Stages of Treatment
There are three stages of orthodontic treatment: the planning stage, the active stage, and the retention stage.
Planning
The planning stage is essential and involves a consultation, clinical examination and diagnostic records (photographic records, radiographs, and diagnostic models) to plan for your orthodontic treatment. 1 – 2 visits are usually required to plan for your orthodontic treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial to success and the achievement of your orthodontic treatment goals.
Active
The active stage is when the teeth are straightened into correct alignment with the jaws, bite, and face. This stage varies in duration from 6 – 12 months for simple cases to 18 – 24 months or longer for more extensive cases.
During the active stage, orthodontic adjustments are scheduled approximately every 6 weeks.
Retention
The retention stage is equally important and begins when the braces are removed, and the wearing of orthodontic retainers commences.
Practically everyone who has orthodontic treatment must wear orthodontic retainers to maintain the teeth in their corrected positions.
Retainers are worn for a minimum of 1 – 2 years and frequently longer if not indefinitely.
Nedlands Orthodontic Clinic 