{"id":5431,"date":"2021-08-13T11:38:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T15:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinacompletedental.com\/?p=5431"},"modified":"2025-05-05T18:19:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T18:19:23","slug":"adult-braces-what-to-expect-at-your-first-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carolinacompletedental.com\/blog\/adult-braces-what-to-expect-at-your-first-appointment\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Braces: What to Expect at Your First Appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Orthodontics Aren\u2019t Just Kid Stuff<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of orthodontic appliances to improve smiles isn\u2019t just for kids and teens anymore. According to the <\/span>Academy of General Dentistry<\/span><\/a>, about one million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 wear braces or aligners, and the use of <\/span>adult orthodontics<\/span><\/a> rose 24 percent between 1989 and 2008. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Modern orthodontic solutions requiring shorter treatment times and less visible appliances have continued to increase in popularity among adults who want to achieve more confidence in their personal lives and careers. If not for aesthetics, orthodontics can also help improve oral health and relieve pain and tension in the mouth and jaw.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Dentists, Different Appliances<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all types of orthodontics are appropriate for every dental case, and not everyone needs a full-fledged orthodontist to get their dream smile. These are good things to keep in mind when choosing a dentist for your orthodontic treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontists are dental specialists\u2014they have completed three additional years of training beyond dental school to become experts in straightening and aligning teeth. The specialty of orthodontics<\/a> includes diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a variety of dental and facial problems and may include the use of any type of dental appliances to achieve the desired outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of orthodontics\u2014such as the clear aligners made popular by Invisalign\u00ae<\/a> or the \u201cinvisible\u201d braces of Six Month Smiles\u00ae<\/a>\u2014allow general dentists who are not full-fledged orthodontists to achieve continuing education and official certification through the manufacturers for the specific use of those products to administer orthodontic treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your First Consultation & Checkup<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your first appointment should focus on fact-finding, education, and planning. You need to have a complete understanding of your current dental condition and all your treatment choices, which should be made clear by the end of the initial consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n