What to expect at your first orthodontic evaluation

Orthodontic patients are often eager to get started on their journey to a more attractive smile, but they are sometimes nervous about what the process will entail. When facing your initial visit to discuss orthodontic treatment in Long Island, there’s no need to worry. The experience will be both painless and pleasant and give you an opportunity to gather more information and get to know the staff who will be treating you.

At the first appointment, our orthodontist will begin with a general review of your medical and dental history. This step helps the orthodontist to identify any specific concerns and any issues that must be taken into consideration in planning the orthodontic treatment.

The orthodontist will then do a visual examination of your teeth and your jaw structure to gather initial information that will be helpful in preparing the treatment plan. Additionally, he may request that you have x-rays taken at this appointment. The x-rays will give the orthodontist a better view of your jaw structure.

After completing the initial evaluation, the orthodontist will be able to give you a general idea of the treatment process, including its estimated duration and any supplemental procedures or devices (such as an expander) that will be necessary. Of course, this initial information could change as your treatment progresses, but at least you will have some idea of what to expect.

You should feel free to ask any questions or address any concerns that you have at the initial appointment, as well.

Your first consultation will also give you a chance to evaluate the office’s staff. Are they friendly? Do they treat you with respect? Are they patient and responsive in answering your questions? You want to be sure to choose an orthodontics practice where you feel comfortable because you’ll be spending at least 18 months interacting with the personnel there!

Your first orthodontic evaluation is likely to set the tone for your overall treatment, so be sure that it is a good experience for you. To learn more about orthodontic treatment, please contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman, an orthodontist serving Long Island, to schedule a consultation.

Revolutionary Orthodontic Option without Metal Wires or Brackets

Invisalign braces are totally free from metal wires and brackets, therefore these cause no irritation whatsoever in your mouth. These braces are transparent and so the patients can complete the entire treatment without others even noticing. With its detachable property, Invisalign offers more convenience to the patients. They can eat, drink, brush and floss normally, thus maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are suitable for correcting dental disorders such as crooked teeth, protruded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overcrowded teeth, crossbites, underbites, overbites and openbites. When your teeth are properly aligned, issues such as tooth loss, irregular wear of tooth surfaces, gum infections, speech impairments, and chewing and digestion disorders can be avoided.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Many patients are embarrassed by crooked teeth and long for a picture-perfect smile. Fortunately, treatment with braces can help such patients achieve better outcomes. When these patients visit the orthodontist on Long Island, they often ask how orthodontic appliances do their job. Here is a brief overview of how the process works.

Orthodontics involves several components that work together to help move the teeth into the proper alignment. First, brackets are bonded to the teeth. These brackets are connected to each other using arch wires and apply pressure to the teeth to move them. Brackets can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic, which offers patients a variety of options, some of which are less conspicuous in the smile.

The arch wire, which is threaded through the brackets, is also manipulated to re-align the teeth over the course of orthodontic treatment. Arch wires come in varying thicknesses, and the orthodontist may change arch wires periodically to exert more (or less) pressure on the teeth.

Elastics, or rubber bands, might also be used in conjunction with the brackets and wires to move the jaw, if that is necessary.

All of these devices work in concert to reposition the teeth. When pressure is applied to a tooth, the periodontal ligament—which attaches the tooth to the jaw bone—transfers that pressure to the jaw bone. As a result, the bone structures that held the teeth in their original positions break down and new bone cells are created to anchor the teeth in the proper location.

Your orthodontist might recommend an alternative method known as Invisalign for straightening your teeth, as well. Rather than relying on a combination of brackets, wires and bands, Invisalign straightens the teeth through a series of clear plastic trays that align the teeth gradually over time. Because the trays can be removed when the patient eats or brushes the teeth, many patients find Invisalign to be a more convenient option.

Regardless of the method used, you will receive a retainer after the active orthodontic treatment has achieved its aesthetic goals. The retainer helps to reinforce the new placement of the teeth, and it is very important to wear the retainer as directed or else your teeth may revert to their original positions.