What to expect during your first visit to the orthodontist?

Having a straight smile is important, not just for your self-esteem, but for your overall health, too. It is recommended that children visit an orthodontist at the age of seven so that the orthodontist can begin monitoring the child’s mouth to determine when the best time for treatment would be. But what can you expect at your first orthodontic appointment?

Our orthodontist believes that your first appointment is more like a get to know you appointment.  It is an opportunity for you and your family to get to know me and my staff and understand our treatment philosophy, but it’s also a time for us to get to know your mouth to determine what, if any, treatment is needed.

X-Rays and Digital Images

A member of our staff will take x-rays and photos of your mouth. By utilizing both, our Orthodontist gets a complete and accurate picture of what may be happening in your mouth, which allows him to craft the most ideal orthodontic treatment plan for you.

Physical Examination

After the x-rays and photos, our orthodontist will do a physical examination. Our Arlington Orthodontist will check to make sure teeth are falling out in the correct pattern, and look for any issues that may indicate there could be cause for concern at some point. Then, combine this information with the information gathered from the x-rays and digital images to determine if treatment is needed.

While it is recommended that all children see an orthodontist at the age of seven, most children do not need orthodontic treatment at that time. In this case, the orthodontist will recommend the child come in for check-ups periodically to determine if and when treatment may be needed in the future. By undergoing orthodontic treatment at the right time, you can save additional time and money that would be spent later, when the problem gets more complicated to treat.

Discussing All Treatment Options

After diagnosing the condition of your teeth, mouth and jaw, the orthodontist will formulate possible treatment plans. You’ll be happy to know that we offers a variety of high-tech, modern treatment options and will work with you to help you choose the right one. Some popular treatments include:
1) Invisalign: This revolutionary new treatment option uses 3D software to make custom aligners that are nearly invisible, which makes them much more attractive and appealing to wear than traditional metal wires and brackets.
2) Clear and advanced braces: We offer a variety of clear and advanced braces options.  Advances in materials have made braces more comfortable and effective than ever before.
3) Corrective appliances: We offer still more options beyond Invisalign and braces. Appliances such as palate expanders and space maintainers can help by correcting jaw alignment or poor oral habits, creating space for permanent teeth and expanding the upper arch or jaw. These treatments are often recommended to younger patients to help guide development.

Going Over Financial Obligations

Before beginning treatment, a member of the dental staff will also go over all financial obligations with you. If your dental insurance covers braces, a team member will help you file a claim and ensure you get the most benefit possible. Braces are important to ensuring proper oral health.  It is important that a parent or legal guardian attend the consultation appointment with a minor child.

It’s never too late to get a healthy, straight and properly functioning smile. Orthodontics is for patients of all ages. If you are ready to discover how orthodontics can help you, schedule your complimentary consultation today .