Braces Procedure

Consultation with a Richmond Orthodontist

When you come in for your complimentary consultation, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team and we’ll give you a tour of our office. Then, we’ll take digital x-rays and photos before Dr. Gardner, Dr. Tang or Dr. La Rochelle examines you. The orthodontist will sit down with you, walk you through their findings and present you with your personalized treatment options. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions you have. A team member will wrap up the visit by going over the cost of braces, your insurance and our flexible financing options.

Get Your Braces Put On

Does getting braces put on hurt? Not one bit and we promise, there are no needles involved! You’ll sit back in a comfy treatment chair and your RVA orthodontist will use special glue to stick the brackets to your teeth. They’ll then thread the archwires through the brackets. Before you head out, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about caring for your braces.

Adjustments

Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll visit the office every eight to 10 weeks for a checkup. We’ll make sure your treatment is progressing as planned and make any necessary adjustments.

Your Braces Come Off

Yay! Of course, the first thing we’ll do is congratulate you. Then, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Tang or Dr. La Rochelle will take out your wires before gently loosening and removing your brackets using a special tool (this also doesn’t hurt at all). We’ll polish your teeth and you can admire your beautiful new smile in the mirror.

Retainer

When your braces come off, the teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their old positions. The only way to avoid this and maintain your results for life is to wear a retainer. Your retainer will hold your teeth in place while the gums and bones settle into their new positions to lock the bite into place. Most patients will only need to wear their retainers at night.