My orthodontist didn't make a molding on my teeth, but still put the braces on. should i be concerned?

Not sure: There is technology available that can take computerized molds of your mouth without the need for taking actual physical molds. Maybe this is what your orthodontist did or maybe molds were taken and you were unaware. Ask your orthodontist.

I don't know: It depends on their methodology for how they diagnosed your bite and how they came up with a plan to fix it. I would ask them why or why not they would take models of somebody's teeth prior to treatment.

Depends on your case: Not necessarily. The typical practice for years has been to obtain orthodontic models for every case prior to the start of treatment. With the advent of new digital radiography as well as digital photography some orthodontist choose not to take models. In my practice i continue to obtain models in addition to the digital photos and radiographs. .

No: Models of teeth are becoming much less useful as digital technology is integrated into treatment.

No: With the advent of newer digital imaging technology and the quality of our diagnostic records it is very common for a normal orthodontic case to forego the plaster models. It is a matter of personal choice for each doctor, but it is not "wrong". I still use models for very complicated or surgical cases. I predict that within 5-7 years it will be phased out altogether. Such is progress!

Just ask: Although study models are typically taken as part of the diagnostic process; however, there may be a specific reason they were not done in your case. Just ask the orthodontist to see what those reasons were in your case.

Yes: According to the american board of orthodontics to accurately diagnose a case, models or digital models are required. Cephalometric radiographs with tracing and analysis is also necessary as well as a panoramic radiograph. Photos of the face smiling, lips closed, and profile are also necessary, as are photos of the teeth biting and pictures of the biting surfaces of the top and bottom teeth.

No: Initial molds are for his records and diagnosis. He likely diagnosed your malocclusion by looking in your mouth rather than taking molds. Don't be concerned about this.

Not necessarily: Assuming that you are seeing a qualified orthodontist who only does ortho rx, i would not be concerned. Orthodontic study models are required as part of any orthodontic evaluation, but the orthodontist may have done digital models by scanning images of your teeth into a computer.

No: They likely have photos and x-rays and may have even taken a digital mold (newer technology). You can ask them why, but i would not be concerned.

Probably not.: Normal protocol is to make a mold to diagnose the orthodontic problems and have a record of the starting point. However if there are adequate photos and the ortho issues are mild or minimal there should not be a problem.

Ortho study models: The standard of care for a complete evaluation of your teeth when considering comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes study models accomplished with the "molding of your teeth.". Perhaps your condition was so simple as to not require a comprehensive evaluation.