From Consultation to Smile: Your Orthodontic Journey Step by Step

Considering orthodontic treatment but not sure what to expect? Discover each step of your journey toward a perfect smile.

Introduction

Deciding to start orthodontic treatment is an important step. Whether for yourself or your child, it's normal to have questions and perhaps even some apprehensions. At Dr. David Benguira's Orthodontic Center, we support each patient throughout their journey, from the first consultation to the day they discover their new smile.

Here's exactly what to expect, step by step.

Step 1: The Complete First Consultation (Free)

Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation initial consultation. During this first appointment, we perform all necessary examinations and present your personalized treatment plan - all in a single visit!

Welcome and Discussion

• Warm welcome: Our team greets you and answers your initial questions.
• Discussion of your goals: What brings you here? What are your expectations?
• Clinical examination: Dr. Benguira examines your mouth, teeth, and jaw.

Complete Examinations

• Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays: To see your entire dental and bone structure.
• 3D Scan (CBCT): Our state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology provides detailed visualization of your anatomy.
• Intraoral and facial photos: To document your starting point.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

• Detailed diagnosis: Clear explanation of your current situation.
• Treatment objectives: What we will correct and why.
• Recommended appliance type: Traditional braces, ceramic, Invisalign, lingual orthodontics... and possible alternatives.
• Estimated duration: Generally between 12 and 24 months depending on complexity.
• Result simulation: In some cases, we can show you a simulation of your future smile.
• Costs and financing: Detailed quote, insurance, and payment options.

This is the time to ask all your questions. We take whatever time is needed for you to be completely comfortable with your decision.

Step 2: Taking Impressions

If you choose aligners (like Invisalign) or laboratory-made appliances, an impression-taking step is necessary before fitting.

What happens:

• Digital impressions: Thanks to our state-of-the-art intraoral scanner, no more uncomfortable alginate impressions! A quick, precise scan captures your teeth in just minutes.
• Sending to the laboratory: Your impressions are transmitted for the fabrication of your custom appliances.
• Fabrication time: Depending on the appliance type, expect a few days to a few weeks to receive your personalized appliances.

Note: For traditional braces fitted directly, this step is not necessary and you proceed directly to step 3.

Step 3: Appliance Fitting

The big day! Fitting your orthodontic appliance is an important moment, but rest assured, it's completely painless.

For braces:

• Cleaning and preparation of teeth
• Application of a gel that allows brackets to adhere
• Precise positioning of each bracket
• Insertion of the orthodontic wire
• Instructions on hygiene and diet

For aligners and laboratory appliances:

• Verification of appliance fit
• Attachment placement (if necessary for Invisalign)
• Instructions on wear and maintenance
• Delivery of your first series of aligners or your appliance

Step 4: Follow-up Appointments

Throughout your treatment, you'll see us regularly for adjustments and progress monitoring.

Typical frequency:

• Braces: Every 4 to 8 weeks to adjust wires and check progress.
• Aligners: Every 6 to 10 weeks to receive new aligners and verify alignment.

These appointments are generally short (15-30 minutes) and are an opportunity to ask questions and see your progress. You'll be impressed to see the changes over the months!

Step 5: Appliance Removal and Retention

The long-awaited moment! When your teeth have reached their ideal position, we remove your appliance.

Removal day:

• Careful removal of brackets or end of aligners
• Professional cleaning of your teeth
• Photos of your new smile
• Fitting of your retention appliances

Retention:

The retention phase is essential to maintain your results. You will receive:

• A bonded retainer wire behind your teeth (invisible)
• Retention aligners to wear at night

We will see you periodically to verify everything stays in place.

In Summary

Your orthodontic journey is an adventure that transforms much more than a smile - it often improves self-confidence. At each step, our team is there to support you, answer your questions, and ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible.

As we like to say: "We don't just make you smile. We strive to make your treatment experience enjoyable and fun."

Ready to start your journey?

The first step is simple: schedule your free consultation. It's no obligation and it's an opportunity to meet us, visit our clinic, and receive your complete treatment plan from the very first visit.