06/18/2023
So you've decided that you want to get braces, or you've been thinking about getting braces, and you're ready to schedule your first consultation with an orthodontist: but what exactly happens during a braces consultation? And how should you prepare?
When you schedule your first consultation at Advanced Dental, the first step, and arguably one of the most important steps, is to fill out your welcome forms! Welcome forms, or new patient intake forms, are required to assess your full medical and dental history. Be sure to include any important treatments you've had done in the past, especially if you have any surgical, traumatic, or TMJ history, which can all have an impact on your treatment plan.
With your paperwork completed, its time to move on to diagnostic records. These typically include photos of your teeth and bite, as well as a panoramic X-ray and a cephalometric X-ray: while a panoramic x-ray provides a full panoramic view of your bite and teeth, a cephalometric (or ceph) x-ray allows for a side view of your head, teeth, jaw, and any surrounding structures.
After your photos and x-rays are done, you'll meet your orthodontist. Your first meeting with your orthodontist is the most important, as you'll get to evaluate if the orthodontist is a good fit for you. After introducing yourself, be sure to address your 'chief complaint', or the reason you have decided to get braces. Your orthodontist will then perform an examination of your teeth and create a treatment plan, as well as offer some other options, that can resolve your main complaint and start your journey to a perfect smile!
While each orthodontic case is different, your first consultation will give you a good idea of how long you'll be in treatment for and describe the individual steps that will be taken throughout your orthodontic journey.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (212) 427-2237, or visit our website at www.mybraces.nyc.