Treatments | Orthodonic Records | Treatment Results
Prior to initiating any type of orthodontic treatment, diagnostic records need to be taken. The reason the doctor requires diagnostic records is to determine the best treatment plan for the patient. Every patient has a different skeletal makeup and dental makeup. The doctor will study all of the required records using many measurements and considerations before carefully planning the treatment plan to be proposed.
Dental Impressions – Dental impressions, also known as alginate impressions, are used to obtain an accurate replica of a patient’s mouth. Models of the mouth are made by pouring stone into the set impression material. These study models are used by the doctor to study the current position of the patient’s teeth, and predict the future relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Study models are also used as a permanent record by the orthodontist, kept on file as part of your patient records.
Panoramic X-Ray – Also known as panorex or pano, this x-ray is two-dimensional and displays both the upper and lower jaws and teeth, in the same film. A panoramic x-ray is useful because the orthodontist is able to see the developing teeth, and predict when and where they will erupt in the mouth. Patients that are considering orthodontic treatment will typically have his x-ray taken for the orthodontist to see the current health and level of the jawbone.
Cephalometric X-Ray – The cephalometric x-ray, or ceph, is an x-ray that captures the side profile of the patient, from the top of their head to just below the tip of the chin. The ceph not only includes the teeth and bone, soft tissues are also distinguishable, which helps the orthodontist predict how the bone structure will change during orthodontic treatment.
Intraoral and Extraoral Photos – Intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth) photos are taken of the patients teeth and face. These photos are used to determine the current external classification of the patient’s profile, as well as a permanent record kept on file as a part of the patient’s dental records.
When the orthodontist has obtained the completed records, all potential treatment options are recorded into the patient’s file. Most orthodontists will have a consultation with the patient and/or the parents or guardians, to discuss the potential treatment options. At this consultation, the final treatment plan is agreed upon and the appropriate appointments are made to begin the orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic records may be taken at different intervals during orthodontic treatment to monitor the patient’s progress, and when orthodontic treatment has been completed, to keep as part of the patient’s permanent dental records.
