depending on what type of x-ray, for braces purpose they'll usually take and
1. OPG (Orthopantomogram) which is to see all your teeth and if there any unerupted teeth (usually wisdom), or any impacted teeth.
2. Lateral Cephalogram which is to see your facial bone structure to determine what class you're in which affects the treatment plan.

OPG can range from 80-250, depending on clinic price. Usually hospitals charge it cheaper. But you might need a referral letter for it
Lateral Ceph probably 80-150, again depending on the clinic

Be it a simple or complex case, dentists can only see in the mouth on the surface what is happening and the condition.
Any x ray helps to see whatever that is happening under the gums and helps to discover if there are any hidden issues as well.
As an example, someone has an impacted tooth, meaning the tooth does not come out and stays below the gum, if braces are done straight away, the impacted tooth might prevent other tooth from moving, may cause future periodontal problems etc.

In health care today, everyone wants to be able to predict the outcome and with all these investigation, it will help the dentist plan the treatment and inform the patient of the possible outcome.

Information is everything today, I believe if we as patients are well informed of the treatment outcome, compromise, we would be able to make the decision for ourselves

Basically the procedure is 10mins, the impression tray and the material (alginate) will be in your mouth for around 1-2mins for each jaw, so total time in your mouth probably less than 5 mins

Not much can be done unfortunately, during impression, dentist will probably ask you tilt your head down or forward to minimize the gag, raise your legs, breath through your nose to divert your attention on the gag

From your side, maybe you have to train your self not to gag too much, what you can do is insert ur toothbrush or something daily and practice, or if possible, request your dentist for the impression tray and practice it at home by putting into your mouth for a week or so.



This post has been edited by Batusai: Dec 26 2018, 12:25 PM