What happens at an orthodontic consultation?
Dr. Theo Mercer, a made-up host, answers this for adults on a sample page for orthodontists.
Dr. Theo Mercer Orthodontist
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Transcript
Hello, my name is Dr. Mercer. I'm an orthodontist.
What happens at an orthodontic consultation?
An orthodontic consultation is a first visit to see if you need treatment to improve your bite or straighten your teeth. This type of care is available for adults as well as for children and teens. The main goal is to create a healthy, functional bite, not just to improve the appearance of your teeth. A first visit is used to assess your needs and does not always mean treatment is recommended.
The visit often begins with paperwork about your overall health and your dental history. Then the orthodontist performs an examination of your teeth, jaws, and facial structure. They look for any issues such as crowding, extra space between teeth, or problems with how your teeth fit together.
To get a full picture of your mouth, the team may take diagnostic records. These can include X-rays, photographs, and either molds or digital scans of your teeth. The images help the orthodontist see the position of your teeth and the structure of your jaw under the gums.
After the examination and review of any images, the orthodontist explains what they found. They discuss whether treatment could be beneficial for you and what the possible options are. An initial assessment does not mean that you need braces or other treatment immediately. Sometimes the recommendation is to monitor things over time before deciding on a plan.
If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist presents a customized plan based on your specific needs. This plan outlines which appliances might be used, such as braces or clear aligners, and gives an estimate of the duration. This is the time to ask questions about the different choices, anticipated outcomes, and any potential risks or limitations. Starting any appliances is often scheduled for a future visit.
Call the office if you have questions about your visit or your care. This is general information, not personal instructions. Your own care team can tell you what applies to you.
Thanks for watching.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists: What Happens at Your First Orthodontic Appointment? A Step-by-Step Guide (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: Orthodontics (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment? (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: Beneath the Surface: The Critical Role of In-Person Consultations and Orthodontic X-Rays (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: 8 Common Myths About Orthodontic Treatment (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: How Do Braces Work? (opens in a new tab)