A full consultation is the first step to a straighter smile. We at Dentistry on the Pines know this first visit is important as it sets the tone for the rest of your treatment. Many patients are nervous about their first visit because they don’t know what to expect or if clear aligners will work for them. We design our consultations so we can answer these questions and get the information we need to create a treatment plan. Usually your initial visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This allows us to do a full exam and talk about your goals. We never rush consultations as we need to pay attention to your specific situation. We look at each case with new eyes because every smile is unique and has its own set of problems.
The first thing we do at the consultation is talk about why you’re here. You may have been embarrassed about your crooked teeth for a long time. You may have had braces when you were a teenager but your teeth have moved over time. Some patients come in because they want to improve how their bite works and how it looks. Whatever your reason is we listen closely to what you say to understand your priorities.
After we talk we do a full exam of your teeth and jaw. This clinical assessment helps us find any problems that may hinder treatment. We look for signs of wear on your teeth, cavities and gum health. Taking care of these issues before starting orthodontic treatment will give you better results. Our General Dentistry services can take care of any basic dental needs you have to get you ready for aligner therapy.
Digital imaging is very important in orthodontics today. We make 3D models of your teeth with intraoral scanners. This is quick and takes only a few minutes. The scanner picks up every detail without the mess and discomfort of traditional impression materials. Patients love this new method especially those who have had trouble with impression trays in the past.
These digital images go into advanced software that makes it look like teeth are moving. We may show you a virtual model of how your teeth will look during treatment. Seeing the expected final result helps you see what can happen. Patients who have trouble picturing how different their smile can look often get excited about this preview.
During your consultation we may also take pictures and x-rays. These records go into your treatment file and we can track your progress over time. You can see how far you’ve come by looking at pictures from different stages of treatment. Many patients like to look at their starting images after treatment is complete. They also talk about costs. We give you straight forward information so you can make informed decisions. The cost of treatment depends on how complex it is and how long it will take. We go over what the price includes, like all the aligners, office visits and retainers. Families on a budget often find it easier to do treatment with payment plans.
Plans have different levels of coverage. Some cover orthodontic work, others don’t. We help you understand your coverage and file claims for you. Even with little coverage you can save a lot out of your own pocket. Our administrative staff has worked with many different insurance companies in Vaughan.
Another important item to discuss during a consultation is timeline expectations. Patients want to know how long they will have to wear aligners before they see results. Simple fixes may only take 6 months, but more complex ones may take 2 years. We give you realistic estimates based on the specific problems with your alignment. Being honest about deadlines will help you avoid disappointment and plan ahead.
There are several things that determine if you can get clear aligner treatment. This method works for most mild to moderate orthodontic problems. If you have a lot of crowding or a serious bite problem you may need to try a different treatment. We look at if Invisalign is right for you or if we should look into other options. Our goal is to suggest what will work best, not just to sell a certain service.
When choosing orthodontic treatment you should think about your lifestyle. You need to be disciplined with clear aligners since you have to wear them all the time. Taking them off too often will make things take longer and hinder progress. We talk about your daily life to make sure this commitment is realistic for you. Both teens and adults can benefit from knowing about this obligation ahead of time.
Some people are worried about how painful treatment will be. We talk about these concerns honestly during consultations. When people move to new aligners they usually feel a little pressure. This feeling means the aligners are working although it usually goes away in a day or two. The smooth plastic doesn’t usually produce the same kind of discomfort that regular braces do. You still need to keep your mouth healthy during treatment. You have to take out your aligners to eat and you should brush your teeth before putting them back in. This routine really helps people keep their hygiene up. People who are prone to cavities or gum problems need to be extra careful. During your orthodontic journey our Dental Hygiene team can help you with extra cleanings and advice.
The appointment also talks about what happens after your teeth are in place. Retention techniques keep teeth from moving back. We talk about the different kinds of retainers you can get and how often you should wear them. To protect your investment you need to follow these rules.
During consultations you are always welcome to ask questions. We want our patients to speak up about any concerns or questions they have. There doesn’t seem to be a question that is too small or stupid. Knowing everything about your treatment will make you feel good about moving forward. We would rather take extra time to answer questions than have you go ahead with doubts.
At Dentistry on the Pines, consultations are the first step in a partnership. We promise to be there for you every step of the way as you change your smile. We plan these first appointments based on what makes you feel comfortable, what you need to know and what makes you happy. You don’t have to go through with a consultation but it will give you useful information to help you make a decision for your dental health.