Jan 20, 2026

Your 2026 Orthodontic Checkup Checklist: What To Expect And How To Prepare

A new year is a great time to reset your routines and set your smile up for success. Whether you are just starting braces or aligners, or you are months away from finishing, a clear checkup plan will keep treatment smooth and stress free. Use this 2026 checklist to know how often to visit, what happens at each review, where remote monitoring fits in, and how to protect gum health so your results look as good as they feel.

How often should you get a dental checkup?

Keep seeing your general dentist every six months for a routine exam and professional clean. This applies even while you are in braces or aligners. Your dentist checks for cavities, gum disease and enamel wear, and they can polish away plaque in spots that are hard to reach around brackets or attachments. If you have a history of gum issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleans, such as every three to four months. That is normal and helpful during orthodontic treatment.

For orthodontic reviews, your visit rhythm depends on your appliance and whether you are using remote monitoring. As a guide:

• Braces: reviews are usually every six to ten weeks. With LightForce™ custom braces and remote monitoring, some visits can be spaced out because many fine adjustments are planned digitally.
• Clear aligners: in person visits are typically every eight to twelve weeks. Your Specialist Orthodontist may see you less often in the clinic when Dental Monitoring is in place, since weekly scans keep progress on track in between.

If you are unsure, ask your Treatment Coordinator for your personalised schedule. We plan your visits around your lifestyle and clinical needs, then adjust as treatment progresses.

What happens at an orthodontic review?

Expect a friendly, structured check that focuses on comfort, movement and hygiene:

• Progress check: we review tooth movement against your digital plan and confirm that elastics, attachments or wires are doing their job.
• Oral hygiene review: we look for early signs of puffy gums, plaque or decalcification, and give tailored cleaning tips to protect your enamel.
• Comfort fixes: we smooth hooks, trim wires, swap elastics and add wax if needed. If you use aligners, we check fit, replace lost attachments and confirm wear time.
• Plan updates: small tweaks can speed up your progress. We will update your elastic pattern, advance you to the next aligners or schedule a targeted adjustment if needed.

Bring your aligner case, elastics, chewies and your questions. If you keep a list on your phone, even better.

Is professional monitoring worth it?

Yes. Professional monitoring, both in clinic and through the Dental Monitoring app, is one of the biggest predictors of smooth, on time treatment. Here is why it matters:

• Early problem solving: weekly scan reviews mean we spot issues like aligners not fully seating, a broken bracket or hygiene concerns before they become setbacks.
• Fewer unnecessary visits: routine checks can happen remotely, which saves travel and time off school or work while keeping your Specialist Orthodontist closely involved.
• Consistency: regular feedback helps you build strong habits, such as wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and changing trays only when approved.
• Results: supervised treatment tends to finish closer to the planned timeline, with fewer refinements.

At Evolve Orthodontics, eligible patients use Dental Monitoring at no additional charge. You send simple smartphone scans; our team reviews and messages you with green lights, tips or requests to book a focused appointment only when it is truly needed.

Is gum scaling worth it during orthodontic treatment?

If your dentist recommends a professional scale and clean, it is worth it. Braces and attachments create more plaque traps, and aligners can hold bacteria against teeth if you reinsert them without brushing. Regular scaling:

• Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
• Lowers your risk of white spot lesions and decay
• Keeps breath fresher and your mouth more comfortable
• Supports stable, healthy results when treatment ends

Think of it as protecting the foundation so your new smile looks its best.

Your 2026 pre-appointment checklist

A little prep makes each review more efficient and comfortable:

• Brush and floss before you arrive: Use interdental brushes around brackets and under wires.
• Note any concerns: Examples include sore spots, rubbing hooks, loose brackets or trays that feel loose or tight.
• Pack the essentials: Bring elastics, aligner case, chewies and your previous aligner set as backup.
• Log your routines: A quick note on wear time, elastic use and any missed days helps us fine tune guidance.
• Update your app: If you use Dental Monitoring, submit your latest scan on time and check for messages.

Keeping braces or aligners on track between visits

Daily habits make the biggest difference:

• Aligners: wear 20 to 22 hours a day, change trays only when approved, and avoid hot drinks with aligners in. Rinse or brush before reinserting after meals.
• Braces: avoid hard or sticky foods that can snap brackets. Cut crunchy foods into bite size pieces. Use wax to cushion any irritation and contact us if something breaks.
• Elastics: follow your pattern exactly, and replace elastics each day so they stay firm.
• Sports: wear a mouthguard for contact sports. Remove aligners for play and store them in the case.
• Travel: pack a small kit with toothbrush, floss, wax, elastics and spare aligners. Keep weekly scans going through the app while you are away.

How remote monitoring fits into busy regional life

If you live or work across the Albury Wodonga region, Yarrawonga or Wangaratta, fewer routine clinic trips can be a game changer. Weekly app check-ins keep your Specialist Orthodontist close, even when you are on placement, harvest, school camp or a FIFO roster. When an in person visit is needed, we book it with purpose so your time in the chair is efficient and meaningful.

Quick answers to common questions

• How often should you get a dental checkup? See your general dentist every six months for exams and cleans. During orthodontic treatment, some people benefit from more frequent cleans to control inflammation.
• Is professional monitoring worth it? Absolutely. Specialist oversight, supported by weekly app scans, improves comfort, speeds up troubleshooting and helps you finish on time.
• Is gum scaling worth it? Yes. Scaling reduces plaque and inflammation, protects enamel and keeps your smile healthy during treatment.

The bottom line for 2026

Great orthodontic care is a partnership. Your daily habits, combined with specialist planning, regular dental cleans and smart remote monitoring, will keep your smile moving in the right direction. If you are ready to start the year strong, book your free consultation and we will map out a personalised plan that fits your goals and your schedule. It is your smile, your way.