What is an orthodontic consultation?
An orthodontic consultation is the first step in your journey toward a straighter smile. At Reese Orthodontics, you sit down with Dr. Reese for a brief discussion of your oral health and your treatment goals. Dr. Reese asks about your dental and medical history before performing an oral exam.
After your oral exam, Dr. Reese might decide to take a digital X-ray for a better view of your teeth. X-ray imaging helps her see the position of your teeth below the gumline and detect signs of decay and disease that could affect your treatment.
Finally, if Dr. Reese decides that orthodontic treatment could benefit you, she helps you review all of your treatment options. She may also give you a timeline for how long it takes to reach your goals with braces, clear aligners, retainers, surgery, and any other necessary treatments.
If you don’t have the time for a sit-down consultation, Dr. Reese offers virtual smile consults. Simply submit right, left, and center photos of your smile online and she’ll contact you with a treatment plan and estimate.
What questions should I ask at an orthodontic consultation?
When you attend an orthodontic consultation, be sure to come prepared with any questions that you have about orthodontics. Asking questions helps you stay informed so you can feel confident in your decision to receive orthodontic treatment. Here are a few good questions to ask at your appointment:
- How long can I expect my treatment to take?
- Which orthodontic treatment is best for my needs?
- Will I need any tooth extractions?
- Will I need orthodontic surgery?
- How comfortable is each treatment?
- Will I need to change my diet or habits during my treatment?
Dr. Reese answers all of your questions thoroughly and gives you as much information as she can at the time of your consultation. Then, she gives you the next steps for your treatment plan.
When should I consider getting an orthodontic consultation?
Orthodontics isn’t always necessary for your oral health, but there are numerous reasons to consider undergoing orthodontic treatment for any level of misalignment. Some common problems that orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, and surgery can fix include:
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
These issues affect the way you look, possibly more than you might realize. With straighter teeth, you might get a boost in self-confidence once you see yourself with a perfect smile.
Additionally, misalignment can lead to oral health complications. Crowded or misaligned teeth are often harder to clean thoroughly and might place too much pressure on certain teeth. They can cause tooth decay, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, speech impediments, and more.
To review your treatment options after an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Reese, call Reese Orthodontics or book an appointment online today.
