What to Expect When Seeing an Orthodontist

Last Updated on May 28, 2019 by Gio Greenard

When it comes to orthodontics, what we do with in the name. Orthodontic comes from the Greek words ‘ortho’ (straight or correct) and ‘dontia’ (teeth). We correct your smile to give you your best possible look.

Our main goal of treatment is to create the healthier, straighter smile you’ve always dreamed of. The decision to begin orthodontic treatment is an important one for many families to make.

We know how important it is for you to have a smile that makes you feel good about yourself. We also know how important understanding the process is for you from beginning to end. That’s why we want you to understand what you should expect at your first orthodontic visit.

By scheduling an initial consultation, you will ensure that the finished result of your orthodontic procedure will provide you with the look and comfort you want. Because we take advantage of the latest state of the art technology, we can deliver the most high quality results to fit your unique needs. To do this, Dr. Panucci stays up to date with the cutting edge of orthodontic research found in the most current orthodontic journals.

In the case of children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that an orthodontic evaluation be conducted for all children by the age of seven. Although treatment might not be needed at the time of evaluation, possible orthodontic problems can be avoided or lessened by intervening early.

How to Find an Orthodontist Near Me

Your initial orthodontic visit is an opportunity for you to discover which orthodontic treatment is the best for your needs. We welcome any questions or concerns you may have during this process, and our orthodontic team will be happy to address them during your first visit. We will discuss your options with you if treatment is recommended. We also provide you with examples of finished results via models and photographs featuring our oral appliances and retainers. Examples of our popular Invisalign aligners are also available for you to see.

We understand how valuable your time is to you. That’s why we make sure that your initial orthodontic visit covers everything you need to get set up.

We want you to be as relaxed as possible during your first visit, so we’ve prepared a detailed description of what the orthodontic process entails.

Step 1
At your first visit to our orthodontic offices, one of our orthodontists will determine how we can help you through a detailed orthodontic examination. We make sure we schedule plenty of time to go evaluate your orthodontic needs. This is usually around 30 minutes. In addition, a special X-ray may be ordered to help Dr. Panucci accurately diagnose your problem and suggest the exact treatment you require.

If treatment is suggested, an estimated cost of the treatment, an approximate timeline for how long it will take to complete and options available to you for setting up treatment.

Step 2
The next step we take towards realizing your new smile is completing your orthodontic records. During this step, we will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. We will also take photographs of you and your teeth. Not only will this assist Dr. Panucci in designing your unique treatment plan, it will also provide you with before and after photos. Seeing these photos of how far they’ve come at the end of treatment is something our clients particularly enjoy.

Step 3

For the next step, your orthodontist will confer with you about your orthodontic records. You will also be shown examples of oral appliances, aligners, and any other equipment your treatment may require. You will also be able to use this consultation as an opportunity to ask Dr. Panucci any questions you may have about what your treatment will entail.

After this part of the consultation is complete, one of our financial coordinators will also be available to walk you through the financial process. This will include information on coverage and payment options. Once you’ve chosen to begin treatment, we can schedule your appointment to get your oral appliances within a few days.

Step 4

During this next step, you will finally be fitted with your new oral appliance. What happens next depends on whether you are getting traditional braces or aligners. Either way, this appointment will last no more than ninety minutes.

For Those Getting Traditional Braces
This process will be conducted by one of our skilled and experienced orthodontic assistants who will see to it that you are comfortable during the entire procedure. Additionally, any questions you have about this part of the process will be answered in full. After this session with our orthodontic assistant, your orthodontist will position each bracket onto your teeth with the utmost attention to detail.

For Those Getting Invisalign Aligners
Once your impressions for your aligners have been taken, they will be prepared the same day. Your impressions will go to the Invisalign lab where they will be scanned to create a detailed computer model of your teeth. This model will be used to craft your custom aligners. As soon as our office receives your custom aligners from the lab, you will be notified by phone or email to set up an appointment. This next part of the process is important as this is when your orthodontist will set the attachments to your teeth. We use these attachments to help us modify your teeth placement.

Once your aligners have been placed you will need to wear your aligners diligently everyday for almost the whole day in order to assure proper realignment. You will be allowed breaks of only 1-2 hours per day from wearing your aligners. Your aligners will be changed every two weeks or as prescribed by Dr. Panucci.

Step 5
Whether you chose traditional braces or aligners, this step is the magic moment when you finally get your oral appliances removed. Removing your appliances will only take around 80 to 90 minutes. It is a very simple and comfortable procedure. Once finished, we’ll give you those photos of your teeth before you started this amazing journey so that you’ll be able to fully appreciate how beautiful your new smile is!

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.