The first appointment with the orthodontist: what happens
Looked at, measured, discussed – no treatment happens on this day yet.
The first appointment is for assessment, not for treatment. Nothing is bonded and nothing is fitted. Knowing this, you go in calmer – and so does your child.
What happens
A conversation about the reason for the visit, previous illnesses and habits. Then the examination: tooth position, how the teeth mesh when biting, mobility of the lower jaw, jaw joints. This is often followed by impressions or a digital scan, photos of the face and teeth and a panoramic X-ray.
And afterwards
From these records come the diagnosis and, if treatment is to go ahead, the treatment plan with the KIG classification, the expected duration and the costs. It goes to the statutory health insurance. Treatment only begins after their approval – that takes a few weeks.
How to prepare your child
Say what will happen, and leave out negations. “That won't hurt” is what first plants the idea that it could hurt. Better: “Today someone is going to take a close look at your teeth and take pictures of them.” And do not promise anything you do not know – for instance, that there will be no brace.
What to bring
Insurance card, any existing X-rays from your family dentist, a list of medications and notes on allergies. And your questions – written down, otherwise they come back to you in the car park.
The essentials at a glance
- The first appointment is for assessment. Nothing is bonded and nothing is fitted.
- Impressions or a scan, photos and usually a panoramic X-ray are made.
- From these records comes the treatment plan, which must first be approved by the statutory health insurance.
- Prepare children without negations: say what will happen instead of assuring them that nothing will hurt.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
No. Nothing is operated on and no anaesthesia is given. A normal appointment, to which you come well fed and rested.
For treatment planning, yes. Without an image, nobody knows which teeth are present, where they lie and how much bone supports them. Existing images from your family dentist can be brought along and save taking a new one.
Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether impressions and images are taken at the same time. Discussing the finished plan is often a second, shorter appointment.
For those with statutory health insurance, the examination is covered. Additional services – such as a three-dimensional image or a digital scan instead of impressions – can be charged privately and should be discussed beforehand.