The moment your orthodontic consultation wraps up, the questions start swirling: what happens next, and when does the real magic begin? You’ve just met with Dr. Ken or Dr. JK at Dillehay Orthodontics, and your mind is already jumping ahead to the next steps. That first appointment sets the tone for care that fits your goals, your schedule, and your comfort. Now that the introductions are done, let’s head behind the scenes to see what happens once your consultation is complete.
Planning and Analysis Behind the Scenes
Once your consultation wraps up, the team at Dillehay Orthodontics gets to work turning your scans and photos into a game plan. Board-certified orthodontists Dr. Ken and Dr. JK review every detail, from how your bite fits together to the best way to guide each tooth into place. Think of it as a custom blueprint that balances precision, timing, and lifestyle.
This part of the process happens quietly but sets everything else in motion. Before long, you’ll be back in the chair to see your personalized plan take shape and find out which treatment options fit you best.
Next, let’s look at how your customized treatment plan comes together and what choices you’ll explore during that appointment.
Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan
When you return to Dillehay Orthodontics, this is where things start to take shape. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK walk you through a plan designed around your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Every detail comes from their careful review, and there’s no generic templates, just customized care built from experience and precision.
During this visit, you’ll learn about the treatment options available, including:
- Metal Braces – A tried-and-true choice known for durability and control.
- Clear Braces – Ceramic brackets that blend naturally with your teeth.
- Lingual Braces – MTM No-Trace System lingual braces are placed behind the teeth for a lower-profile look.
- Clear Aligners – Removable trays such as Solventum™ and Simply Clear for flexibility and discretion.
You’ll also talk through estimated timelines, costs, and what daily life might look like with each option. Once you’ve chosen the treatment that fits you best, it’s time to take the next exciting step: starting your first day of active orthodontic care.
Getting Started: Your First Treatment Appointment
Once your plan is in place, the next step is where things officially begin. This appointment sets everything in motion, and the team at Dillehay Orthodontics makes sure the process feels simple from start to finish.
For many patients, treatment can even start the same day as their consultation. Depending on what you’ve chosen, your visit might include:
- Braces Placement: Brackets are carefully attached, and flexible shape-memory wires are added to begin gentle tooth movement.
- Clear Aligner Delivery: You’ll receive your first set of trays, plus a few extras to switch out at home, along with tips on wear and care.
- Photos and Scans: Digital imaging captures a baseline for progress tracking.
Every step is explained clearly so you know what to expect moving forward. Once you leave, you’ll have everything you need to start treatment with confidence. Next, let’s walk through how your smile evolves with each adjustment and follow-up visit.
Adjustments, Check-Ins, and Progress Tracking
Once treatment begins, every visit to Dillehay Orthodontics becomes part of the flow that keeps things moving forward. These appointments are quick, friendly, and a chance for Dr. Ken and Dr. JK to fine-tune progress so everything stays on course.
Braces Appointments
For braces patients, visits usually happen every six to eight weeks. Wires might be switched, elastics adjusted, or brackets polished up so they keep doing their job. Kids often look forward to picking out fresh color bands, while adults appreciate how organized and efficient the process feels.
Aligner Appointments
Aligner check-ins are a breeze. Instead of wire adjustments, you’ll swap in new trays and review your progress with Dr. Ken or Dr. JK. Digital scans make it easy to track changes and see how each set of trays builds on the last. These visits move quickly, giving you time to ask questions and head out feeling confident about your progress.
Every appointment adds momentum and keeps your treatment on track. Next, let’s look at the part that happens outside the office and the daily habits that make all the difference between visits.
Keeping Treatment on Track at Home
The time between visits plays a big role in how smoothly treatment moves along. While Dr. Ken and Dr. JK take care of the in-office adjustments, your at-home habits help keep that progress steady. The good news? Most routines fit easily into daily life once you’ve had a little practice.
A few simple habits make all the difference:
- Stay consistent with brushing and flossing. Clean teeth help wires and aligners do their job efficiently.
- Follow wear schedules closely. Braces require elastic use as instructed, and aligners should stay in for about 22 hours each day.
- Keep up with comfort care. Orthodontic wax, saltwater rinses, and soft foods can help if something feels out of place.
- Reach out when needed. If a wire pops loose or a tray goes missing, the team at Dillehay Orthodontics is just a call away.
Following these steps keeps everything on pace so your smile stays right on schedule. Next, let’s look ahead to what happens when active treatment ends and it’s time to protect those results for the long run.
The Big Finish
When your braces come off or your last set of aligners is complete, it’s time for the best part: seeing the results of all that steady progress. To keep your new smile right where it should be, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK will fit you with custom retainers designed for comfort and consistency.
They’ll also schedule quick follow-up visits to make sure everything stays on track. Wearing retainers as directed helps maintain the progress you’ve worked hard for and keeps your teeth steady for years to come.
Your Smile Story in Motion
Every confident smile starts with a tailored plan, and Dr. Ken and Dr. JK know how to make it work for real life. Their board-certified expertise keeps treatment precise and progress steady across East and West Wichita, Derby, and Pratt. Dillehay Orthodontics keeps the focus on results that last. Book your free consultation today and start the process with a team that knows smiles from every angle!