What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation

An orthodontic consultation is a structured diagnostic appointment, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes, designed to gather, organize, and interpret clinical information relevant to occlusal and skeletal relationships relative to growth and functional influences, within the context of the patient’s dental and medical history. The purpose of the visit is to establish an accurate diagnostic understanding and determine appropriate next steps based on clinical findings.

Review of Medical and Dental History

The consultation begins with review of relevant medical and dental history, including growth and development, prior dental or orthodontic care, and persistent oral functions or habits that may influence diagnostic interpretation. Historical information provides essential context for understanding clinical findings and identifying biologic or practical constraints that may affect planning.

Clinical Examination

A focused clinical examination is performed to assess occlusion, alignment, jaw relationships, facial balance, and functional patterns observed at rest and during movement. Intraoral and extraoral findings are documented descriptively. The examination is observational and diagnostic in nature, aimed at identifying relationships and patterns rather than initiating care.

Diagnostic Records and Tests

Diagnostic records or tests may be obtained as part of the consultation process. These may include photographs, digital scans, or radiographic imaging selected according to the clinical question being evaluated. Records support diagnostic accuracy by clarifying observed relationships and confirming clinical findings.

Interpretation of Findings and Determination of Next Steps

Clinical findings are interpreted as a whole, taking into account history, examination findings, and diagnostic records. The consultation concludes with identification of next steps based on the diagnostic context.

Possible Outcomes of an Orthodontic Consultation

Following completion of the diagnostic assessment, the consultation may conclude with one of several outcomes. These include recommendation for orthodontic care, planned review or observation, referral or coordination with other providers, or absence of a treatment recommendation. The appropriate outcome is determined by clinical findings and diagnostic context.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Consultations

What is the purpose of an orthodontic consultation?

An orthodontic consultation is intended to establish an accurate diagnostic understanding of occlusal and skeletal relationships and to determine appropriate next steps based on clinical findings.

Does an orthodontic consultation always lead to treatment?

No. A consultation may conclude with treatment recommendation, monitoring, referral, or no treatment recommendation, depending on the diagnostic findings.

Who conducts the orthodontic consultation?

Orthodontic consultations are conducted by a registered orthodontic specialist.

What information is reviewed during a consultation?

Information reviewed may include medical and dental history, clinical examination findings, and diagnostic records obtained during or prior to the visit.

Can a consultation result in monitoring instead of treatment?

Yes. Monitoring may be recommended when current diagnostic findings do not support orthodontic intervention. Planned review is used to reassess changes in occlusal, skeletal, or functional findings over time and to initiate treatment only if and when intervention becomes clinically appropriate.

Related Reading

For a deeper discussion of how consultation findings are interpreted and how decisions are made after an orthodontic consultation, you may find the following articles helpful.

Do All Orthodontic Consultations Lead to Treatment?

This article examines the possible outcomes following an orthodontic consultation, including when treatment is recommended, when monitoring or referral is appropriate, and when no orthodontic intervention represents the most appropriate course of care based on diagnostic findings.

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