Diagnostics Before Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment does not begin with braces or aligners. It begins with diagnostics. This is the stage at which the iOrtho orthodontist gets the full picture: how the teeth and their roots are positioned, how the jaws relate to each other, and what condition the bone and the joint are in. Without this data any treatment plan is built on assumptions, and the patient does not understand what will happen over the coming months or why.

What the orthodontist evaluates during diagnostics

A comprehensive examination answers several key questions, each of which directly affects the choice of method and the length of treatment.

• Position of teeth and roots. Angle of inclination, rotation, impacted (unerupted) teeth, distance between roots.
• Relationship of the jaws. Type of bite and any skeletal discrepancy that cannot be seen from the teeth alone.
• Condition of the bone. Density, height and volume of bone, which determine how safely teeth can be moved.
• Function of the temporomandibular joint. Assessed when there are complaints of clicking, pain or limited mouth opening.
• Aesthetics of the smile and face. Proportions, symmetry, lip position at rest and when smiling.

Why this stage cannot be skipped

At first glance it seems an experienced doctor only needs to look. But many important things are hidden from view: the roots of the teeth, bone thickness, the position of wisdom tooth buds, the state of the joint. If treatment starts without a full examination, the risks are considerably higher:

• teeth are moved into an area of thin bone, causing gum recession or exposed roots;
• the plan ignores the skeletal cause of the problem, and the result turns out to be unstable;
• joint problems that were not identified in advance flare up during treatment;
• the timeline and scope of treatment have to be revised along the way, prolonging the whole process.

Full diagnostics is not a formality but a way to make treatment predictable. The patient sees where the journey begins and what the result will be, and the doctor has grounds for every decision.

What is included in diagnostics at iOrtho

Examination and photo protocol

The doctor examines the mouth, assesses the condition of the teeth and gums, oral hygiene and the way the teeth close together. A series of standardised images of the face and dental arches is then taken. The photo protocol is used to analyse aesthetics and to compare "before" and "after" at every stage.

Computed tomography

Cone-beam CT shows teeth, roots and bone in three dimensions. It is used to assess bone volume, the position of impacted teeth, the condition of the roots and, when necessary, the joints. CT is prescribed when indicated, but when significant tooth movement is planned it is indispensable.

3D scanning of the dental arches

An intraoral scanner replaces unpleasant impressions: in a few minutes it creates an accurate digital model of both jaws. On this model the doctor measures the space deficit and analyses arch form and occlusion.

Virtual setup

If aligner treatment is planned, a virtual setup is built from the scan: a step-by-step 3D model of tooth movement from the current position to the planned one. The patient sees the future result in advance, and the doctor checks whether the plan is realistic and how many aligners will be needed.

Calculation and treatment plan

At the final stage the iOrtho orthodontist brings all the data together: establishes the diagnosis, chooses the system (braces or aligners), decides whether extractions or additional appliances are needed, and draws up a plan with an approximate timeline. Only after this can the cost of treatment be stated precisely.

How to prepare for diagnostics

1. Bring any previous X-rays or scans if you have them; they help assess how things have changed over time.
2. Tell the doctor about your complaints: joint clicking, headaches, tooth wear, a habit of clenching.
3. If you have active decay or gum inflammation, it is best to treat them before orthodontic treatment begins.

Diagnostics takes one or two visits, and its results become the foundation for the entire journey ahead. At iOrtho in Yerevan we do not start treatment until we have the full picture; this is the main condition for a predictable and stable result.