During your first visit, a set of diagnostic records will be made to determine the nature of your problem and what can be done to correct it. After processing and analyzing these records, we will meet you to discuss your treatment options. The following explains the individual records that may be taken and their purpose.
Photographs
Frontal and profile facial photographs are an essential part of the overall planning of the case. These images serve as visual aids for bony and soft tissue analysis so that the facial aspects of treatment can be thoroughly evaluated. Photographs of the teeth will also be taken to provide an accurate record of the mouth at the time treatment begins.
Cephalometric radiograph
This side view radiograph of the face allows us to compare your tooth and jaw relationships to normal or ideal measurements. Computerized analysis permits the prediction of planned bone movements and resulting soft tissue response through the merger of the facial pictures with the cephalometric radiograph.
Panoramic radiograph
The panoramic radiograph is a composite view of the teeth as well as both jaws. In one film, it shows us if you have the normal number of teeth, wisdom teeth, or impacted teeth.
Dental models
Dental models will be used to study the problems that exist at the beginning of the treatment and are used for reference during pre-treatment planning.
Optional: Cone-beam CT
A new software has been developed by Medicim in Belgium, called Maxilim. Using the Maxilim software we can make virtual incisions to move the jaws and chin as planned, then show the potential result to the patient. Small corrections can be made on the computer during the consultation.
If the patient likes the result, we send the data to Belgium. After a week, we receive a set of acrylic templates that will enable the surgeons to follow the computer plans precisely during the actual procedure.
The use of Maxilim software permits us to predict the facial changes which you might expect with treatment. To be able to do this, a conebeam CT scan will need to be taken. A conebeam CT has the advantage of extremely low radiation dosage plus the fact that the patient is in a sitting position, which gives a more natural appearance of the soft tissues. Please note that the use of Maxilim is not standard and will increase the cost of your treatment.
