A preliminary orthodontic exam can sound like a worrisome ordeal. However, the preliminary exam is often stress-free and pain-free.
For starters, a preliminary orthodontic exam is short, and will usually take around 30 minutes to an hour. Moreover, a preliminary orthodontic exam often does not include a comprehensive examination of the teeth, gums, and mouth.
Instead, the preliminary exam serves as a way for staff to learn more about your dental history, your mouth structure, and your personal preferences. As a general rule of thumb, preliminary orthodontic exams often include the following.
A Review of The Patient History
The first part of any preliminary orthodontic assessment is to review the patient’s history. A patient’s dental history provides valuable insight into previous treatments and potential signs of concern.
In addition to reviewing patient history, orthodontic staff will also work closely with you to determine what your preferences are. For example, do you want to avoid metal braces and opt for Invisalign? If so, our staff will work with you to create a treatment plan that works best for you.
X-rays and Photographs
During the preliminary orthodontic exam, practitioners may take X-rays of your jaw and teeth to analyze your mouth. The x-rays provide valuable information regarding the shape of the teeth and jawline.
We will also take photographs during your preliminary exam. The photos give our staff a more comprehensive understanding of the smile and bite line and they can be reviewed down the line.
Q&A and Next Steps
During a preliminary orthodontic exam, patients have the chance to meet with our staff to receive a comprehensive review and answers to any questions they have. During this time, our staff will provide clarity on any concerns you have.
At Dr. B Hicks Orthodontist, we go through all these steps during our initial exam. Once we have completed our preliminary orthodontic exam, we can start designing a treatment plan that is right for you.
Our team carefully considers medical history, personal preferences, and available orthodontic gear to provide the best solution for all our clients. Contact us today to get started.
The Hicks orthodontic practice has been around for over 40 years, with Bryan Hicks taking over for his father. Dr. Hicks works hard to give his patients extraordinary outcomes from their orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about this article or need to talk to someone in the office, give us a call at (604) 922-0111.
