You’ve finished your orthodontic consultation, smiled for the scans, and talked through your goals: so what happens once you leave the chair? For many families around Omaha, that question marks the start of the most exciting part of treatment at Chartrand Orthodontics. Dr. Chartrand, a board-certified orthodontist, takes what he’s learned during that first visit and begins shaping a personalized plan designed around your needs and lifestyle. Next, let’s look at how those scans and photos are transformed into a clear path forward.
Turning Scans and Photos Into a Plan
The consultation may be over, but that’s when the behind-the-scenes work begins. Each image and scan captured in the Chartrand Orthodontics office becomes part of a digital blueprint that shows Dr. Chartrand exactly how to move forward. With the help of iTero® digital scanning and i-CAT™ Cone Beam 3D Imaging, he studies the fine details that shape your bite, airway, and facial balance. From there, he uses your scans and records to determine which treatment options best fit your orthodontic needs. He’ll walk you through how each one could work for your case, from the timeline to the day-to-day routine.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the treatment options Dr. Chartrand may recommend and how each one fits into different lifestyles.
Choosing Your Treatment
Once your consultation results are ready, it’s time to explore the treatment paths Dr. Chartrand recommends and see which one feels like the right fit. Each choice has its own advantages, and this is where your lifestyle and preferences start to shape the path ahead. Chartrand Orthodontics offers three main options: metal braces, clear (ceramic) braces, and Invisalign®.
Here’s how each one compares:
Metal Braces
- Strong and reliable for more complex movement.
- Color bands add a personal touch and a bit of fun, especially for younger patients.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
- Blend in for a more subtle appearance.
- Fixed in place, so there’s no risk of losing them or forgetting to wear them.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Removable trays that make eating and brushing simple.
- Nearly invisible, making them a favorite for professionals and teens.
- Require consistency. Aligners must be worn most of the day to stay effective.
Dr. Chartrand lays out each option in plain terms, helping Omaha families see exactly what the road ahead will look like.
Next, let’s take a closer look at what happens during your first treatment appointment once your choice is made.
Your First Treatment Appointment
The first treatment day is when everything starts to feel real. What began as scans and planning now turns into something you can actually see and feel, and is the true start of your orthodontic story. The Chartrand Orthodontics team makes the appointment upbeat and comfortable, walking you through every step so you know exactly what’s happening.
- If you’re getting braces: Each bracket is carefully placed and connected with a thin wire that begins the process of gentle movement. You’ll learn how to brush around the brackets, which snacks to skip for now, and how to keep things feeling smooth in those first few days.
- If you’re starting Invisalign: You’ll get your first set of trays, practice putting them in and taking them out, and hear tips for keeping them clean and effective. Dr. Chartrand will show you how your aligners fit into daily life and what to expect as your teeth begin to shift.
By the time you leave, you’ll know exactly what’s next and when to return for your first check-in. Next, let’s explore what your early progress visits involve and how they keep your treatment moving in the right direction.
Adjustments and Check-Ins
After you’ve started treatment, regular check-ins are quick, informative, and give Dr. Chartrand a chance to make sure your treatment is going exactly as planned. They also give you a moment to see how far you’ve come and what’s next on the schedule.
Braces Adjustments
For patients with braces, appointments typically involve small adjustments that keep your treatment on pace.
- Wires may be changed or tightened to encourage new movement.
- Dr. Chartrand checks for any loose brackets and ensures everything feels comfortable.
- You’ll also get tips for brushing and cleaning around brackets to maintain healthy teeth throughout treatment.
Invisalign Check-Ins
For Invisalign patients, regular visits are just as important as they keep everything aligned with your digital plan.
- You’ll switch to your next set of trays under Dr. Chartrand’s supervision.
- Each visit is an opportunity to review your fit and confirm that your wear time is on target.
- Any refinements or small adjustments to your plan are also made here.
These visits keep progress steady and treatment predictable from start to finish. Coming up, let’s see what happens after your braces or aligners come off and how to keep your results looking their best.
Retainers and Long-Term Care
When treatment finishes, retainers take over as the quiet heroes of orthodontic care. After braces or Invisalign, Chartrand Orthodontics provides custom retainers designed to hold your teeth in their new positions and keep everything steady. Even though this stage feels simple, it’s what locks in the results you worked hard for.
Dr. Chartrand explains when to wear your retainer, how to clean it, and what to expect as your bite settles. Consistency matters most, so skipping nights or losing a retainer can allow teeth to drift, undoing months of progress. That’s why the team checks your fit during follow-up visits and provides tips to keep your retainer lasting longer.
With consistent care, your results stay steady for years to come and serve as a lasting reminder of the time and effort behind them.
Set Your Smile in Motion
Every confident smile in Omaha starts with a single step: deciding it’s time to begin. Dr. Chartrand and the Chartrand Orthodontics team mix advanced orthodontic care with a neighborly approach that makes patients feel right at home. Braces, clear aligners, or somewhere in between, every treatment reflects careful planning and genuine connection. Book your free consultation today and see how personalized care can help your smile grow in all the right ways!