The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.

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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

Planning A Customized Orthodontic Treatment

Sofia Curtis

If you need orthodontic treatment, such as braces, your dentist has to customize your treatment depending on the condition of your teeth and the expected outcome of the treatment. Your dentist will use the initial consultation to examine your teeth and plan your treatment. Below are some of the things to expect during the initial examination and planning.

Visual Examination

A visual examination of the teeth is one of the first things to expect from the dentist during the initial examination. The dentist will instruct you to open your mouth so that they can peer into your mouth and look at your dental arrangement. Note that dental misalignment is a condition that your dentist can see with their naked eye.

Oral Photography

The dentist can also take photographs of your teeth, both from the outside and inside the mouth. Photographs from different angles will help the dentist plan for your treatment even after you leave the dental office. Moreover, the photographs may also capture details that the dentist might fail to see merely by peering into your mouth.  

Dental X-rays

Orthodontic problems are not always confined to the crown of the teeth – the part of the teeth above the gum line. Problems in the jawbone, such as an undersized jawbone or a low-density jawbone, can cause dental misalignment. It might also be that you have an impacted tooth below the gum line that has affected the growth of the adjacent teeth. Since defects under the gum line are not visible to the naked eye, the dentist may use dental-x-rays to get a good look at your dental conditions below the gum line.

Dental Impressions

A dental impression is a negative imprint of the teeth and surrounding tissues such as the gums. The dentist may take a dental impression of the teeth and use the impressions to make three-dimensional models of your teeth. The models are useful for further dental reviews and treatment planning.

Dental History Review

Lastly, the initial consultation will also involve a review of your dental and oral history. The review may help the dentist understand the origin of your orthodontic treatments. For example, the dentist should know whether your dental alignment is a congenital issue or you have developed it over the years. Don't forget that for issues caused by emerging or ongoing issues, it's necessary to deal with the root cause of the problem even as you fix the problem.

Hopefully, your orthodontic treatment will progress efficiently and you will soon have the straight teeth you desire. Don't forget to follow your dentist's instructions to the letter to contribute to your treatment's success.


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