The first step in starting treatment with us is an in-depth initial consultation. In this appointment we’ll examine and assess your teeth, jaw and bite alignment, discuss your goals for treatment and we might recommend particular treatment options or outline the likely duration of treatment.

You’ll also have opportunity to ask any questions, and we recommend you do this – it’s extremely important to us all at Treehouse Orthodontics that you understand and are totally comfortable with the care you receive and the results you can expect.

Once we’ve had that initial consultation, we’ll start your patient file. This will involve taking detailed photos and X-rays, and sometimes performing an iTero scan, to capture every detail of your teeth and jaw before starting treatment.

We take both panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to give us a complete picture of your mouth, jaw alignment and facial structure – that way we can refer back to a baseline to track how your smile improves over time. Then one of our orthodontists will take those scans and create a unique treatment plan tailored to getting you the best results possible.

The next stage in your treatment is receiving your appliance or orthodontic bonding. At Treehouse Orthodontic we use different kinds of appliances depending on the patient’s need. We use Rapid Palatal Expanders to gently widen your upper jaw, including Invisalign’s Palatal Expander System, and Lower Lingual Holding Arches to prevent crowding of your lower jaw or Trans Palatal Arches to prevent your upper teeth from shifting. <link to the relevant parts on the “Types of Treatment” page where appropriate>
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If your treatment plan calls for braces rather than appliances and retainers, we’ll walk you through the Orthodontic Bonding process. Our team will first carefully clean and dry your teeth to ensure proper bonding of the braces to your teeth, then apply the special bonding agent (which holds the brace’s brackets securely).

Once that adhesive is fully applied, your orthodontist will carefully position the brackets, ensuring they allow you optimal movement, and use a curing light to set the adhesive. Then a flexible arch wire will be threaded through the brackets and secured in place with elastic ties. You orthodontist will ensure you’re aware of what’s happening every step of the way and will walk you through aftercare tips and what to expect moving forwards.

Next, you’ll be invited back at regular intervals so we can make sure your orthodontic devices are working effectively and as expected. During these check-ins, your orthodontist will examine your appliances, take measurements and analyze how your treatment is progressing, highlighting any changes in tooth alignment or jaw position.

They’ll make any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment moving in the right direction and answer any questions or address any concerns you may have had since your last visit. Our aim is that you’ll leave every appointment knowing that your appliances are working as expected, and feeling genuinely cared for and excited for the changes in your smile!

If your treatment plan uses Invisalign treatment, you will be given a new set of aligners every 1 – 2 weeks. The Invisalign process begins with a consultation and creation of a personalized treatment plan as above. In some cases, InterProximal Reduction (IPR) is necessary to allow for more effective movement between teeth – this targeted intervention involves gently reducing small amounts of enamel between specific teeth. Then small, tooth-colored attachments are placed on particular teeth to help the aligners grip and move the teeth into optimal position over time.
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Then, digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken, and a series of custom aligners are produced to gently and gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner should be worn for 20 – 22 hours every day, with a new aligner being swapped-in every couple of weeks, depending on your treatment plan.
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As above, you’ll be invited back for regular check-ins to ensure everything is moving in the right direction and to give you opportunity to discuss any concerns. At the end of the first full series of aligners, you have the option to continue with treatment if you aren’t fully happy with the results, in which case additional scans will be taken to create new aligners.
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Once you’re happy with the position of your teeth, the final set of aligners serve to stabilize your teeth, ensuring they remain where they should.

Sometimes your appliance may malfunction, or you might lose an aligner during your treatment. When that happens, it’s important to reach out for an emergency appointment so that we can keep your treatment on track. If any of the below happen, you know it’s time to schedule an emergency appointment asap.

• Loose or Broken Brackets: If a bracket on your braces becomes loose or breaks, it can slow your treatment.  In this case, try to reattach the bracket if possible, and contact us for an appointment to repair it.

• Poking Wires: Sometimes, the wire connecting the brackets may become loose and poke the inside of your mouth, causing discomfort.  You can try to gently push the wire back into place using a pencil eraser or a cotton swab, but if the pain persists, you should contact us for assistance.

• Lost Aligners: Losing an aligner can set back your treatment timeline. If this happens, try to find the missing aligner or wear the previous set until you can get a replacement from our office.

• Discomfort or Pain: It’s common to experience some discomfort after getting braces or changing aligners.  Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate this, but if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days, consult your orthodontist.

• Injuries to the Mouth: Accidents can happen, leading to injuries in the mouth that might involve braces. If you sustain a significant injury or cut, contact our office to be examined.

• Debonded Appliances: If an appliance like a palatal expander comes loose or falls off, contact us immediately for a repair appointment to avoid disruption in your treatment.

Once you’re at the end of your treatment, it’s time to remove your appliance. This is an essential final step in the process that allows you to maintain your smile long-term. In this appointment your orthodontist will carefully assess your progress and ensure your teeth have moved into the expected position.
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When both you and your orthodontist are happy with the results, they will begin the debonding / debanding process. This involves using a special instrument to gently break the adhesive bond on your teeth, working methodically and avoiding any damage to your enamel. Then your orthodontist will use a polishing tool to clean off any remaining residue, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and fresh.

In the case of RPEs, the orthodontist will locate the screws and bands holding it in place and gently loosen them, then use a scaler or similar instrument to carefully lift the band off the molars, avoiding any damage to your teeth and gums. Then your orthodontist will gently detach the RPE from the roof of your mouth, which may require a gentle downwards pull. Once removed, we’ll clean the area where the appliance was attached using a polishing tool to remove any residue on your teeth.
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Then you’ll be given some pointers on how to keep your teeth in position long term, as well as recommended oral hygiene techniques to ensure your long term oral health.