Orthodontic Consultation: What to Expect
Orthodontic consultation refers to the first appointment you have with the orthodontist. During an orthodontic consultation, you can expect to meet the orthodontist, learn about their staff, and tour their treatment facility. Since most medical anxiety comes from fear of the unknown, understanding what to expect can be a great relief for new patients.
Let’s take a look at what the orthodontic consultation entails and what you can expect during the beginning stages of treatment.
What Happens During Orthodontic Consultation?
When you arrive at your orthodontist’s office, you can expect to be greeted by a member of the team. The first orthodontic consultation will require a thorough exam to identify orthodontic issues and determine the right treatment option for your situation. During your orthodontic consultation, you will be seated in a comfortable dental chair and undergo an exam similar to a dental exam.
Your orthodontist will use overhead lights to look into your mouth and a small mirror to gently move around your mouth. Your orthodontist will observe your bite. They may ask you to open and close your mouth multiple times to evaluate how your top and bottom teeth come together.
During your orthodontic evaluation, another staff member may be present to take notes for your orthodontist. Once the orthodontist examines your mouth, they will sit with you, and your child if they are the one receiving treatment, and go over your concerns. This will be the perfect time to ask any questions about the recommended treatment options.
In some cases, your orthodontist might not feel you are a candidate for treatment. In early orthodontics, no issues may be found during the initial orthodontic consultation. Your orthodontist may suggest periodic visits at that point to monitor growth and development.
Now that you know what to expect during your orthodontic consultation, lets take a closer look at the most commonly asked questions in the early stages of treatment.
When Does Early Orthodontics Begin?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation around the age of seven. At this age, most children have a mix of primary and secondary teeth. This is the perfect time to identify potential issues in the early stages. Even if your child has passed the age of seven, it is never too late to seek the advice of an orthodontist.
What Will the Initial Orthodontic Consultation Reveal?
The initial orthodontic consultation should not be uncomfortable for your child. During the first visit, you can expect to identify whether there is an issue and what it is. You will learn the options available for treatment. You will also learn an approximate time frame for treatment completion and what to expect the cost of treatment to be.
What Happens if a Problem is Found During the Consultation?
If an orthodontic issue is identified, your orthodontist will identify the best treatment option to fix the problem. Since everyone is different, it may be recommended to begin treatment right away or to wait until all permanent teeth have come in. If it is determined that waiting for permanent teeth is the best treatment plan, your orthodontist will periodically assess your child to track growth and development.
What Else Should Be Expected with Orthodontic Consultation?
Your orthodontist may also take photographs of your, or your child’s, teeth and face. The documentation can help track progress. You may also need to take a panoramic x-ray to accurately diagnose any orthodontic problems and reveal more information to create the best treatment option.
If your child has any special needs or needs special accommodations, inform the individual who initially schedules your orthodontic consultation. The best way to accommodate these needs to the best of our ability is to be prepared so we can make your consultation as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
Once you achieve your perfect smile, all the anticipation, anxiousness, and time put into orthodontic treatment will be well worth it. Now that you know what to expect during your orthodontic consultation, it should be easy to call for an appointment. Believe us when we tell you that the rest of your orthodontic treatment will be just as easy. You’ll look back and laugh that you even worried about what to expect in the first place.