Initial Consultation and Assessment
Seeing an orthodontist for the first time elicits many feelings – excitement, nervousness, fear, happiness, confusion. Whatever way you approach the initial consultation and assessment, know that you’re in good hands at Dr. Mariana Orthodontics in Monroe, WA.
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation and Assessment
Every patient’s unique oral health needs and goals influence how your orthodontist approaches your case. To thoroughly evaluate a patient’s dental and facial structures, multiple diagnostic tools are used for accurate analysis and diagnosis.
Orthodontic Examination
A comprehensive orthodontic examination allows the orthodontist to review the patient’s bite, teeth, jaws, and oral health. Issues such as overbite, underbite, crowding, and other misalignment are diagnosed.
During the physical assessment and comprehensive examination of a patient’s mouth, teeth alignment, upper and lower jaw relationship, and overall facial symmetry are evaluated.
Digital Images
X-rays, photographs, and digital scans allow the orthodontist to see what’s happening under the gumline, especially in the mouths of children and teens who still have adult teeth erupting. X-rays are crucial when it comes to accurate diagnosis, thanks to their detailed view of teeth, roots, and jawbone. Hidden problems are revealed, from impacted wisdom teeth to abnormal tooth development.
Photos freeze the patient’s facial profile, smile, and how the teeth are situated. These images are often more impactful when evaluating progress and comparing treatment. It’s fun to see how far a patient has come from day one.
Conversation
Your orthodontist will provide you with a great deal of information during the initial consultation and assessment. You will learn about different types of orthodontic treatment, diagnoses, and what it really means to wear braces, Invisalign, or an expander. There will be many terms used and conditions described, so do not hesitate to engage and request more information.
This consultation is the time to ask all your questions and get answers, whether you want to know about selecting rubber band color (the patient gets to choose every time!) or if Invisalign really is invisible (it’s definitely clear and hard to see!). Orthodontics are never a one-time appointment – when you sign on for orthodontic care, it’s a journey for you and your orthodontic team.
Treatment Options
Once the orthodontist has assessed the patient’s mouth and digital images, treatment recommendations are made. These will vary in cost, appearance, length of treatment time, and preferred payment options.
Orthodontic goals vary from person to person. Some people simply want straight, healthy teeth. Others hope braces will correct a teeth-grinding problem. Still more want an aligned smile that’s easy to take care of and is less likely to develop tooth decay or other infections.
Time
There is no need to rush into any orthodontic treatment. You will have time to review all potential treatment options yourself or with your family to determine what suits your budget, lifestyle, comfort level, and oral health concerns. When you’re ready, your orthodontist is ready.
Second Opinion
If your consultation and assessment at our office is for a second opinion, the appointment will proceed as though it were an initial consultation, with time set aside to address your concerns from any other orthodontic conversations. Braces, orthognathic surgery, expanders, and more are all daunting adventures in oral health care – we respect that you have questions. We are honored to take the time to answer them as you choose what’s best for your or your child’s orthodontic health.
Visit Dr. Mariana Orthodontics for an Initial Consultation and Assessment
At Dr. Mariana Orthodontics, we want you to feel comfortable with your chosen provider and orthodontic choices. Don’t hesitate to bring up whatever questions you have about our recommended care plan from your initial consultation and assessment. Contact us to schedule your visit.
