What to Expect at Your Orthodontic Consultation

If you are interested in orthodontic work, either for you or for your child, your first step should be to set up a consultation with an orthodontist.

These appointments are extremely important in outlining an effective treatment plan, and they can also give you the opportunity to ask questions and to determine if an orthodontist is the right fit for your family. Once your consultation has been scheduled, there are several things that you can look forward to at the appointment.

A Review of Your Medical and Dental History

The first thing that your orthodontist will want to discuss is your oral and medical history. He will likely perform an examination in order to get a better understanding of the problems associated with your teeth. A review of your overall health will also be needed to make sure that you are healthy enough to pursue orthodontic treatment.

X-Rays

Your orthodontist may also need to take X-rays of your teeth to get a better understanding of the problems that need to be treated. These X-rays will also be helpful in the eventual development of your orthodontic appliance and to determine desirable positions for your teeth.

Discussing Treatment Options

If it has been determined that you are, in fact, in need of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will discuss what he believes the best course of action to be. This will include the steps needed to complete your treatment, the amount of time required to straighten your teeth and bite, and how often you will need to come in for appointments or adjustments.

Question and Answer Session

If you have questions about the orthodontic treatment, please contact our office to learn more. While you can certainly ask questions at any point in the treatment process, this is a good time to get to know your orthodontist and what to expect during treatment. You should leave the consultation feeling more comfortable about the agreed upon course of action.