What to expect
Our appointment schedule is carefully managed to allow us to provide you with orthodontic treatment in an efficient and relaxed environment.
At your first visit we conduct a thorough examination of your facial structure, bite, alignment of your teeth, health of the soft tissues and jaw function. We also find out what your expectations are and what you wish to achieve through orthodontic treatment.
We take a series of measurements and discuss what orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you.
We encourage you to ask questions as well such as:
● Do I have a condition that orthodontics can address?
● Can orthodontics enhance my teeth, jaw and facial profile?
● Is treatment needed now or should treatment be delayed until further growth and/or tooth eruption have occurred?
● What treatment procedures will be used in my circumstances?
● Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
● How long will treatment take?
● What investment is required?
● What are my payment options?
Prior to your first visit, we require you to fill out a health history Form A.
You can also assist us by bringing along any panoramic x-rays taken by your dentist within the past six months to your first visit.
If treatment is needed, diagnostic records are collected at a second appointment. These comprise of digital photographs of the face and teeth, and dental impressions to construct 3D Digital study models / plaster study models of the teeth. With these records we will be able to provide a detailed and accurate assessment, as well as a personalised treatment plan. This will include a description of the appliances to be used in treatment, a discussion about the risks and limitations of orthodontic treatment as part of the informed consent process, length of treatment and the costs and payment options available.
*Most people in our experience have found this first appointment to be most useful when the key decision maker is there. This means that the decision to proceed with treatment can occur at this appointment and then full planning records can be taken at this appointment rather than having to relay the information to the decision maker.
