When you start orthodontic treatment—whether with braces or Invisalign—you might imagine the biggest part of the process is just getting the appliances on your teeth. But in reality, the checkups you attend throughout your treatment are just as important, if not more so. These regular visits are where the real magic happens, guiding your smile transformation and ensuring everything stays on track.

At Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, LA, we know many patients (and parents!) are curious about what goes on behind the scenes during these visits. Let’s take a closer look at what really happens during your orthodontic checkups—and why they matter so much.

1. Monitoring Tooth Movement

One of the main goals of each checkup is to evaluate how your teeth are moving. Orthodontic treatment is a carefully timed process, and small adjustments over time lead to big results. At each visit, your orthodontist will assess whether your teeth are shifting according to plan. This involves:

• Comparing current tooth positions to previous records

• Checking progress against your customized treatment plan

• Making sure teeth are aligning properly and that bite correction is on track

If a tooth isn’t moving as expected, your orthodontist may tweak your treatment strategy to make sure everything stays on schedule.

2. Making Necessary Adjustments

This is the part of the visit that most patients are familiar with. For braces, it could mean tightening wires, changing elastics, or replacing bands. These adjustments might cause minor discomfort for a day or two, but they’re essential for progress.

For Invisalign patients, this might involve receiving your next set of aligners or using attachments and elastics to encourage specific tooth movements. Your orthodontist will check that your aligners are fitting snugly and making the right impact.

Each adjustment may seem small on its own, but together they’re what make your orthodontic transformation possible.

3. Ensuring Oral Health

Straight teeth are important, but not at the expense of your dental health. That’s why your orthodontic checkups also include an evaluation of your gums and oral hygiene.

Plaque can build up more easily around braces, so your orthodontist or assistant will check for signs of gum inflammation, tooth decay, or enamel demineralization. If any issues are spotted, you’ll get guidance on improving your brushing and flossing techniques—and possibly a referral to your general dentist for further care.

Staying on top of your oral hygiene not only keeps your smile healthy, but it also ensures your treatment stays on track.

4. Checking Appliances and Attachments

Whether you’re wearing traditional metal braces, ceramic brackets, or clear aligners, your orthodontist needs to make sure everything is intact and functioning properly. Here’s what they’ll look for:

• Loose brackets or wires that could delay treatment or cause discomfort

• Broken or missing rubber bands or chains

• Aligner fit issues, cracks, or warping

• Attachment wear or detachment for Invisalign

If something’s not working right, it will be repaired or replaced to ensure uninterrupted progress.

5. Tracking Your Bite and Jaw Alignment

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about function. Your bite (how your upper and lower teeth come together) plays a huge role in chewing, speech, and long-term dental health.

During your checkups, your orthodontist will evaluate how your bite is changing over time. This might involve asking you to bite down, examining jaw movement, and making note of any changes in alignment. If bite correction is part of your treatment, these evaluations are key for planning future adjustments.

6. Answering Your Questions

Every appointment is a chance to ask questions and share any concerns you might have. Are your teeth feeling more sore than usual? Is a wire poking your cheek? Are you unsure how long you should wear your elastics?

Checkups are not just for the orthodontist—they’re also for you. The team at Balhoff Orthodontics wants to make sure you’re informed and comfortable throughout your treatment journey. So speak up! We’re here to support you every step of the way.

7. Updating Your Treatment Plan

Orthodontic treatment isn’t rigid—it’s a dynamic process that adapts to how your teeth respond. During your visits, your orthodontist might make slight adjustments to your timeline, appliance setup, or daily instructions (like elastic wear).

By fine-tuning your plan at each visit, your orthodontist ensures you get the best results in the shortest possible time.

8. Setting the Stage for the Next Phase

As you near the end of your treatment, your checkups may begin to focus on final refinements. Your orthodontist will start preparing for the transition to retainers and post-treatment maintenance.

This is where all your dedication pays off. Every visit has been leading to that final day—when you get to see your brand-new smile in the mirror.

Ready for Your Best Smile Yet? Schedule Your Checkup at Balhoff Orthodontics!

Now that you know what goes on behind the brackets, you can see just how important regular orthodontic checkups are to the success of your treatment. These visits keep everything moving forward—safely, effectively, and on time.

At Balhoff Orthodontics, we believe in giving every patient a personalized, positive experience at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re just getting started or nearing the finish line, our caring team is here to guide you with precision and support.

If you’re looking for a trusted Lafayette orthodontist, look no further. Contact Balhoff Orthodontics today to schedule your next appointment and take the next step toward a smile you’ll love for life.