Ready for a New Smile? 6 Steps to Your First Orthodontic Consultation
- songkhunmorjudfun
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Deciding to get an orthodontic treatment is a significant step toward a beautiful smile and better oral health. However, many people may wonder, “Where do I begin?” or “What should I expect during my first consultation?” This article will guide you through the process, from the very beginning until you receive advice from the orthodontist, so you can feel confident and prepared.

Contact the clinic
The easiest first step is to call, message, or visit a clinic to state that you "would like an orthodontic consultation." You can then schedule a convenient date and time for your appointment.
Fill Out the Pre-Consultation Form
The staff will ask you to complete a questionnaire to gather basic information about your oral health, such as your dental history, any drug allergies, or specific concerns you may have. This information will be extremely useful for planning your treatment.
Take Extraoral and Intraoral Photos
Taking photos is crucial for orthodontic treatment. These photos serve as essential baseline data for orthodontists to evaluate, effectively plan the treatment, and communicate with patients.
Intraoral Photos: These provide detailed information about the characteristics of each tooth, tooth alignment, occlusion, and the condition of the gums and oral tissues. They help the orthodontist identify issues like crowding, spacing, crossbites, or open bites, and accurately plan the placement of orthodontic appliances.
Portrait Photos: These are used to evaluate facial symmetry, the relationship between the lips and teeth, and the prominence of the chin and cheekbones. This information is key to planning tooth movement that results in an aesthetically pleasing and balanced overall facial profile.
Smile Photos: These help the orthodontist design a beautiful smile that is balanced with the patient's overall facial features. Smile photos provide several necessary pieces of information. The orthodontist will use these images to evaluate the relationship between the teeth and lips, or inadequate tooth show is visible when smiling.

Take X-rays
Taking X-rays is an essential step in an orthodontic consultation because they reveal the structure of the jaws, the position of unerupted teeth (like wisdom teeth), and the tooth roots. This allows the orthodontist to make a more accurate diagnosis. The necessary X-rays taken before orthodontic treatment include:
Panoramic X-ray: This is a 2D image that provides a comprehensive view of all teeth, from the front teeth to the very back molars, making it easy to see the total number of teeth. It also captures both the upper and lower jaws, as well as the jaw joints, giving a wide-angle view of your entire mouth.

Cephalometric X-ray: This is a 2D side-view image of the head that helps the orthodontist see the relationship between the bone structure and the soft tissues of the face. It is used to analyze the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, the alignment of the teeth, the overall facial profile, and position of the lips in relationship with nose and chin ( E-line).

3D X-ray (3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography - CBCT): In some complex cases, such as when there are impacted teeth, wisdom teeth located near nerves, or abnormalities in the jaw joint, the orthodontist may consider using a 3D X-ray (CBCT). This provides the orthodontist with a precise view of the exact position of the teeth and roots, the thickness of the bone in specific areas, and the relationship to important structures such as the sinus, nerves, and blood vessels.

3D Intraoral Scanning
Many modern clinics have adopted 3D dental scanning technology, which is a more convenient and faster method than traditional dental impressions. The data from the scan creates a virtual model of your teeth, allowing the orthodontist to analyze your bite in detail and simulate the treatment results so you can visualize.

Orthodontic Consultation with a Specialist
Once all the information is gathered, the orthodontist will analyze and summarize your dental issues. They will explain the treatment options that are right for you, including the types of orthodontic appliances (such as metal braces, Damon braces, or clear aligners), the treatment duration, and the treatment fee, so you can fully understand every step before making a decision.
For those who are unable to visit our clinic in person, our clinic offers Tele-Consult services, allowing you to schedule a consultation with us for your orthodontic needs no matter where you are.
At SKM Dental Clinic, we are ready to provide a free consultation to ensure you receive accurate information and can choose the treatment that is best for you. If you are looking for an orthodontic clinic that is skilled and attentive to every detail, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US AND SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION !
📞 Contact us
Mittraphap Rd : 099 467 8789 or 094 262 8448
Klangmuang Rd : 099 171 7161 or 043 22227







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