Summer is coming and you’ve got plans this year! Whether you’re planning to catch some rays on the Alabama coast beaches or tackle your “to watch” list on Netflix, it’s important not to forget about your grin-in-progress.
Your friends at Just for Grins Orthodontics are here to help you with tips to prioritize your orthodontist appointments this summer—without detracting from your awesome summer plans!
Here’s what you need to know about missing orthodontic appointments.
Why Orthodontic Appointments are Important!
Attending all of your Invisalign® or braces appointments with Dr. Dunn and Dr. Schrieber is how you’ll experience beautiful results in the shortest amount of time. If you want to see some major progress in your orthodontic treatment this summer, it’s important to try your best to keep your orthodontic appointments!
But how often are orthodontic appointments?
While most patients visit us every 5 to 10 weeks, your individual appointment timeframe will depend on your unique smile needs and the treatment you choose! Each appointment will be for our experienced orthodontists to ensure your teeth are moving effectively and adjust your braces or treatment accordingly.
How often do you get your braces tightened?
We offer traditional metal braces, and esthetic ceramic or gold braces! With your personalized braces treatment plan, you may visit us every 5 to 10 weeks to have your braces “tightened”, or adjusted. With Invisalign, there’s no need to worry about missing a braces “tightening” appointment! Our orthodontists will give you all your aligners at first visit so you don’t have to worry about coming down to our offices throughout your treatment. Just be sure to bring your current set of aligners to every appointment!
So you missed your orthodontist appointment, what now?
First of all, don’t panic. Nobody is perfect and one missed appointment isn’t going to put your dream smile in jeopardy. But don’t wait too long to call! Your appointments are carefully planned by our experienced orthodontists in order to maximize your smile results and minimize your treatment time. That’s why it’s crucial to call our office as soon as you realize you’ve missed your appointment.
Now when you make missing your orthodontic appointment a habit, that’s when your treatment can go South. Not going to your orthodontist appointments for months can add 2 to 3 months to your time spent in braces, but can also lead to discomfort. Tooth movement is an art that requires regular monitoring and adjustment by a certified professional. Teeth are unique and sometimes they move in unexpected ways—too fast, too slow, or in an unwelcome direction. When you miss two or more appointments, our orthodontists won’t be able to spot and correct any unexpected blips in your treatment.
Pro Tips for Keeping Your Braces Appointment
Sometimes life happens and you have to reschedule an appointment or two—and that’s okay! We’re happy to work around your schedule. If anything comes up unexpectedly and you won’t be able to make your scheduled appointment, please give our office a call and we’ll reschedule your appointment for a better time.
If you know that you’ll be traveling or unavailable during a certain week, please let us know and we’ll be sure to schedule around your availability. Here’s a few expert tips to help you remember and prioritize your orthodontist appointments:
- Keep an updated calendar of events (work, special holidays, vacations, and the kids extracurriculars.)
- Make your next appointment before you leave our office
- Choose an appointment time and day that is manageable with your schedule
- Keep your appointment in your phone calendar with a 48-hour reminder
- Request an appointment card from our front desk staff
- Jot down your appointment info in your personal calendar book
Paper or digital, choose whichever method fits you best! Sticking to your scheduled appointments will help ensure a smooth and successful smile treatment.
Stay on Track to your beautiful, healthy grin!
You can ensure your treatment goes by quickly by keeping your scheduled orthodontist visits and letting us know of summer travel plans and availability in advance.
Every orthodontist appointment is made to ensure you have a successful and comfortable treatment. While Dr. Dunn and Dr. Schreiber will check your grin-in-progress, your appointments also serve as a way for us to check in with how you’re doing! They’re the perfect time to bring up any minor issues you may be having, address any lingering questions, and share your experience so far.
Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions either. Our team has the tips, tricks and advice to support you through your journey with braces or Invisalign.
If you haven’t begun your journey, but you’re ready to take the first step – request your complimentary consultation with Just for Grins Orthodontics in Millbrook, Montgomery or Wetumpka today!
Want to get started now? Simply begin our free virtual assessment to get a personalized smile assessment and cost estimate from our highly-experienced orthodontists.
