How to Prepare for Your First Orthodontist Appointment

Friendly,Black,Dentist,Giving,Mirror,To,His,Happy,Female,Patient If you have been referred by your dentist to an orthodontist, you may not know what to expect. If you have made an appointment yourself, you still might feel uncertain about what meeting with one of these dental specialists entails. Depending on the reason you’re visiting, there are several different ways to prepare for your first orthodontist appointment.

If You Have Been Referred

Many patients are referred to an orthodontist by their dentists for bone grafting procedures, extraction, facial trauma treatment, and TMJ. Depending on the reason for your referral, your visit will involve discussing your treatment needs and possibly a pre-operative consultation.

Some orthodontic procedures can be done on the same day, but more extensive procedures will require a primary consultation.

During the consultation, the orthodontist will inspect your mouth, review any records your dentist has forwarded, and possibly take X-rays and digital scans of your mouth to begin preparing for treatment.

You will also be given information about the procedure you need and how to prepare for it.

If You Made the Appointment Yourself

Your first orthodontist appointment will focus on evaluating your needs and recommending treatments that you are most comfortable with. Our team will help you explore different types of treatment, as well as various options for sedation and anesthesia.

The goal of the first appointment is to establish a relationship with your orthodontist or surgeon and care team; you will have plenty of time to ask questions and get answers to anything you want to know about treatment.

Tips for Your First Orthodontist Appointment

  • Research your treatment options beforehand, so you can discuss them in more detail with your orthodontist/surgeon.
  • Relax! There will not be any pressure to undergo a procedure, nor will you be rushed into any treatment.
  • Contact your dentist’s office and ask them to forward any X-rays to the orthodontist.
  • Make a list of any underlying health conditions you have and prescription medications you take; you need to disclose these to your care team during your first appointment.
  • Write down any questions that you have, so you can refer to them during your appointment. It’s easy to forget things in conversation, so having a list will ensure all your questions are addressed.

Book an Appointment Today

If you are ready to book an appointment with a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon, please contact the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston today. Led by Dr. Johnson, a skilled surgeon with extensive training in oral pathologies and facial reconstruction, the entire team is dedicated to supporting each patient in their oral health journey.

You can also reach the practice by phone at (281) 491-4545.

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