So you’ve decided that you could benefit from orthodontic treatment, but you’re not quite sure where to start. The best place to start (once you’ve found an orthodontist you think you’d like to see) is with an orthodontic consultation. If you’ve never been to one before, you may not know quite what to expect though.
Dental and Medical History
For an orthodontist to give you the best treatment they can, they need to get familiar with your medical and dental history. Information like when you last saw a dentist, when you had x-rays done, what dental treatments you’ve undergone, and what (if any) medical conditions you may have can influence what sort of orthodontic treatments are appropriate for you. Make sure you answer any questions regarding your dental and medical history with complete honesty. It provides important context for the orthodontist.
Exam and Imaging
The current condition of your teeth and jaw are also important. As such, the orthodontist will perform an oral exam and take x-ray images of your mouth. It’s quite similar to a routine dental exam. Sometimes dental work is necessary before receiving orthodontic treatment. The exam will alert the orthodontist to conditions that you may have that don’t show up in your history for any reason.
Picking a Treatment Plan
Once your orthodontist understands your history and where you’re at currently regarding your oral health, you can work together with them to identify a fitting treatment plan to meet your needs. The plan may include getting dental treatments done and then returning for orthodontic treatment. At this point, the orthodontist will help you understand what treatments you are a good candidate for and the pros and cons of your options. That way you’ll both be on the same page and can identify the best path forward to meet your orthodontic goals.
The other purpose of an orthodontic consultation is to make sure you have a chance to get all your questions answered. Wondering about insurance and financing? This is a good time to ask. One of the hallmarks of a good orthodontist is their willingness to take the time to listen to you and help you get answers to any questions you have. That’s something you can expect to experience when you come to Stellar Orthodontics for your first orthodontic consultation.
Ready to schedule your free orthodontic consultation and exam with Stellar Orthodontics? Click here to get started today!