Your first visit to your orthodontist’s office is an exciting time! This is your chance to get acquainted, and for you to learn all about the treatments and services they offer. When you walk in, you may find that it looks similar to your regular dentist’s office, but it is a little different, and it all begins with your initial consultation. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your first orthodontic appointment could look like.
Making a plan
Your initial orthodontic evaluation will generally last about an hour. First, your orthodontist may get some information from you before bringing you through the office. Then it’s time for some diagnostic work and the actual exam or anything else that may be needed.
One of the most important parts of this evaluation is determining what treatment may be necessary to correct any problems they find, and when the best time to begin would be. Commonly you’ll get photographing your teeth in their present state, followed by a series of x-rays. These will enable us to see what’s going on beneath the surface of the gums, like the position and growth of the bones and joints, as well as the teeth that are still below the gum line.
At this point, it’s time for the actual exam! We’ll look at your records and images, and your doctor will perform a careful examination. During this time, we may also ask questions, such as if your jaws make any noise when the mouth is opening or closing, or if you’ve been having any problems chewing or swallowing. Taken together with any x-rays and molds, this information allows us to make a proper diagnosis and finalize your treatment plan.
Talking treatment options
Following the exam, if there are issues we find that need correcting, we will recommend treatment. Depending on the developmental stage of your teeth and jaws, we may advise you to begin treatment right away or to wait until a later time. Some patients will benefit from periodic check-ups until we can determine the best time to start treatment.
Whether you plan to begin treatment now or later, this is the best time for you to ask questions about the process. Your orthodontist will be able to discuss the available treatment choices, answer any general questions about what to expect at different stages of the treatment process, and discuss a variety of topics, such as
How will orthodontic treatment benefit me?
What treatment options are available to correct my problem?
Should I get treatment now, or would it be better to wait?
How much will treatment cost? Are any payment plans available?
How long will treatment be expected to take?
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Source: https://aosmiles.com/your-first-orthodontic-appointment/