You should see a dentist before scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. This step ensures the health of your mouth is stable before any specialized alignment procedures start. Attempting to move teeth in an unhealthy environment can lead to significant complications. Your general dentist confirms your mouth is ready for the forces and appliances involved in orthodontic therapy, which can save time and money by preventing the need to pause treatment later for emergency dental work.
Distinguishing the Roles of Dentists and Orthodontists
The need to see a dentist first stems from the distinct scopes of practice. A general dentist focuses on preventative care and overall oral health. Their practice encompasses regular cleanings, fillings for cavities, treatment of gum disease, and restorative work on damaged teeth. They function as the primary medical provider for your teeth, gums, and supporting oral structures.
An orthodontist is a specialist who completes an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school. This post-graduate education focuses exclusively on the alignment of teeth and jaws, known as malocclusions. Their expertise lies in the controlled movement of teeth using appliances like braces, clear aligners, and retainers to improve function and aesthetics. The orthodontist’s role is narrowly focused on structural correction, not general maintenance.
The Mandatory Pre-Orthodontic Dental Clearance
The dentist visit before starting alignment is formalized as the “dental clearance,” which ensures patient safety and treatment efficacy. This clearance confirms the absence of active pathology that could be exacerbated by orthodontic forces. The dentist checks for untreated dental caries (cavities), which must be filled before treatment begins. Placing brackets or aligners over existing decay makes cleaning difficult and allows the decay to progress rapidly.
The dentist also checks for active periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease causes inflammation and bone loss, and orthodontic forces can accelerate this destruction. Moving teeth requires a healthy, stable bone structure; if the gums are unhealthy, teeth can become mobile or sustain irreversible damage. The dentist performs a professional cleaning to remove calculus and plaque, ensuring the teeth start the alignment journey on a clean surface. In some cases, the dentist may perform necessary extractions to create space according to the future orthodontic treatment plan.
Navigating the Orthodontic Consultation
Once your general dentist provides clearance, you can proceed to the orthodontic consultation. This appointment focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning specific to your bite and alignment issues. The orthodontist captures detailed diagnostic records that go beyond a typical dental check-up.
These records include specialized imaging and documentation:
- Specialized X-rays, such as a panoramic radiograph and a lateral cephalogram to assess the jaw and facial bone structure.
- Digital intraoral scans to create a precise 3D model of your teeth.
- Clinical photographs to document the facial profile and tooth alignment before treatment begins.
The orthodontist uses these records to formulate a precise treatment strategy, discussing options like traditional braces or clear aligners, the anticipated timeline, and the financial investment.