How Often Should You Visit the Orthodontist During Treatment?
Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
But once your braces or aligners are in place, you might be wondering: How often do I need to visit the orthodontist?
The short answer? Regular check-ups are essential, both for progress and prevention.
Our team at Bronte Family Orthodontics is here to walk you through what to expect and why these appointments are so important.
The Typical Schedule for Orthodontic Check-Ups
Most patients with braces or Invisalign® will see their orthodontist every 8, 10, or 12 weeks.
These appointments are quick but important. They allow us to:
- Monitor tooth movement
- Make small adjustments to wires or aligners
- Check for any issues with brackets, bite alignment, or oral hygiene
- Keep your treatment plan on track
Each visit builds on the last, ensuring that your smile progresses as planned, without delays or surprises.
Why Regular Visits Matter
It might not seem like a big deal to skip or delay an appointment, but over time, missed check-ups can slow down your progress—or even set your treatment back.
Here’s why these visits are more than just check-ins:
- Early detection of issues: Catching small problems early (like a loose bracket or poor hygiene) helps prevent bigger setbacks.
- Staying on schedule: Adjustments are made based on how your teeth are responding; missing an appointment means missing progress.
- Customized care: No two smiles move the same. Regular visits allow your orthodontist to personalize the next steps in your treatment.
- Motivation & support: We’ll cheer you on and help troubleshoot anything that’s making your journey harder than it needs to be.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Do Visit Frequencies Differ?
Generally, patients with braces come in slightly more often than those using Invisalign®.
That’s because braces involve physical adjustments, tightening wires, repositioning brackets, and ensuring the hardware stays in good shape.
With Invisalign®, we provide several sets of aligners at once, and visits may be spaced further apart (every 12 weeks), depending on your progress and compliance.
Either way, consistency is key to getting the best results.
What Happens at These Appointments?
Here’s what you can expect during a routine orthodontic visit:
- A check on how your teeth are moving
- Adjustments to wires or guidance on your next set of aligners
- A quick oral health check
- Q&A time—we love helping with comfort tips and care advice
- Encouragement! You're making progress, and we’ll celebrate that with you
If you have questions between visits, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re just an email or a phone call away.
Need an orthodontic consultation in Milton, Ontario? We’re happy to coordinate with your general dentist to keep your treatment on track.
Start with Orthodontic Journey with Bronte Family Orthodontics
Whether you’re in the middle of your braces journey or just starting with Invisalign®, staying consistent with visits makes all the difference.
At Bronte Family Orthodontics, our team is here to support you through every stage, starting with day one.
Ready to embrace your brace journey? Book a consultation with our friendly team today.