At Boise Valley Orthodontics, our experienced team is dedicated to providing the very best orthodontic care to our patients. From consultations to aftercare once your braces are removed, we're with you every step of the way.
Here is some important information for patients.
Your First Visit
Your first time in our office might be scary, exciting, or a bit of both. This appointment is our chance to get to know you better, evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw, and more, and start setting up a treatment plan. It's your chance to get to know us, ask any questions you have, and take that important first step to your new smile.
Your first visit will last about an hour. You'll fill out intake forms, get a comprehensive diagnostic exam, and we'll discuss potential treatment plans. You may need additional x-rays or impressions, which will make your appointment a little longer. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We will be sure to cover:
- Any orthodontic conditions you have
- Treatment options
- Estimated timelines for treatment
- Potential treatment costs, financial options, and insurance coverage
- Any additional things that will need to be done, such as extractions
After your initial consultation, we will thoroughly review your diagnostic materials and have you come in for a second appointment to discuss your treatment options and the costs in more detail. Then we can get started with your treatment plan.
Please bring any materials you already have, including x-rays and insurance cards, to help us expedite the process.
Caring For Your Braces
Once you leave our office with your braces on, it's your time to shine! From here, your cooperation plays a key role in the success of your treatment. Make sure to follow all the instructions our office provides, including wearing your appliances as prescribed (rubber bands, retainers, headgear). Not following instructions can result in delays in treatment, additional costs, and broken appliances. It's also important that you follow directions related to what not to eat.
What if something breaks?
Even when you care for your appliances properly, sometimes things break! Just give us a call as soon as it happens and we'll schedule you a time to come in and get it fixed.
Oral hygiene
Having good oral hygiene is extra important during orthodontic treatment. Food can become stuck within the appliance, and getting your teeth clean can take a little extra effort.
While wearing braces, there are some foods you need to avoid. These include things that can become stuck, like sticky candy and gum, as well as hard foods that can cause damage to brackets, like hard candy, nuts, or jerky.
Good oral hygiene comes from diet—such as avoiding foods and beverages that lead to tooth decay—as well as proper daily care and maintenance and routine professional dental care. Taking good care of your mouth and your appliance will benefit your treatment and keep your smile healthy.
Types of Crooked Teeth
There are different types of challenges you might be facing that we can help you with. Below are common types of crooked teeth that orthodontic treatment can address.
- Overbite: This occurs when the top front teeth extend beyond the bottom. A common issue, this can be treated with orthodontic treatment.
- Underbite: As sort of the opposite of an overbite, an underbite is when the lower jaw extends out and causes the bottom teeth to sit in front of the top. This can be treated with appliances and sometimes surgery.
- Spacing: There are multiple reasons patients may have gaps or spacing issues. In some cases, the cause can be something that will get worse over time, so it's good to address with an orthodontist as early as possible.
- Crowding: When there is insufficient space for the teeth to come in, crowding can occur. This can lead to crooked teeth and potentially tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can address crowding.
- Crossbite: When your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth, that is a crossbite, which can be similar to an underbite. Your orthodontist can evaluate the crossbite and determine whether you need braces to correct it.
- Openbite: Sometimes caused by habits such as thumb sucking, openbites can impact chewing. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is needed to correct the issue.
- Protrusion: When the upper teeth extend too far forward, the function of the teeth can be impacted, but in many cases it's the effects on facial appearance that are most worrisome. Proper orthodontic care can help with protrusion, which is sometimes called an overjet.