Summer is only two months away (even though it already feels like summer in South Florida). The days are getting warmer, and you may be thinking about your summer plans.

Is traveling or vacationing on your list? Or are you planning to stay local and hit the beach? Maybe you’re in more of a ‘stay-at-home and binge-watch shows or binge-read books’ mood this year?

However you choose to enjoy your summer, it’s important that you try your best to prioritize orthodontist appointments too. Don’t forget about your friends here at Cooper Orthodontics!

Attending all of your Invisalign® or braces appointments is how you’ll experience beautiful results in the shortest amount of time.

Of course life happens, and unexpected obligations may arise – which could cause you to miss an appointment or two. What does this mean for your treatment progress? Is your new smile in jeopardy?

Here’s what you need to know about your orthodontist appointments:

What happens if you miss an orthodontist appointment?

So you have a busy summer ahead, and you realize you may miss an orthodontist visit. Now you’re wondering about the fate of your smile. Would that hurt your progress?

Fortunately, one missed visit shouldn’t hurt your progress too much, as long as you reschedule the appointment as soon as possible.

In most cases, the further into your treatment process you are, the less likely a missed appointment is to affect your progress. If you’re at the very beginning of your treatment process and your teeth are just beginning to shift, a missed appointment that isn’t rescheduled within a week or so can slow your progress.

At your orthodontic appointments, your orthodontist will perform a check-up evaluation to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces or Invisalign treatment plan. If your orthodontist isn’t able to assess your smile as frequently as necessary, this can delay progress and require changes to the initial treatment plan. It’s a good idea to prioritize your visits if you want fast results!

Sometimes, life happens, and you have to reschedule an appointment or two – and that’s okay! We’re happy to work around your schedule. If anything comes up unexpectedly and you won’t be able to make your scheduled appointment, please give our office a call and we’ll reschedule your appointment for a better time.
If you know that you’ll be traveling or unavailable during a certain week, please let us know and we’ll be sure to schedule around your availability.

How often are orthodontic appointments?

The timing of your orthodontic appointments will depend on your specific case. Appointments may be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks apart. For patients who have a more severe case or who just began treatment, you may be advised to visit your orthodontist every 4 weeks.

Patients who have minor cases, or those who are well underway in their treatment process, may be advised to visit their orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks.

The frequency of your orthodontic visits is likely to change as you make progress. Throughout the summer, you can expect anywhere from 1 to 3 orthodontist visits – depending on your personalized treatment plan!

Your visits will be quick, efficient, and enjoyable with our team! We aim to make your visit to our office the best part of your day.

How often do you get braces tightened?

We offer traditional metal braces, esthetic ceramic braces and gold braces! With your personalized braces treatment plan, you may visit us every 4 to 8 weeks to have your braces “tightened”, or adjusted.

Your orthodontist will advise you on how often to visit us throughout your treatment process!

How often are Invisalign appointments?

The regularity of your Invisalign orthodontist appointments will also depend on your progress and the severity of your case. Invisalign patients generally visit us every 6 to 12 weeks or so.
You’ll receive a few sets of custom-made clear aligners each time you visit us, and you’ll switch each set out for one of your new ones every 2 weeks.

Two Tips to Speed Up Your Results this Summer

Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, there are ways to help your treatment progress along! 

1. Wear your clear aligners at least 20 to 22 hours, every day.

Wearing your Invisalign aligners for no less than 20 hours a day is essential for achieving the shortest treatment length. Your clear aligners can’t do their job if they’re not in place – so if they collect dust in your Invisalign case, you’re probably looking at a longer treatment process.

2. Maintain good oral hygiene. 

Oral hygiene isn’t just about preventing bad breath and yellow teeth. It’s also about maintaining strong teeth and gums to support your new smile. An article published by the National Library of Medicine states that maintaining great oral health is critical for patients in orthodontic treatment. Negligent oral health can lead to plaque buildup over braces and/or orthodontic appliances, leading to inflammation in the gums and compromised gum health over time.

Oral health problems, like gum disease, will require immediate attention and will likely prolong your orthodontic treatment. Keep your braces clean, and consider carrying a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain cleanliness throughout the day.

Healthy gums and teeth create healthy, beautiful smiles – in short periods of time!

Still have questions about your upcoming orthodontist appointments this summer?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, West Boca Raton, East Boca Raton, Margate, Pembroke Pines, North Ft. Lauderdale, or Downtown Ft Lauderdale, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.