What to Expect at First Orthodontic Evaluation
Orthodontic care has helped people of all ages achieve the smile they want. Treatment can also be effective at correcting jaw conditions, bite dysfunctions and crooked teeth. If you or a child has any of these issues, it could be beneficial to make an appointment with an orthodontist. The right time to meet with one of these professionals is sooner than later. If you are getting ready for your initial visit, it is nice to have preparation and knowledge beforehand.
How patients know it is time to see an orthodontist
Oral care should be as critical to a person as any other aspect of one’s overall well-being. Many oral issues could develop during a person’s life. A dentist can handle many of these, including cavities, tooth infections, or broken or cracked teeth. When a person has crooked teeth, a crowded mouth or bite problems, orthodontic care is the right solution to seek. Anyone with an underbite, overbite, crossbite or improperly aligned teeth should make an appointment with an orthodontist.
Testing the bite
At a patient’s first appointment, the orthodontist will measure the person’s bite. This will help the orthodontist detect any issues that will need correction. A staff member will also take digital photographs to assist with the bite-testing process. The orthodontist will carefully evaluate these procedures for any abnormalities and dysfunctions.
Pictures of teeth
Next, the patient will have a panoramic X-ray of the mouth to give the orthodontist a look at the teeth. This picture will reveal whether the patient is missing any teeth or if any permanent teeth still have not come in. This X-ray will also show the strength of the bones and whether they will be able to handle the force braces will put upon them. If the bones are too weak, it may be necessary to choose a different option to help the teeth and bite.
Impressions
The orthodontist will want to have a good look at the teeth placement. An impression will help accomplish this. The patient will bite into a tray filled with a substance called alginate. This will create a mold of the person’s mouth. From this, the orthodontist will also determine which teeth need prompt attention.
Orthodontic action plan
After the orthodontist has all the essential information about the patient’s teeth and jaw, it will be time for a consultation. The orthodontist will speak to the patient and caregivers about an effective treatment plan. This may involve wearing braces, spacers, elastics, a headgear or retainer. The timeline will also be clear to the patient at this evaluation. The orthodontist will answer any questions and let the patient share concerns at this time.
Get started
The faster you begin treatment to straighten your teeth or fix your jaw, the sooner you’ll have the smile you want. Your orthodontist has the training, knowledge and methods to help you achieve your oral health goals. Your first appointment will help begin the process of care for your teeth. Call your orthodontist today and make an appointment.
Request an appointment here: http://www.pricefamilyortho.com or call Price Family Orthodontics at (972) 528-5519 for an appointment in our Frisco office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
Surgical orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that uses surgical appliances to correct irregularities in the teeth and jaw. While orthodontic treatment often involves braces to correct misalignment, it can also be complete without any hardware instruments or medications. It is important to note that surgical orthodontic treatment requires anesthesia for patients and should only…
With new and inventive orthodontic options hitting the market these days, some may be getting the impression that braces will one day be a thing of the past. However, though these newer options are effective, they are not right for everyone. Braces are still the best teeth straightening choice for many and have distinct advantages…
Many adults opt to straighten their teeth with braces. Whether they have never had braces or their teeth have shifted out of place since having teen braces, it is never too late to work toward a picture-perfect smile. If you choose this traditional teeth-straightening option, it can help you know the types and what to…
Braces are one of the oldest devices used to straighten teeth in dentistry. They work by applying constant force on teeth, slowly improving their alignment over time. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and elastic used to connect both dental arcs.Metal braces are the oldest form of braces, and they have been around for a couple…