Use this guide to help prepare for this important appointment.

Before your Consultation Appointment: 

1. Research and choose a trusted orthodontist.

– Look for orthodontists with good reviews and credentials in your area.

– Ask friends and family for suggestions.

– Check if the doctor is a member of reputable orthodontic associations.

– See if the office offers the treatment you are interested in (such as Invisalign® or early braces).

2. Prepare your medical and dental history.

– Bring records of past dental work and any relevant medical history.

– Orthodontists should know about any allergies (latex, metals) or medications.

– A referral from a dentist is not necessary but can help if you are planning dental work in the future.

3. Verify your insurance benefits.

– Check to see if your insurance plan has any orthodontic coverage.

– Some insurances have age limits or waiting periods for orthodontic treatment that may affect your coverage.

– HSAs are great ways to pay for orthodontic treatment, so having your account funded and a card available will help you get started as soon as possible.

What to Expect During the Consultation:

1. Initial Examination.

– The orthodontist will examine your teeth and facial structure.

– X-rays, photos or digital scans may be taken to assess your teeth and jaw alignment.

2. Discussion of Treatment Options.

– The orthodontist will discuss your orthodontic problem list and the treatment options suitable for you (such as traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, expanders, etc).

– For complex cases, multiple treatment options may be presented.

– For children and teens, treatment may be recommended prior to all of the permanent teeth erupting (called Phase I) or the orthodontist may recommend periodic follow-up visits to monitor the growth and development and eruption of the permanent teeth (called Observation) until they are ready to begin treatment.

– Any recommended appliances or auxiliary equipment (such as elastics) will be reviewed.

– The orthodontist will review the pros, cons and sequencing of each option.

– A treatment time estimate for each treatment plan will be provided.

– In certain instances, the doctor may recommend dental work or extractions of baby teeth to be completed prior to treatment.

-The orthodontist should be able to comfortably answer your questions about your treatment options and help you make the best decision for your smile!

Helpful Questions to Ask

Every orthodontic treatment plan is different, so these questions can help you learn what to expect from your orthodontic treatment.

• What will be the duration of my treatment?

• How often do I need to schedule appointments?

• What is the cost of treatment? Are their financing options? Do you accept my insurance or payments from an HSA?

• Are there any lifestyle changes required if I move forward with this treatment plan?

• How can I maintain good oral hygiene during my treatment?

• What should I do in case of an emergency such as a broken or lost appliance?

• Should I be aware of any risks or side effects of the proposed treatment?

• What is the follow-up and retention plan after treatment is completed?

Post-Consultation:

1. Reflect on what you learned at your appointment to make an informed decision.

– Consider the treatment plan, costs and your confidence in the orthodontist.

– If you attend multiple consultations, compare the proposals of each office. You may consider factors such as office location, hours of operation and your impression of the staff.

– If multiple treatment options were offered, consider what aligns best with your treatment goals, budget and lifestyle.

2. Schedule your appointment to get started at your new orthodontic home!

– If you decide to proceed, schedule your next appointment to begin your treatment.

– If you decide to wait to save money, obtain insurance coverage, finish dental work, or wait for baby teeth to be lost, contact the office and they can get you scheduled to be contacted in the future.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask and team in Salt Lake City, Utah, is ready to assist you and your family with the orthodontic treatment you are looking for. Please call  385-500-7082 to learn more or schedule a consultation!

The post An Orthodontic Consultation Checklist for Your Orthodontic Journey first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Dental Disease: If you have active dental infections, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or significantly damaged or broken teeth, it is generally recommended to address these dental problems before starting orthodontic treatment. This ensures that your teeth and gums are in good health and can safely undergo orthodontic movement.

Extractions or Impacted Teeth: Teeth that need to be extracted, or impacted teeth that require surgical uncovering, are often addressed before or during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will collaborate to determine the appropriate sequence. In some instances (wisdom teeth in younger patients), the extractions can occur after orthodontic treatment.

Space Creation: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to create space for dental restorations. For example, if you require a dental implant or a bridge, orthodontic treatment may be recommended first to create adequate space for these restorations. Your dentist and orthodontist will likely coordinate to ensure the space generated is adequate.

Bite Alignment: In situations where your bite is misaligned or causing functional issues, orthodontic treatment may be recommended first before final dental restorations or gum grafts are placed. Addressing the bite problems first can improve the stability of the future dental treatments.

It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with both your orthodontist, dentist and other specialist to assess your dental needs and create an individualized treatment plan. Good providers will collaborate and communicate to achieve the best outcome for your oral health, aesthetics, and functional needs.

Call To Learn More

At Bluebird Orthodontics, our dedicated orthodontist, Dr. Hailee Rask, and her team are ready to help you get the quality orthodontic care your smile deserves.  If you have questions about sequencing dental treatment and orthodontics in Salt Lake City, Utah, please don’t hesitate to call 385-500-7082 today!

The post Sequencing Dental Treatment and Orthodontics: Before | During | After? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Luckily, orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry and improve the symmetry of your smile. But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Misaligned teeth or jaws
• Birth defects
• The early loss of baby teeth
• Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Trauma to the face or jaw
• Infection or tumors in the mouth or jaw area

How Can Orthodontists Help Facial Asymmetry?

Orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the facial asymmetry.

Some common treatments for facial asymmetry include:

Braces or  Invisalign®

By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can help to improve the symmetry of your smile. In some cases, headgear may also be used to correct severe cases of misalignment.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are devices that are used to gradually widen the upper jaw. This treatment is often used for patients who have narrow upper jaws, which can cause facial asymmetry.

Surgery

In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of misaligned teeth and jaws. This type of surgery is usually reserved for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment.

Types of Facial Asymmetry That Orthodontists Treat

Orthodontists can help with a wide variety of facial asymmetries. Here we will discuss four of the most common:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Orthodontic Treatment For Overbite

Orthodontists commonly treat patients with overbites, but the severity of the overbite will dictate the orthodontic treatment required to correct it. Many people have some degree of an overbite, which is when the upper teeth protrude further out than the lower teeth. In some cases, an overbite can be caused by genetics, but it can also be the result of thumb-sucking or other habits during childhood.

An overbite can impact both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. For instance, people with an overbite are more likely to experience gum problems and tooth wear. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help to correct an overbite and improve your oral health. If you’re concerned about your overbite, talk to our orthodontist here at Bluebird Orthodontics about treatment options.

If you have a mild overbite, braces or aligners can be used to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. However, if you have a severe overbite, orthodontics may not be able to completely correct it. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the jaws.

Overall, orthodontics can be an effective treatment for an overbite, but the best way to treat your overbite will depend on the severity of your condition.

Orthodontic Treatment For Underbite

An underbite is a common orthodontic condition in which the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This can cause the teeth to overlap, making it difficult to bite and chew properly. Underbites can also lead to speech issues and damage to the teeth.

There are several different types of underbites, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or misalignment of the jaws. Treatment for an underbite typically involves orthodontic braces or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are a few different ways that orthodontics can be used to correct an underbite, and the best option will depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be used to simply move the teeth into a better position.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the jaw. However, orthodontists commonly help patients to improve the appearance of an underbite and make it easier to eat and speak.

Orthodontic Treatment For Crossbite

If you have a crossbite, it means that your teeth don’t line up the way they’re supposed to. Your upper teeth should sit slightly in front of your lower teeth, but with a crossbite, your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can happen on just one side of your mouth or on both sides.

Crossbites can happen in the front or back of your mouth and can even involve your jaw. If you have a crossbite, you might not even realize it because it’s often something that develops slowly. However, there are some signs you can look for, such as difficulty chewing or biting down properly, mouth pain, jaw pain, teeth that are worn down or chipped, and gaps between your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for a crossbite can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Orthodontists can help to correct these issues. In some cases, braces may be used to gradually move the teeth into their proper position. In other cases, orthodontic appliances may be used to expand the upper jaw and align the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can take several months or even years to complete, but the results are well worth it. A healthy, beautiful smile is something that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime.

Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bite

Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in order to improve someone’s bite and smile, including those with an open bite. While orthodontics can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, one of the most common problems that orthodontists see is an open bite.

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or clenching/grinding the teeth.

In some cases, an open bite may also be due to genetics. Orthodontic treatment is usually very successful in correcting an open bite. Our orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan based on the individual’s needs. This may involve wearing braces or other appliances for several months to a couple of years. Our orthodontist will work closely with you so you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about facial asymmetry, don’t despair! Orthodontic treatment can go a long way in correcting the problem and giving you a more symmetrical smile. If you’re interested in learning more about how orthodontics can help you achieve facial harmony, schedule your free consultation with our board-certified orthodontist at Bluebird Orthodontics!

The post Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.