Orthodontic records with no molds taken

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#1 Post by **KatieGee** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:19 am

Hello, I'm a new member although I've been reading this board for some time now. I'm 36, have never worn braces before and will be getting braced in the next couple weeks (super excited!!!). I have to get some fillings redone at the dentist first.

I have a quick question about records taking. I called my treatment coordinator this morning to make my records appointment and when I asked how long it would take, she said about 15 mins and that if I wanted to, I could get braced the same day. I was surprised because from my research and consultations with other orthodontists, I was under the impression that records would take about 2 hours. As she explained things to me, I discovered that no molds will be taken during my records appointment.

I consulted 4 orthodontists before deciding on this one and I feel really confident about his ability so I'm not actually worried about the lack of molds if that is how he works. However, I am curious, has anyone else had this experience of no molds taken during records?

Thanks!!

#2 Post by **jjs34748** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:30 am

My entire family is in treatment with the same Orthodontist and none of us had molds taken during records. Some orthos just don't get them at start of treatment i guess. Molds will be taken at the end of treatment for retainers though. As a matter of fact, I did get braced the same day my records appointment.

#3 Post by **drrick** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:08 am

Most docs do take impressions/models for diagnostic records. THere are some who do not but they are in the minority.

#4 Post by **KatieGee** » Mon May 17, 2010 2:27 pm

Thanks so much jj34748 and drrick for your replies. Good to know that my orthodontist is not doing anything unusual even though he is in the minority! The treatment coordinator did say that molds would be taken after the braces came off which is consistent with what you've experienced, jjs34748.

Thanks again.

#5 Post by **leannaaker** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:50 pm

I didn't have molds taken, because my ortho has a 3D x-ray machine (even better than the panoramic x-ray). I wouldn't worry.

#6 Post by **browneyedgrl** » Tue May 18, 2010 4:03 am

I had my records done the day I got braced which didn't include impressions. I had an upper impression done 5 weeks before my braces came off for my upper retainer.

B

#7 Post by **drrick** » Tue May 18, 2010 7:55 am

How many of you got braces on the same day you had the reocrds taken?

#8 Post by **Snowglobe32** » Tue May 18, 2010 7:40 pm

drrick wrote:How many of you got braces on the same day you had the reocrds taken?

Not me. If my ortho suggested this, I would definitely question it.

#9 Post by **yj207** » Wed May 19, 2010 12:39 am

They had to examine my x-rays before braces were put on. I had to make the appt for consult. Another appointment for records, molds. Another for braces to be put on. They made me wait because the ortho wanted to examine my x-rays and molds to determine if I needed extractions. Also my bite was pretty messed up so it wasn't a simple case of just straightening teeth. Some people who have normal bite and crooked teeth probably don't need molds, just my assumption.

#10 Post by **alibracket** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:20 am

I got mine put on the same day as the consultation. I had the option to come back to have them put on but I figured why come back (especially since I didnt have a car and he was within walking distance and accepted my insurance). They took xrays and photos- that was pretty much it. He mentioned that if he saw something on the xray then he would take molds.

At the time I didnt know about archwired or braces. I probably would have spent a little more time and asked way more questions, however Atlanta has very few orthodontists that are accessible without a car.

Having said all that, I am pretty happy with the guy I chose. I would recommend him. He and his staff are responsive and efficient. The location is clean and bright. My teeth look and feel great.

So basically if I had to go back and do it over, I would do it differently, but I dont regret choosing him as my ortho.

#11 Post by **llehsal** » Wed May 19, 2010 11:24 am

I visited 3 orthos. All with different ways of operating. One offered to have the records (including moulds) taken on the same day I would put in the braces, the other gave me another appointment for the records and then another appointment for the braces to be put in. The last one (who i will be going with), was three appointments, the consult with records taken, the other for my prognosis, and finally to get the braces on (June 8th, 2010).

So I guess different orthos have different methods. BTW, all the orthos I went to are highly recognised in Trinidad (Caribbean) with tonnes of clients and great results. I had to wait months to see each of them. So no need to be toooooo alarmed

#12 Post by **drrick** » Wed May 19, 2010 11:56 am

My personal concern with taking records and bracketing the same day is how do you plan out the treatment of the casewhen you havent had time to study the records. Ortho isnt one size fits all. Of course every doc will do it differently but that is my concern.

#13 Post by **KatieGee** » Wed May 19, 2010 12:45 pm

drrick wrote:My personal concern with taking records and bracketing the same day is how do you plan out the treatment of the casewhen you havent had time to study the records. Ortho isnt one size fits all. Of course every doc will do it differently but that is my concern.

Thanks drrick. I should clarify that during my first free consultation with my ortho, the treatment coordinator took panoramic x-rays and another type of x-ray, I'm not sure what it is called. She also took digital pictures of my face (front and side profile) and pictures of my teeth using those plastic things that stretch open your mouth. My ortho then went over the x-rays and pictures with me and after that he examined my teeth to take measurements, my bite etc. He gave the information to the treatment coordinator and then talked to me about seeing a dentist for a general check up as well as to examine some teeth that he was concerned about.

For those who have had their records taken with moulds, I am curious to know exactly what was taken during diagnostic records? I am wondering what additional records were taken, apart from moulds, which my ortho has not carried out.

#14 Post by **Snowglobe32** » Wed May 19, 2010 1:43 pm

KatieGee wrote:
For those who have had their records taken with moulds, I am curious to know exactly what was taken during diagnostic records? I am wondering what additional records were taken, apart from moulds, which my ortho has not carried out.

I had molds taken at the ortho, then went to get the xrays and photos taken, all in the same morning. I came back two weeks later. For me, the molds provided a better visual when they were explaining the treatment plans. It is an actual model of my teeth, versus looking at the x-rays. It sounds like you had everthing but molds.

#15 Post by **llehsal** » Wed May 19, 2010 4:59 pm

Similiar to Snowglobe....I had moulds , pictures and Xrays taken on the same morning....and i had to go back two weeks later for diagnosis. Also, I had to fill out a form and they did as well, regarding my past (thumb sucking, gum disease etc)...