Orthodontic Records

 

The Cephalogram details the patient’s dental occlusion (bite) and the relationship between the occlusion and their skeletal structure. It is a full skull x-ray of a patient’s profile. Digitally tracing the Cephalogram, Dr. Minars will create a Cephalometric tracing in which he makes different measurements, both linear and angular, to determine the position of the jaws and teeth. He can then determine the appropriate orthodontic treatment plan that will result in the most attractive and functional facial harmony.

Panoramic X-Rays

The panoramic x-ray is a single x-ray that details all of a patient’s teeth and their relationship to each other. This is an important image that will help Dr. Minars determine the appropriate treatment required.

Impressions of the Teeth 
  

Plaster casts from impressions create a lasting record that is not only beneficial in determining and providing the appropriate treatment but also a tremendous before and after tool that dramatically reminds patients of the progress they’ve made toward the desired end result.

When taking orthodontic records, we have a special room in our office for each individual x-ray. Lead aprons are placed on the patient to minimize x-ray radiation. In fact, the amount of x-ray radiation is negligible. The orthodontic records are reviewed by the doctor prior to the start of treatment to ensure that the best treatment plan is determined for each patient.

 Facial and Intraoral Photography

 We fully document, through digital photography, each new patient’s pre-treatment facial and intraoral condition in three views and teeth in five views.

During your initial visit and exam, photographs will be taken of your teeth and face and placed on a computer for the patient and family member to see during the exam. During the initial visit, we thoroughly document a patient’s occlusion (bite), overall dental condition, and the relationship between their teeth and their skeletal structure. With this information, a temporary orthodontic treatment plan will be formulated. In order to get a proper diagnosis, full diagnostic records must be taken and reviewed so that Dr. Minars has a comprehensive understanding of your child’s orthodontic problems.

Diagnostic records consist of:

• An x-ray of the patient’s head (cephalogram)
• An x-ray of the patient’s jaws and teeth (panorex)
• Facial photographs and intraoral photographs
• Impressions of the teeth. These orthodontic records are used to document the diagnosis and plan the orthodontic treatment needed for each patient