Orthodontic Evaluation

That makes an evaluation different from simply looking at a smile and recommending Invisalign or braces. Orthodontic treatment changes tooth position, so the plan needs to account for the bite, supporting gums and bone, existing dental work, and retention after treatment.

What Is Evaluated Before Orthodontic Treatment?

• Crowding, spacing, rotations, and individual tooth positions.
• How upper and lower teeth meet when you bite.
• Jaw and dental relationships relevant to the treatment problem.
• Gum health and supporting tissues around the teeth.
• Existing crowns, fillings, implants, missing teeth, or other restorative considerations.
• Previous orthodontic treatment and areas of relapse.
• Oral-hygiene conditions that may need improvement before active movement.

Which Orthodontic Records May Be Needed?

The records depend on the clinical question. Digital scans or impressions can document tooth position and bite. Photographs can record facial and dental relationships. Imaging may be used when it provides information needed for diagnosis, root position, supporting structures, development, or treatment planning.

More records are not automatically better. Each record should contribute information that affects diagnosis or the proposed movement plan.

From Findings to Treatment Objectives

A useful orthodontic plan describes what needs to change, not just which appliance will be used. Objectives might include creating or closing space, correcting rotations, improving selected bite relationships, coordinating tooth positions for restorative care, or recovering alignment after relapse.

Once the objectives are clear, the dentist can discuss which appliance systems can produce the required movements and what limitations apply.

Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

Clear aligners are removable and depend heavily on consistent wear. Traditional braces are fixed and use brackets and wires. Some cases can be treated with either approach, while others may be more predictable with a particular system or additional mechanics.

Patients interested in removable treatment can review Invisalign at Invisalign clear aligners, but the evaluation should determine whether aligners fit the required movements.

Why Gum Health Matters Before Moving Teeth

Active gum disease, poor plaque control, or inadequate supporting tissues can affect how and whether teeth should be moved. Periodontal treatment or coordination with another clinician may be appropriate before or during orthodontic care.

Treatment Planning Includes Retention

Retention should be considered before active treatment starts, not introduced as an afterthought when braces or aligners come off. Teeth can change position after treatment, so the plan should include how corrected positions will be maintained.