Are you thinking about getting braces but don’t know where to start? This is one of the most common questions among those who want to improve their smile. Many people know they would like to straighten their teeth, but are unsure what to expect at the first appointment, what tests are required, or when the decision is made as to whether treatment will involve clear aligners (Invisalign® or Spark™), braces or another option.
The reality is that effective orthodontic treatment does not begin when we fit the aligners or braces. It begins much earlier: with an accurate diagnosis and a fully personalised treatment plan.
In this article, I explain what your first orthodontic appointment at Varchi is like and why each of the tests we carry out is essential for achieving a good result.
It all starts with a diagnosis
Every smile is different. Even if two patients appear to have crooked teeth, the cause of the problem may be completely different, and so the treatment will be too.
That’s why, before we talk about Invisalign®, Spark™, braces or any other type of orthodontic treatment, the first thing we need to do is find out exactly what’s going on in your mouth.
Our aim during your first appointment is not to quote you a price or show you some aligners. The most important thing is to carry out a full orthodontic assessment that will enable us to understand your bite, the position of your teeth and the best way to correct the problem.
X-rays at the clinic itself: a quicker and more convenient diagnosis
One of the things our patients value most is that we carry out X-rays right here at the clinic, so you don’t need to travel to a separate radiology centre to have the scan done.
This test enables us to assess aspects that we cannot see simply by looking at the teeth, such as the position of the roots, the surrounding bone, the presence of impacted teeth or any other condition that may affect the treatment.
Having this information from the outset helps us to make a much more accurate diagnosis and to plan orthodontic treatment with greater confidence.
Clinical photography: much more than just taking photos
We then took a series of clinical photographs of the smile, the bite and the face.
These images form part of the orthodontic assessment and enable us to analyse details such as facial symmetry, the relationship between the lips and the teeth, the smile line and the position of each tooth.
Furthermore, they will help us to monitor the progress of the treatment and track all the changes that occur over the course of the months.
Digital scan: a three-dimensional model of your smile
One of the most important tests is the intraoral scan.
Thanks to digital scanning, we can produce a highly accurate three-dimensional model of your mouth, without the need for traditional impression materials in most cases.
This digital model enables us to analyse your bite, measure the necessary movements and plan a fully personalised invisible orthodontic treatment using Invisalign® or Spark™.
When treatment is not carried out using clear aligners, the scanner remains a very useful tool for assessing the case and documenting the initial situation.
Once we have all the information, we’ll plan your treatment
Once we have the X-ray, the photographs and the digital scan, one of the most important stages begins: planning.
Not all patients require the same treatment. Some people will achieve the best results with invisible braces, others with traditional braces, and in certain cases it may be necessary to combine orthodontic treatment with other specialities such as implantology, prosthetics or cosmetic dentistry.
That is why we take the time to carefully assess each case and devise a fully personalised treatment plan.
Our aim is not simply to straighten teeth, but to achieve a healthy, functional and stable smile in the long term.
Will I know what treatment I need after my first appointment?
Yes. Once the assessment has been carried out, we will be able to explain what is happening in your case, answer any questions you may have and recommend the treatment we consider most appropriate.
We will explain the different options available, the approximate duration of the treatment and the steps we will take, and we will draw up a personalised quote.
We believe that making a decision is much easier when you understand what your smile really needs and why.
Good planning is the foundation of successful orthodontic treatment
Many people think that the difference between one good treatment and another lies in using a specific brand of aligners or a particular type of braces.
However, the reality is that the success of orthodontic treatment depends, above all, on a sound diagnosis and precise planning from day one.
That is why we take the time needed to examine each case individually. Because before we move a single tooth, we need to know exactly where we want to move it to.
Are you thinking about getting braces?
If you’d like to improve your smile but aren’t sure which treatment you need, we’d be delighted to help you.
At Varchi Dental Clinic in Sant Just Desvern, we carry out a comprehensive orthodontic assessment, including X-rays, photographs and digital scans, to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a fully personalised treatment plan.
Book your first appointment and find out what’s best for your smile.
