What should I expect to happen at the first visit?

We enjoy talking with new patients about their orthodontic concerns and we understand that each patient has different health needs, aesthetic goals and expectations in regard to orthodontic treatment. At your first visit, we have set aside special time to address your thoughts and concerns regarding orthodontic treatment. Please allow about one hour for your first appointment.

Once you have called our office and made an appointment for your first visit, a packet of information will be sent to you with information about our office and the examination appointment. A health history form and a brochure that includes a map will also be provided. We request that you complete the health history form at home and bring it with you to the first appointment.

During the first appointment, several important things will happen. You will be greeted at the front desk by our scheduling coordinators. Next, you will meet our treatment coordinator who will take digital photographs of your teeth and profile. Our patients love to see their photographs on the computer, and the photographs help us at the exam to provide you a clear picture of many orthodontic issues and concerns.

A treatment coordinator will review your health history, any current or potential orthodontic problems and your concerns about your teeth and/or smile. That way, we can properly address your individual needs.

Dr. Alborzi will then conduct a thorough examination of your face, mouth, teeth and jaws to determine the basic nature of your problem.

After the initial exam, we will be able to answer many of your questions, though not all. If orthodontic treatment is indicated at this time, Dr. Alborzi will need additional information to formulate a treatment plan. We will need a complete set of diagnostic orthodontic records (study models and X-rays) before we can have you back in for a consultation appointment.

This complete set of diagnostic records will allow Dr. Alborzi to thoroughly diagnose and plan the personalized treatment you or your child will need. The records also serve as documentation of your teeth, lips and profile when treatment is initiated.

What diagnostic records are typically needed before Dr. Alborzi can plan orthodontic treatment for my child or myself?


Study Models

In our office, we will take molds of your teeth, from which plaster models are made.

The diagnostic study models that Dr. Alborzi will need can usually be done immediately following the examination appointment, or if you prefer, you can return on another day to have the impressions taken.

X-rays

All X-rays needed are taken at a modern X-ray laboratory in San Mateo.

(If you have had a panorex or full mouth X-ray taken in the last year, we will request a copy from your general dentist prior to your first appointment.)

Panorex

A panoramic radiograph reveals the position of both erupted and unerupted teeth, missing or extra teeth, the general condition of the bone and supporting tissue, as well as any possible decay.

Cephalometic Radiograph

This X-ray is a picture of the side of the head. It is traced and measured to illustrate the outline of the nose, lips and chin; how the upper and lower jaw is related to the head; and how the front teeth are related to the jaw.

Tomographic Radiograph

Tomographic X-rays are taken so that we can evaluate the health and position of the jaw joint prior to orthodontic treatment.

Extraoral Photos

Extraoral photos consist of a relaxed and a smiling frontal picture of the face and a picture of the profile. The photos help us evaluate facial balance and soft tissue contours.

Intraoral Photos

Photos in the mouth help us evaluate the appearance and condition of the enamel and gingival tissues.

What happens next?

The Consultation Appointment

A consultation appointment is usually scheduled one to two weeks after all the records have been gathered. Once Dr. Alborzi reviews the diagnostic models and X-rays, she will thoroughly plan your orthodontic care and any treatment options that you should consider.

At the consultation appointment, our treatment coordinator will fully explain the nature and extent of your orthodontic needs, Dr. Alborzi's plan of treatment and the best timing of treatment. This appointment is important because this is our opportunity to answer all your questions and to help you feel comfortable with the orthodontic process and the treatment plan outlined for you or your child.

If Dr. Alborzi feels this is the right time to begin orthodontic treatment, then our treatment coordinator will also review the cost of treatment, payment arrangements available to you, the appliances that will be necessary for your treatment and our appointment scheduling procedures.

What if treatment is not recommended at the Consultation appointment?

If treatment is not indicated at this time, we will schedule a recall appointment for you to come back in 3-12 months. We will monitor your child’s growth and dental development so we can start your child’s orthodontic care at the best time. Starting at the right time can minimize orthodontic treatment time and maximize our ability to use growth dental development to their orthodontic benefit. Typical reasons that we may not start immediately might be: waiting for the eruption of additional teeth, poor dental hygiene, the need for dental care or the need for a specialist consultation prior to initiating orthodontic treatment.

How long is a typical orthodontic treatment?

The length of treatment varies from patient to patient It depends on the severity of the bite, the degree of correction, your age, and the level of cooperation achieved. Most cases are completed between 18-24 months. We are constantly reviewing treatment progress and welcome the opportunity to update you regarding you or your child’s treatment.

Please don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Alborzi when you are in for your regularly scheduled appointment.

What is my responsibility once the braces have been put on?

  1. Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings with your general or pediatric dentist at least every six months.
  2. Keep your scheduled visits in our office as outlined by your treatment needs. (Usually, you need to be seen every 4-10 weeks to monitor progress, advance treatment and check oral hygiene.)
  3. Keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  4. Follow all instructions with regard to appliance wear.

Successful orthodontic treatment is a team effort: patients, parents, staff and the orthodontist working together. Excellent orthodontic results can only be achieved with cooperative and informed patients and parents. The rewards are a beautiful smile, healthy teeth and a glow of confidence.