Whether you are a parent or a patient, it’s normal to be nervous about visiting an orthodontist for the first time. However, with a little preparation, you can alleviate your fears and have a successful visit to the dentist.
The first visit usually includes a dental examination and X-rays of your teeth. This allows the orthodontist to see what’s happening with your teeth and jaws and develop a treatment plan.
During Your Appointment
It is important to have an orthodontic appointment whether you are an adult or a child. These appointments will help you and your orthodontist decide if braces are right.
The best orthodontist near me is a specialist in straightening teeth and correcting bite and alignment issues. Having an appointment with one is essential for getting the smile you deserve!
Before your appointment, visit your family dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning. This will ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape to get braces fitted properly!
Once you have your braces, your orthodontist will see you every few weeks for a checkup. During these visits, your orthodontist will adjust the wires on your braces to move your teeth into their proper position. These visits cause discomfort or soreness. Over-the-counter pain medications and ice can help ease this.
X-Rays
X-rays are quick, painless ways to show dentists what’s happening with your teeth and jaw. Dentists use X-rays to detect cavities, root canals, and other problems.
During your appointment, an orthodontist will take multiple types of X-rays that will help them see the teeth in their correct position and prepare treatment plans for you. These include periapical, panoramic, and bitewing X-rays.
These images show the bones, roots, and surrounding bone structures of your teeth so they can detect abnormalities like cysts, tumors, or even jaw disorders. They also help an orthodontist know if your teeth are impacted, and where they are about the rest of the teeth and gums.
These X-rays are taken with special film and digital technology that reduces the radiation you receive by about 80 percent. They are safe for children and most adults, although pregnant women should avoid or limit X-rays. They are recommended only when a doctor determines they are necessary to help diagnose and treat an issue.
Impressions
When you visit orthodontics near you, you’ll probably go through a series of impressions and scans. This is crucial in getting your teeth straightened and your jaws aligned properly.
During impressions, your orthodontist will use a tray of soft material to take an image of your mouth. Or, they may use a handheld wand that captures a digital, 3-D impression of your teeth and gums.
A dentist or a dental assistant uses the wand to move around the inside of your mouth, capturing photos and taking measurements as it goes. Then, it stitches countless small images together to create an accurate map of your mouth.
This is a more comfortable way to make impressions, eliminating the gagging and goop of traditional putty. The digital scan process also allows for a more precise and efficient way to prepare your teeth for braces. Moreover, the digital impressions are much easier to ship to the lab for fabrication.
Treatment Plan
The specialist will review your treatment plan during your appointment with orthodontics near you. This will include what type of treatment is required and how long it will take to achieve results.
Orthodontic treatment is essential to ensure your teeth stay healthy, strong, and beautiful for a lifetime. In addition, treatment will improve your confidence.
A good orthodontist will customize your treatment plan based on your teeth and smile needs. This includes whether you need traditional metal braces, clear aligners, or lingual braces.
When choosing an orthodontist, ask for recommendations from family, friends, dentists, and other healthcare providers. A referral does not guarantee that the orthodontist will be a good fit for you, so you can always visit a different one if you don’t like your first choice.
