If you are a parent of a teenager who needs braces, you might wonder what the process is for getting braces placed on your child's teeth, and one thing you should know is that your child will not get braces during the first appointment. This is because there are often other steps needed prior to getting braces, and here are some of the steps you will likely have to take.

Visit an Orthodontist for a Consultation Visit

The first step in the process of getting braces is meeting with an orthodontist for a consultation visit. During this visit, the orthodontist will examine the teen's mouth and may take x-rays of the teeth and jaw. The orthodontist will then determine what the child's mouth needs prior to getting braces and will tell you to visit a dentist to complete any necessary work. There is a chance that your child may not need any work from a dentist at this time, but this is not always the case.

Go to a Dental Clinic for Any Work Needed

In most situations, teens will need to visit a dentist to have their teeth cleaned, and they may possibly need to have cavities removed. An orthodontist will not put braces on teeth that have issues with decay or things of this nature. Additionally, there are times when teens will need teeth removed by a dentist before they can get their braces on.

Revisit the Orthodontist for a Reevaluation

After completing the necessary dental steps, you can revisit the orthodontist. At this appointment, the orthodontist will determine a plan of action for braces and will give you a quote for the services. You may be able to work out a payment plan at this time and schedule the visit for the teen to get their braces.

Get Braces

On the day when the teen gets their braces, you should expect to be at the clinic for at least two hours, as it takes a while to have this done. You should also expect the teen to feel pain and pressure with the teeth afterward. Your orthodontist will give you instructions on how to care for the braces and make the necessary life changes to live with these for the next couple of years.

These are the main steps needed for a teenager to get braces. If you would like to learn more about the process involved, you can do so by scheduling an appointment with a local orthodontist.