Starting Treatment
New Patient Consultation
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, PC offers complimentary consultations. There is no fee for this initial appointment.
At this consultation, intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth) photos are taken of the patient’s teeth and face. These photos are used to determine the current relationship of the teeth and external classification of the patient's profile. These photos are a permanent record kept on file as a part of the patient's dental records.
The orthodontist will then conduct an intraoral examination of the patient’s teeth to determine if braces are necessary. The things he will be evaluating at this appointment include:
- Your main concerns
- The alignment of your teeth
- The cosmetic appearance of your smile
- Overall facial harmony
- How your bite comes together
- How your jaws are aligned
- How your teeth function during chewing movements
- The health of your gums
If braces are indicated your doctor will discuss:
- Possible courses of therapy
- Estimated length of treatment
- Estimated cost of treatment
- The answers to any other questions or concerns that you may have
After the New Patient Consultation appointment, if orthodontic treatment is indicated, the next step will include what we refer to as “orthodontic records.” These diagnostic records will give the doctor all of the information that he needs to develop a detailed treatment plan specifically designed to give you an optimal bite and smile. Most times, we are able to take these orthodontic records at the New Patient Consultation appointment. If this is not convenient for you, we will make another appointment to better fit your schedule.
Records
As previously mentioned, if the orthodontist finds any signs of malocclusion, x-rays, photos, and impressions are taken. These diagnostic records provide the necessary information to analyze the orthodontic problems, complete the diagnosis and determine the proper orthodontic treatment plan. Orthodontic records are used as a study aide in order to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment plan possible. When a patient becomes a candidate for orthodontic treatment, the dentist considers many factors when putting together a treatment plan. Typically, orthodontic records consist of:
- Dental Impressions -
- Dental impressions, also known as alginate impressions, are used to obtain an accurate replica of a patient's mouth. Models are made by pouring stone into this impression material. They are used by the dentist to study the current position of the patient's teeth and predict the future relationship between the upper and lower teeth. They are also used as a permanent record by the dentist, kept on file as part of your patient records.
- NewTom/CBCT Scan -
- Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is a very useful imaging examination for the diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems. This technology allows us to comfortably take hundreds of digital images and construct three-dimensional oral models with great detail. The three-dimensional CBCT imaging that CB3D generates allows for far more accurate diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring, and analysis of outcomes than was possible with conventional two-dimensional images. We are able to create the following radiographic records through the use of CBCT technology:
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- Panoramic X-Rays - Also known as a panorex or pan, this x-ray displays both the upper and lower jaws and teeth, in the same film. A panoramic x-ray is useful for adolescent patients in particular because the dentist is able to see the developing teeth and predict where they will erupt in the mouth. Patients that are experiencing a delay in the eruption of their teeth will require this x-ray at an earlier age in order to rule out missing or impacted teeth. Adult patients considering orthodontic treatment will typically have this x-ray taken in two-dimensional form jawbone.
- Cephalometric X-Rays - The cephalometric x-ray, or ceph, is an x-ray that captures the side profile of the patient, from the top of their head to just below the tip of the chin. The ceph not only includes the teeth and bone; soft tissues are also distinguishable. This helps the dentist or orthodontist predict how the bone structure will change during orthodontic treatment. The dentist or orthodontist will use tracing paper and trace the ceph using important landmarks on the x-ray.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the most critical part of orthodontic treatment. In the diagnostic phase, our orthodontists take the following factors into consideration when planning treatment:
- Initial malocclusion (poor bite)
- Growth (if applicable)
- Patient primary concern (esthetics, etc)
- Treatment limitations
- Treatment objectives
The orthodontist will then have a consultation with the patient and/or the parents or guardians, to discuss treatment options. At this consultation, the final treatment plan is agreed upon, and the appropriate appointments are made to begin the orthodontic treatment.
Treatment Conference
Orthodontic treatment planning is based on:
- Defining the characteristics of malocclusion and dentofacial deformity
- Determining the nature and etiology of the orthodontic problem
- Designing a treatment plan based on the specific patient’s needs
- Deciding the orthodontic appliances that will be used to correct the problems
- Estimating the time that will be required for the treatment
- Deciding on the most appropriate age that orthodontic treatment should start
In addition to the discussion of the diagnosis and treatment plan with the orthodontist, patients and parents will also speak with our Treatment Coordinators to discuss such things as Informed Consent for Treatment, treatment fees and financial agreements, orthodontic insurance coverage and discounts. We will also discuss valuable information contained within your patient folder, which contains informative material about your orthodontic treatment.
It is important that children attend the Treatment Conference appointment with their parents. Treatment Coordinators also discuss the importance of patient cooperation during treatment.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions at this appointment or at any time during your treatment. We are always happy to address your questions or concerns.
What's Next?
Hooray! You’re ready to begin treatment!
At the Treatment Conference, the orthodontist and the treatment coordinator will explain the first steps in your treatment and will make sure you are scheduled for your first appointments.
You can expect to learn a great deal about your orthodontic treatment, beginning with proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques.
Our staff is always available to answer your questions or address your concerns. We want your time with us to be a healthy and happy experience!