First Appointment
Photographs:
A full set of clinical photos are taken to show the position of your jaws and teeth currently. The Orthodontist uses this to put your individual treatment plan together. It’s also great to see your before and after photos post treatment!
Scanning your teeth with our 3D Scanner:
A scan of your teeth is taken to make a real time, digital model of your teeth. This is used to plan and discuss your treatment with you. If needed, we can also use this scan to send on for further treatment which eliminates the need for taking molds of your teeth!
X-rays for orthodontic treatment planning:
X-rays or dental radiographs are important for planning your safe brace treatment. We will routinely take 1 or 2 x-rays at your first appointment. These may be repeated mid-way through your treatment and are hugely beneficial to the safe planning and provision of your orthodontic treatment.
As with any radiological assessment, x-rays do come with some risks, albeit a low risk for the benefit gained. A typical orthodontic x-ray (OPG, lateral cephalogram) is equivalent to 1-2 days of background radiation. We aim to minimise this risk at Navan Orthodontics by taking only necessary x-rays, using digital x-ray equipment, continuous staff training to ensure optimal results and safe storage of your images.
Assessment and Review with the Orthodontist:
You will meet the orthodontist who will do a full assessment for you. They will discuss your concerns and treatment hopes. Treatment options will be outlined and a plan formulated to suit you and your needs. If the case is more complex, a subsequent appointment will be made.
Our Treatment Coordinator will go through the plan in detail with you, including financial options, and will be available to answer any of your questions.
What if I am not ready to start?
Some patients may need a full check-up, fillings or cleaning done of their teeth before they are ready to start braces. We can write to your dentist and advise what work, if any, is needed. Some younger patients may not be ready to start treatment. If this is the case, we will put you on our review list so you know we will see you at the correct time to start braces. There is no additional fee for this.
During your treatment:
When it is decided that you are ready for your treatment, you are seen at the practice every 4-12 weeks depending on the type of treatment needed. Appointment intervals depend on the type of brace you have and your stage of treatment. Appointments usually last 10-20 minutes however additional time may be needed to alter or reposition some brackets and this may take longer.
We always try our best to ensure we are running on time however this may not always be the case. Please be patient and we will get to you as quickly as possible.
After school appointments are always our popular times and in high demand. Although we will try to accommodate our patients’ time preferences, we may need to rotate your appointment times between morning and afternoon. This is done to be fair to all patients.