Orthodontic Consultation and Evaluation in Sylvania
Knowing what to expect during your first orthodontic visit can help you feel more confident about your decision to seek treatment. At Dr. Paul Hwang’s orthodontic practice, our team has years of experience helping Sylvania and Swanton patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles with orthodontics. We hope that the following information can help you better understand what to expect during your first visit with us.
When to Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all children get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. However, this does not mean that if you are an adult, it’s too late to get braces or another orthodontic treatment. Patients of all ages can benefit from straight and aligned teeth. Dr. Hwang specializes in orthodontics for adults, from mild to severe. He can help you find a treatment plan that best addresses your orthodontic needs.
Your First Orthodontic Consultation
To ensure your first consultation with us is both informative and effective, we recommend that you bring your new patient forms filled out, your insurance card and any questions you may have for our team.
The first step of orthodontic consultation involves evaluating your medical and dental history. Dr. Hwang will review any medical conditions and dental issues that may affect treatment. For example, if you have any cavities, they will need to be filled before your orthodontic appliance is installed.
Next, Dr. Hwang and our team will perform an oral examination. This allows the orthodontist to get a close-up look at the position of your teeth, jaw and facial structures, as well as underlying dental issues that may not have been obvious with your dental records. Your oral examination may include intraoral and facial photographs, panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, and impressions for models of your teeth and bite.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Upon gathering all of this information, Dr. Hwang will review the following with you:
- The cause and severity of your orthodontic issue(s)
- Dental health issues (if any) that need to be addressed before you undergo orthodontic treatment
- Whether treatment is necessary immediately or at a later time
- Your treatment options and the results you can expect with each
- The length of treatment
- The cost of treatment, insurance coverage and payment options
The orthodontist will work with you to create a treatment plan that best matches your needs. He will go over the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment in detail with you. For instance, metal braces are used to treat extensive teeth and jaw alignment but many people are not fond of their obvious appearance. Ceramic (tooth-colored) braces are popular because they are less noticeable than traditional braces. If you have mild or moderate crookedness or jaw misalignment, you may be an appropriate candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. We encourage you to learn more about the treatment options we offer by browsing through our website. If you have questions, please have them ready so our team can answer them during your consultation.
The first step towards a straighter and beautiful smile is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hwang. To contact us, call our Swanton or Sylvania office today!