BracesOrthodontics
Dr. Michael Stosich of Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental explains how often braces and clear aligner patients actually come in.
Lake Forest, IL – It’s one of the first questions almost everyone asks when they call our office. How often am I going to have to come in? No one needs a calendar full of appointments, and if you are thinking about having to visit your orthodontist every few weeks for the next two years, it’s fair to wonder whether orthodontics will fit your life and timeline. Here’s what the orthodontic visit schedule really looks like.
How often do braces patients come in?
Braces patients are generally seen every 2 months on average.
That’s the typical schedule, not a hard rule, and it can differ case by case. Space closure cases are typically seen more frequently, like monthly, because those teeth are moving into a gap and we need to keep a closer eye on them.
What about clear aligners?
Aligner patients can have more than 8 weeks between visits. This is because the treatment is designed in a different way, and we are able to print more aligners at the start of treatment for the planned movements, which means you will usually already have the next set and won’t need a visit to get one. The average clear aligner visit time is every 3 months, though some cases can go longer, like 4 months.
Here’s the quick version:
- Braces. Every 2 months on average.
- Space closure cases. Typically monthly.
- Clear aligners. Around 3 months on average, and some cases can go 4.
What happens between visits?
A lot happens, and not all of it requires a drive straight to the orthodontic office. Thanks to our remote check-ins, available through our secure texting and imaging service, a question about a loose bracket or a tight tray can get answered without you needing to take time off from work or school.
The intraoral digital refinement scans for clear aligner patients are done at your in-person visits so we can continue tracking your progress forward as needed. In some cases, after refinement scanning for our long-distance patients, we can even express ship their new aligners directly to their house.
Do any cases need more frequent visits?
Yes. Space closure cases are one example, as mentioned above. Every mouth is different, and the specifics of your schedule will depend on your own treatment plan. Dr. Stosich will tell you what to expect at your consultation, before you commit to anything.
What if I live far away?
You wouldn’t be the first. Dr. Stosich treats many patients who travel a long distance to come and see us, so each patient’s orthodontic journey is uniquely customized for the maximum efficacy and maximum patient convenience. Whether you live nearby, right here in Lake Forest, or drive a long way to see us, we’ll build the plan around your life, not the other way around.
Does it matter who’s treating you?
It sure does. Dr. Stosich is a board-certified orthodontist, a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and the Director of Orthodontics at the University of Chicago, who has more than 15 years of clinical experience. That experience is exactly what lets us space visits out safely rather than defaulting to a standard schedule for everyone.
If your packed appointment calendar has been the thing holding you back, ask us about it. We’d rather answer the question than have you guess.
Call Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stosich and find out what your orthodontic care visit schedule would look like. Take the first step today toward a smile that lasts a lifetime.
