An orthodontic treatment isn't one big appointment — it's many small ones, drawn out over a year or two. Here's what those months actually look like, drawn out so there are no surprises.
Day 0
A 30-minute conversation, a gentle exam, digital scans, and a clear recommendation. We tell you honestly whether treatment is right for you, what options exist, and what each one would cost.
Week 1
We send you a written plan with timelines, options, and the exact total — including EMI breakdowns. No back-and-forth pressure. You decide on your timeline.
Month 1
For braces: we bond the brackets in a gentle, painless appointment. For aligners: we fit your first set of trays and walk you through wear, care, and the rhythm of swapping them.
Month 2
Twenty minutes. We assess movement, change wires or check tray progress, and answer everything that came up since last time.
Month 3
The teeth that were the most out of place are usually the first to shift. You'll see it in the mirror, even if no one else does yet.
Month 6
Many patients tell us they stop covering their mouth in photos around now. Treatment is rarely halfway done at month six — but the difference is already noticeable.
Month 9
We start fine-tuning. This is the part where orthodontics becomes craft — small adjustments, watching how the bite settles, making sure the finish is precise.
Month 12
Simpler cases finish around here. Complex cases continue for another six to ten months. Either way, you'll know exactly how much longer at each visit.
Removal Day
We remove the brackets, polish the teeth, and scan for your retainer. You'll see your finished smile for the first time. Most patients can't stop looking in the mirror that afternoon.
Year 1+
We see you four times in the first year after treatment ends. Teeth, like all living things, have a memory — the retainer keeps your finished smile finished.
Between visits
Got a bracket that came loose at 9pm? Send us a photo. We'll triage and tell you whether to come in tomorrow or wait until your next appointment.
Wax for sore spots, a brushing guide, an emergency contact card, and a stash of aligner cases (for aligner patients) so you never lose them at a restaurant.
Same coordinator every visit. We try to keep your appointment within the same hour each month so it stays predictable around school or work.
The free consultation is where the journey begins. No commitment, no rush.