An orthodontic consultation is an exciting step for those eager to perfect their smile. Even if you’re not thrilled about the idea of braces, you’ll soon see how crucial this first meeting is. It provides valuable information, helping you understand the treatment options, and eases any concerns about what’s to come—whether it’s braces, Invisalign, or other treatments.
This is an information-gathering appointment.
Your orthodontist conducts a thorough evaluation of your dental and facial structure using various diagnostic tools for analysis. Accurate diagnosis can only happen when the orthodontist has all the information about a patient’s oral health and what’s happening under the gumline as well as above.
The orthodontic examination is painless.
Just as your regular dentist reviews your oral health at every teeth cleaning, at your initial consultation the orthodontist conducts a comprehensive exam of your bite, teeth, jaws, and gums. Underbite, overbite, crowding, and other alignment issues and malocclusions are diagnosed. The relationship between upper to lower jaw as well as facial symmetry are also evaluated.
Expect to pose for plenty of photos.
Digital images complete the picture of what’s happening in a patient’s mouth by showing everything above and under the gumline. X-rays, both regular and panoramic, are an especially essential step for kids and teens who still have developing teeth and may need braces. They deliver detailed images of teeth, roots, and jawbone, revealing any problems that would otherwise be hidden, like missing teeth or problematic wisdom teeth.
Photos too are valuable sources of information that show how a person’s smile looks at the start of treatment. The photos make it easy to evaluate progress during treatment, and before-and-after photos of orthodontic patients are a great reminder of how much your smile has changed.
Be open during your conversation.
Your orthodontist will provide the bulk of the information during the initial consultation and assessment, but the details you have to offer are critical too. Ask every question you have, request clarity or more detailed explanations, and see if they can give you examples of treatment hardware (including those colorful rubber bands) so you know what to expect.
Be prepared to make some decisions.
The initial consultation and assessment will end with a review of the treatment recommendations. Some people are good candidates for both braces and Invisalign®. Others need early orthodontic treatment before they can get full braces. These suggestions will have varying costs, treatment times, and payment options, but your orthodontist and her team will review it so you have all the information you need to decide what’s best for yourself or your child depending on individual goals.
It’s normal to feel daunted.
Everyone is different and so are your alignment challenges, but whether you need a little or a lot of orthodontic work, it’s normal to feel daunted about the experience. Your initial consultation and assessment will set realistic expectations about what’s ahead so you can make sense of the experience and adjust quickly.
Contact Dr. Mariana Orthodontics in Monroe, WA, to schedule an orthodontic consultation for yourself or your child. Learn all about the ins and outs of your teeth and where they can go and how your smile can be stronger, healthier, straighter, and more attractive.
