Before Braces - Dental Health Message Board

Ravishing · 07-30-2003, 10:34 PM

Just wondering if anyone can tell me how many ortho appointments it usually takes before they will actually put your braces on?
I finally got a referal to an orthodontist in my area but I have to wait until November to see him.

I'm not thrilled about having to wait this long for an appointment because I know that I will be getting married within the next 1.5 - 2 years and I would like to have my braces off before the wedding. My dentist said that I will definitely have my braces for a year - probably a bit longer.
I would like to get this all over with ASAP. Can anyone tell me the process leading up to getting their braces on and how long/how many appointments it took to get to this point?

Thank you!

katyclark · 08-01-2003, 11:12 AM

hey ravishing.i've had braces for about 9 months now.when i had them put on i just had two appointments before the ortho put them on.on your first appt.(if they do it like mine)they evaluate your teeth to see how long you'll have to wear them set up your payment schedule ect.the second appt. they'll take molds of your teeth and take pictures of your teeth and your profile, and take pano x-rays.the ortho will review everything so on the third appt. they'll put your top braces on.then about a month later the bottom go on.but like i said your ortho may do it different than mine. they are quite an experience let me tell you. any more questions-feel free to pick my brain

anu_fencer · 08-01-2003, 01:16 PM

my first appointment was the consultation along with discussion of payment plan, length of time, fitting of molds, x-rays. my second visit was the actual fitting.

Ravishing · 08-01-2003, 01:38 PM

Thanks for your responses! How long did it take from the time they took your molds to the time they put your braces on?
Katyclark, how much were your braces if you don't mind my asking? I've heard that I'm looking at a few thousand dollars. I'm already in debt from school and weddings aren't cheap so I figured I might as well just get all the expensive stuff over with at once. Plus I'll be moving to the USA once I'm married so Its just easier to do things like this here in Canada while the exchange rate is in my favour!

katyclark · 08-01-2003, 03:13 PM

hey again. my ortho had a couple of different options.full payment for treatment came with a 5% discount.they also loaned the money through wells fargo i think but you had to have like first class aaa plus credit.the option i chose was 25%down and 170 dollars a month.grand total it was about 4800 dollars-but i have to wear mine 2 years so it depends on the length of treatment.but the cost includes emergency visits ect.they should give you an estimate on your consultation visit.my ortho charged for the x-rays and molds(197 bucks) as far as time between the mold studies and application i could have gone back in as little as a few days.my ortho has a partner and several assistants so scheduling wasnt an issue.but i will tell you this: i've talked to the hygienists at my regular dentists office (several ladies there had ortho treatment) and they told me #1 if the ortho doesnt take molds and models of your mouth then you arent getting good treatment.they need those molds and pics to analyze your bite #2 see if they offer a permanant retainer-its placed on your teeth and theres no appliance to worry about ever again.most up to date ortho's offer this. any more ?'s just give me a holler (congrats on your up-coming marriage)i'm a newlywed myself-and yup i had these beauties on the day i got married