Alignment and finishing
One plan, two lanes
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into a better bite, then holds them there. These are the steps in order, with who does each part. Treatment usually takes somewhere between 12 and 30 months. Dr. Bhargava gives you your own range after the first visit.
| Step | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontist | Clyde Burton, lab |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistTalks with you, examines your teeth and bite, and orders only the X-rays she needs | Clyde Burton, labNot part of this visit |
| Scan | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistReviews the digital scan and the photos with you | Clyde Burton, labChecks the scan is complete and prints a model of your teeth |
| The plan | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistWrites the plan: which teeth move, in what order, and with which appliance | Clyde Burton, labReads the plan so the parts are built to it |
| Appliance made | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistApproves each part before it leaves the lab | Clyde Burton, labMakes your aligners, or the trays that place your brackets |
| Fitting | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistFits the appliance and shows you how to wear and clean it | Clyde Burton, labAdjusts any part that doesn't seat and reprints it |
| Check-ins | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistChecks movement every few weeks and changes the plan if teeth aren't following it | Clyde Burton, labMakes new parts when the plan changes |
| Finishing | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistDecides when the bite is ready and which small moves remain | Clyde Burton, labShapes the last parts for those moves |
| Retainers | Dr. Bhargava, orthodontistChooses the type and your wearing schedule | Clyde Burton, labMakes your retainers and checks how they fit |
Why two lanes
The plan stays with the orthodontist. The parts come from the person who makes them.
Dr. Bhargava decides what moves, when, and when treatment is finished. Clyde Burton turns that plan into aligners, trays and retainers, and he's in the building when something needs a second try.
If a step is running late, you'll know whose lane it's in and who to ask.
The plan is in writing and you get a copy
Each part is approved before it reaches you
Finishing is a decision, made when the bite is ready
Before you decide
Comfort
Soreness for a few days after a fitting or a new aligner is common. Most visits need no numbing. Tell us when you want a break.
If you wait
Teeth keep shifting through life, and a crowded or misaligned bite can be harder to clean. Waiting is a choice you can make, and you can ask for a plan to keep.
Risks and after-care
Plaque left around an appliance can mark teeth. Roots can shorten a little in some patients. Teeth drift back if retainers aren't worn. Dr. Bhargava goes over these before you decide.
Who provides this care
Treatment is planned and checked by Dr. Jyoti Bhargava, an orthodontist. Clyde Burton makes the parts in our lab.
License
Dentist license (DMD or DDS)
AL License no. 000000 · Alabama Board of Dental Examiners
This license allows Dr. Bhargava to practice dentistry in Alabama. The owner enters the real number.
Specialty training
Residency in orthodontics
The owner names the program and year.
American Board of Orthodontics
The owner confirms board status here, or removes this line.
Questions about the steps
Can I meet Clyde?
Yes. He's in the building on treatment days, and he'll show you how your parts are made if you ask.
Does every case use both lanes?
Yes. Even braces need the lab for the trays that place them and for retainers at the end.
Who decides when I'm finished?
Dr. Bhargava does, at a finishing visit. She checks how your teeth meet, tells you what is left, and fits your retainers.
What if my plan changes partway?
It happens. She changes the plan, Clyde makes new parts, and she tells you what it means for your timeline and whether the estimate changes.
See the plan on your own teeth
A consultation covers the exam, the scan and a written plan that names who does each part.