Because the clinical examination may not always fully reveal all dental or skeletal concerns, it may be necessary to take additional diagnostic records. Orthodontic records usually include X-rays of the head and teeth, photographs of the face and teeth, and impressions for making models of the upper and lower teeth. This may be accomplished immediately following the initial consultation or scheduled later. Records appointments usually take about 30 minutes.
A treatment planning session will be scheduled two to three weeks following the records appointment, at which time Dr. Hayden will review the X-rays, photos and models with you. It is at this appointment that all treatment options and recommendations, as well as financial arrangements, will be discussed.
The lateral cephalometric X-ray is used for baseline comparison to peers, planning treatment options, growth projections, growth tendency and potential response to treatment
Study models show the alignment of the teeth and how the upper and lower teeth “bite” together; these are used for planning treatment needs such as extractions or expansion of current bite.
The facial and intraoral photographs show the esthetics of the face and smile, symmetry of the face and dental arches, codnition of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.
The panoramic X-ray shows extra teeth, missing teeth, wisdom teeth, root shape and size, bone level, cavities, condyles and sinuses.