What to Expect on Your First Invisalign Consultation
29 September 2022
If you are planning on starting your Invisalign journey, you might have many questions such as “What will happen during my first Invisalign consultation? Do I need to prepare anything? Am I suitable for Invisalign? Can Invisalign solve my teeth concerns?”
To help you prepare for your first Invisalign consultation appointment, we bring you on a step-by-step journey and list down the important details that will take place during your first visit.
Your first Invisalign consultation will be divided into four main stages:
#1 Oral examination and consultation
As you might already be aware, every dental journey will start with a consultation and oral examination. It is good to note that undergoing an Invisalign treatment is not just about straightening your smile. Your dentist will examine your teeth condition to ensure that your teeth are ready prior to your Invisalign treatment. If a dental problem needs to be addressed first, your dentist will advise accordingly. For instance, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, an extraction will be recommended before starting your treatment.
During this stage, you should also discuss with your dentist if there are any specific teeth concerns that you want to address such as teeth grinding, buck teeth, or crooked teeth. Your dentist will focus on various aspects such as your facial profile, bone structure, and jaw function to ensure that you experience the best possible result in the long run.
Ultimately, this important stage helps your dentist and yourself understand your dental conditions better.
#2 Photos from different angles
A picture speaks a thousand words and with a few baseline photos, your dentist will be able to establish and access your current teeth condition in your mouth.
Your dentist will take pictures from different angles such as your front profile and side profiles. These photos are taken to show the relationship between your nose, lips and chin. Intraoral images (images taken within the mouth) will also be taken to help your dentist have a clear reference of your pearly whites. This gives your dentist a better picture of your gum and teeth condition too.
#3 X-rays for a better view
Through X-rays, your dentist will be able to have a better picture of your facial skeletal structure, including your jawbone. That’s not all, images of your upper and lower teeth, including the roots of your teeth, will be captured during this stage too. These processes are done to identify any malformation and teeth issues, and to prevent missing out on any existing teeth conditions before proceeding with the Invisalign treatment. X-rays provide a more in-depth understanding of your dental condition as it helps to capture issues (if any) that are not visible to the naked eye such as root-related conditions.
A total of 4 X-rays of your head and teeth will be taken by your dentist. Let’s learn what they are:
- Periapical X-ray: This is an intraoral X-ray that will capture detailed images of your teeth and beyond. Periapical X-rays will be taken to show one portion of your teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. These images help your dentist to identify unusual changes to the root of your teeth as well as the bone structures surrounding them.
- Panoramic X-ray: As the name suggests, this X-ray will capture a 360° image of your entire mouth. That includes your teeth, temporomandibular joints as well as nasal area. This X-ray will give your dentist a good view of the position of your wisdom teeth as well as bone abnormalities, fractures and infections.
- Cephalometric X-ray: This X-ray captures your entire facial profile and skull. The image will reflect any concerns pertaining to your jaw and bite. With this, your dentist will also be able to measure any irregularities with regard to your facial profile.
- Planmeca Cone Beam CT X-ray: This X-ray takes 3D imaging of your mouth without any distortion and this makes it possible for your dentist to accurately identify any underlying dental concerns and create an appropriate treatment pathway.
#4 3D iTero Element scan
During your Invisalign consultation, your dentist will conduct a 3D scan using the iTero Element Intra-Oral Scanner to capture a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums. This does not only make it more accurate, but it also helps to eliminate the uncomfortable experience of biting into a putty!
With this iTero Element Scanner, your dentist will be able to use the 3D model to work out the details of your Invisalign treatment. You will be able to get started on your treatment faster, and even have a simulation of how your teeth would look like before committing to the Invisalign treatment!
The Cost of Your First Invisalign Consultation
The four stages above will give you a complete first Invisalign consultation. The package costs $237.60 (including GST) and includes:
- Consultations with our Invisalign accredited dentist,
- 4 X-rays,
- A 3D scan using iTero to capture an accurate 3D image of your teeth,
Has Invisalign been on your mind? Schedule your first consultation with i.Dental and speak to one of our Invisalign accredited dentists to get started on your Invisalign journey.