In such cases, orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery can achieve dramatic improvements. This section explains the various stages of a normal course of orthodontic treatment. The first consultation During this visit the patient is examined clinically. This enables the orthodontist to give advice on the treatment options available, when treatment should commence, the duration of treatment, and the approximate cost. If the patient decides to proceed with treatment, an appointment is made to collect records.
Records allow the orthodontist to analyse each case accurately.
They are also used to record the existing malocclusion for future reference. Then, arrangements are made to commence treatment or, if it is too early, to review the patient periodically until it is an appropriate time to commence treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth to gain sufficient space to align the remaining teeth. Any decayed teeth should be filled and the teeth sometimes need to be cleaned before orthodontic treatment is started. The patient is referred back to the family dentist to have these preliminary procedures carried out.