Short answer: There is no mandatory list of documents for the first orthodontic examination; however, bringing your old X-rays if you have them, information on dental treatments done before, a list of the medication you use and the questions you want to ask the dentist makes the examination more productive. Anything that is missing can be completed at our clinic during the examination.
Things you can have with you
- Old X-rays and images: If you have a panoramic X-ray, cephalometric film or photographs of the inside of the mouth taken before, you can bring them. If not, the necessary records are taken at the clinic if needed.
- Information on previous orthodontic treatment: If you used braces or aligners before, it helps to remember when it ended and whether you used a retainer.
- A note on dental treatments: A history of root canal treatment, implants, bridges, crowns or extractions can affect the plan.
- Medication and health information: Medication you use regularly, your allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding status and chronic conditions.
- Identity and contact details: Needed for registration. For foreign patients, general information is available on the page insurance and orthodontic documents.
Write down the questions you want to ask the dentist
It is easy to forget the questions on your mind during the examination. Making a note on your phone or on a piece of paper is useful. For example:
- What treatment options can be discussed in my case?
- What does the estimated time depend on?
- How many check-ups are needed at which stage?
- What will I need to change in my daily life during treatment?
For another list you can use in the decision process, you can look at our article braces or clear aligners: questions to ask the dentist.
What happens at the examination?
The first examination generally consists of the following steps:
- Listening to your complaints and expectations
- Examination of the teeth, gums and jaw joint
- If needed, X-rays, photographs or a digital scan inside the mouth
- Assessing the findings together and explaining the options
For the general flow, you can look at our page on the first orthodontic examination. Additional records are sometimes needed in this consultation; for this reason it is good to set aside enough time for the examination.
If you are coming with your child
- Explain the examination to the child in simple terms; saying “someone will look at your teeth” is enough.
- Note down your observations such as baby tooth loss, thumb sucking and mouth breathing.
- If the child has been to a dentist before, bring any records.
For the age at which to apply and early assessment, you can look at the page on early orthodontic treatment.
If you are coming from out of town or from abroad
If you have been treated elsewhere, bringing your plan file, information on the aligners you used or your dentist’s notes makes it easier to understand the plan for continuing. On this subject, the page on continuing Invisalign treatment started abroad in Ankara and the page for patients coming from out of town may guide you.
Practical tips for the day of the examination
- Brush your teeth before the examination and, if possible, use floss.
- If you have an appliance, aligner or retainer in use, bring it with you.
- Arrive a few minutes early for the appointment.
- Having someone close to you accompany you can help in the decision process.
What can happen after the examination?
After the records have been examined, the dentist shares the findings with you and, if appropriate, explains more than one option. In some cases it is normal to take time to think before deciding, to ask for a copy of the records or to plan another consultation to ask further questions. Treatment starts only with your approval and once the plan has become clear.
- Digital scan results can be reviewed together on screen.
- If needed, joint planning with other branches of dentistry can be done; for example for a gum, implant or filling need.
- If treatment is not needed, or if waiting for a while is suitable, this is also told to you openly.
For points you can look at when choosing a dentist, you can use the page on what to look for when choosing a dentist.
Keep this in mind while preparing
The purpose of preparing is not to tire you but to make sure you do not forget an important piece of information in the consultation. Not being able to find a document does not prevent the examination. Telling us as much as you remember is often enough for the rest to be completed together by the dentist and the team. Telling the dentist openly about any points that remain unclear during the examination also makes the assessment easier.
A short checklist for appointment preparation
- I have gathered my old X-rays and treatment notes.
- I have written down my medication and allergy information.
- I have noted the questions I want to ask.
- I have taken my appliance with me, if I have one.
- I have allowed time for travel and parking; for directions I can look at our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
If I do not have an X-ray, can I not come to the examination?
You can come. The necessary images can be taken at the clinic according to the dentist’s assessment.
Does treatment start at the first examination?
The first examination is generally for assessment and information. Whether treatment will start is determined after the records have been examined and by your decision.
Should I come to the examination on an empty stomach?
No; you do not need to fast for an orthodontic examination. Even so, it is appropriate to come having paid attention to your oral hygiene.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
