontist, dentist and other specialist to assess your dental needs and create an individualized treatment plan. Good providers will collaborate and communicate to achieve the best outcome for your oral health, aesthetics, and functional needs.

Call To Learn More

At Bluebird Orthodontics, our dedicated orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask, and her team are ready to help you get the quality orthodontic care your smile deserves.  If you have questions about sequencing dental treatment and orthodontics in Salt Lake City, Utah, please don’t hesitate to call 385-500-7082 today!

The post Sequencing Dental Treatment and Orthodontics: Before | During | After? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Six Reasons Adults Start Orthodontic Treatment

Maybe you didn’t have them as a teenager, or maybe your teeth have shifted over time. Whatever the reason, adult braces can be a great way to improve your smile. And with advances in orthodontic technology, adult braces are now more comfortable and discreet than ever before. In this article, we explore six reasons why adults start orthodontic treatment.

They Never Had Them As Children

One of the most common reasons why adults opt for braces is simple: they weren’t able to get them as children. Maybe their family couldn’t afford it or maybe their teeth just weren’t ready at the time.

Now that they’re adults and have the means to pay for it themselves, they’re finally getting the chance to correct their smile. And that’s something to be excited about!

Orthodontic Relapse

One of the most common complaints orthodontists hear from adults is that their teeth have started to relapse, or move back out of alignment. In many cases, this can be traced back to a failure to wear a retainer after braces are removed when they had them earlier in life.

When braces are first removed, the teeth are still in a fragile state and need to be supported in order to maintain their new position. Wearing a retainer helps to keep the teeth in place while they continue to settle into their new positions.

However, retainers must be worn as directed by your orthodontist in order to be effective. For best results, we recommend wearing a retainer for at least 12 hours per day for the first year after braces are removed.

After that, you can switch to wearing your retainer at night only. If you don’t wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may start to shift out of alignment again. So if you want to keep your smile looking its best, make sure to wear your retainer as directed!

Before A Big Event

Your wedding day. Your high school reunion. Your first date in years. Big events can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about your teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, adult braces may be the perfect solution for you.

Straighter teeth not only look great, but they’re also easier to keep clean – meaning you can flash those pearly whites with confidence. And there’s no need to worry about adult braces being too noticeable – today’s options are smaller and more discreet than ever before. So if you’re looking to boost your confidence for a big event, adult braces may be the way to go.

Professional Reasons

Another common reason why adults get braces is because they want to improve their appearance for professional reasons. In today’s professional world, first impressions are more important than ever, and having straight teeth can help show others that you care about your oral health. If you’re looking to make a good impression, straight teeth can definitely help.

Correct A Facial Asymmetry

Any adult who wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth should consider straightening them. Not only can this help to create a more symmetrical appearance, but it can also make your teeth appear larger and your smile more attractive.

In addition, straightening your teeth can also help to improve your oral health. When teeth are properly aligned, it is easier to brush and floss them effectively, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Improve Self Esteem

Finally, many adults simply want to feel better about themselves. Whether your teeth have always bothered you or you’ve started to notice them shifting as you age, wearing braces can increase your confidence and help you feel better about your smile.

There’s no need to feel self-conscious about your smile as an adult. More and more adults are opting for braces to achieve the straight teeth they’ve always wanted. And with improvements in clear treatment options such as Invisalign aligners, most people won’t even know you’ve started treatment! And what’s not to love about that?

Types of Braces For Adults

Just because you’re not a teenager anymore doesn’t mean you’re too old for braces! In fact, adult braces are becoming more and more common. There are a variety of different types of braces that can be used to straighten teeth, and your orthodontist will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and they are also the most affordable. However, they are also the most visible. If you’re looking for a more discreet option, clear or ceramic braces may be a better choice.

Clear Braces

Clear braces use clear brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable. They still work in the same way as traditional metal braces but are just much less visible, especially at a distance.

Invisalign®

For adults who are concerned about the appearance of their braces, invisible aligners such as Invisalign® may be the best option. These aligners are made from clear plastic and are practically invisible when worn.

Conclusion

If you’re an adult considering braces, know that you’re definitely not alone! More and more adults are correcting their smiles with braces every day, and there are a number of reasons why.

Whether you didn’t have the chance to get them as a child or you want to improve your appearance for your big day, braces can have a big impact on your life. So don’t wait—if you’re considering braces, now is the perfect time to take the plunge! Call our offices today at Bluebird Orthodontics to set up your free consultation.

The post You’re Never Too Old for Braces! 6 Reasons Adults Start Braces first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how Invisalign works and what you can expect from the treatment process. From the initial consultation to the final results, read on to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.

How Does Invisalign Work

Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. First, an orthodontist scans the inside of your mouth using a 3D scanner that uploads your teeth and structure into a computer program called iTero.

Once uploaded into the iTero program, an orthodontist will virtually move your teeth into the correct position. You can often see an example of how your smile will look during the day of your scan using predictive movements in the software.

The scans your orthodontist took are then submitted to Invisalign where they will design a series of custom aligners based on your 3D scans. After about a week, your new clear aligners will arrive at your orthodontics office.

Since teeth are generally smooth, Invisalign requires small bumps to be placed periodically on your teeth to help with movement. You’ll have another short visit to your orthodontist to get the bumps placed on your teeth and pick up about 8 weeks’ worth of Invisalign trays.

As you wear the aligners, your teeth will gently move into the final position! Treatment time varies based on your specific issues and goals. You will likely visit your orthodontist about once every 8 weeks during your treatment, which is less than with braces.

This cuts down significantly on the time you need to spend missing work or school to visit your orthodontist. It also allows you to travel farther to see the orthodontist of your choosing instead of the closest one to your home or work. This makes Invisalign great for adults or teens who want to avoid the frequent commutes they would have with braces!

What You Should Expect During Your Initial Consultation

When you arrive at Bluebird Orthodontics for your initial consultation for Invisalign, you’ll fill out our new patient paper if you haven’t already. We’ll then take you to our photo and X-ray room to gather some records.

We take about 6-8 photos of each patient’s teeth and bite to have a good record of where you started. We then bring you over to our 3D X-ray machine to get a 3D model of your mouth. This gives our orthodontist a better understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface of your gums and makes sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

We’ll then take you into one of our private exam rooms for our orthodontists to do a full assessment and find out what your goals for your new smile are! We develop a full treatment plan and determine if there is any dental work needed before you can get started.

Then, we’ll go over pricing and what your Invisalign treatment will look like. We’ll give you an estimate of how long it will take and show you models of what your smile will look like once treatment is complete!

Patients can usually get started on the same day if no dental work is necessary!

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?

Your teeth start straightening from the first set of aligners you wear. You should start noticing changes in your smile within the first few weeks. It usually takes around 6-12 months to complete treatment in Invisalign. However, every case is different.

After Invisalign Treatment

Once you have finished your last tray and both you and the orthodontist are happy with your smile, you’ll come into the office to have your attachments removed and get scanned for a retainer.

We use the same 3D scanner that we used during your initial visit. Invisalign will make you a custom-fitted retainer to help maintain your smile and keep your teeth from retracing.

For a short time after finishing treatment, you may need to wear your retainers for the entire day just as you wore your Invisalign trays. Once our orthodontist feels confident enough in your smile, you can start to wear them only at night. You should plan on wearing them at night forever if you want to keep your teeth extra straight!

Conclusion

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to wear braces. The process works by using a series of clear, customized aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, we take extra care to make sure your teeth look the way you want them before treatment is complete. If you’re interested in finding out if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hailee today!

The post How Does Invisalign® Work: 4 Things You Should Know first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

What is the average cost of braces in Utah?

How much does Invisalign® cost?

Does Medicaid cover braces?

Does dental insurance cover braces?

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Are braces worth it?

Conclusion

The post How Much Do Braces Cost? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.