First Appointment - Evaluation & Recommendation

The patient will have a thorough clinical evaluation. Dr. Karanth will determine if he or she will benefit from and is ready to start an orthodontic treatment. Recommendations on what type of appliances and approximate length of treatment will be made at this time. The patient will be scheduled for his or her second appointment, for establishing orthodontic records.

Dr. Karanth finds just the right time to start treatment and this keeps the time in braces or Invisalign as short as possible. We do not want anyone to wear braces longer than is necessary to obtain an ideal smile. If the right time is chosen to start Invisalign or braces, treatment times can be greatly reduced. The AAO recommends that your child get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. By this time, we can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That’s important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early.

If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. We will be able to give you an estimate of your costs at the first visit. You will be asked to fill out health forms, insurance information and consent for orthodontic treatment.

Second Appointment - Orthodontic Records

Orthodontic records include facial and dental photographs, models of the teeth, which are positioned on an articulator (jaw movement simulator), and low-radiation digital X-rays to view skeletal and dental structures. Dr. Karanth will carefully evaluate the diagnostic data and determine the best treatment plan. Treatment options and any special considerations will be reviewed with the patient and, in the case of a child, his or her parents. Then the patient is scheduled for placement of orthodontic appliances.

Third Appointment - Placement Of Orthodontic Appliances

This appointment to place the orthodontic appliances will depend on the treatment plan and appliance choice. Subsequent appointments will be scheduled according to the treatment plan.

Some severe problems need early treatment with a short first phase of six to nine months, followed by a second phase when all the permanent teeth have erupted at approximately age 12. Many patients can be treated in just one phase when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.