QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ORTHODONTIST

Orthodontists are trained dental professionals who offer orthodontic solutions for problems like malocclusions and jaw irregularities while restoring the teeth to their original health and function. It’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is only needed for children, but the fact of the matter is that people of all ages can benefit from orthodontics. And when it comes to visiting an orthodontist for the first time, a lot of people don’t know what to ask or discuss in order to help the dental professional come up with the most ideal orthodontic treatment option for the particular case.

Here are the top 5 questions that you should ask the orthodontist during your first visit:

Q#1: Is orthodontic treatment right for me?

This is the very first question that you need to ask your orthodontist as this will help determine if you are an eligible candidate for orthodontic treatment. A lot of people wonder if there is an age limit to benefit from orthodontics but you’ll be surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment isn’t only limited to children. Ask the orthodontist how frequently they treat adults with the particular dental problem you have and if possible, request them to share some details about successful orthodontic procedures performed at their clinic in the past.

Q#2: How frequently will I need to visit your office during the treatment?

You should understand that the frequency of dental visits required for the treatment varies from patient to patient. Typically, patients wearing braces need to visit the orthodontist once every five to ten or more weeks. But, if closer monitoring is needed, more frequent visits will have to be scheduled. Remember, answer to this question will help you determine if you’ve the time needed for the treatment and if you need any lifestyle or schedule changes to go through the treatment successfully.

Q#3: How soon will the treatment end?

This is yet another important question to put forward during your first visit. You should keep in mind that the duration of any kind of orthodontic treatment option is based on a number of factors including your age, the complexity of your problem, your overall dental condition etc. Generally, orthodontic treatment lasts between one to two years.

While the orthodontist will give you a rough estimate of the time it would take for the treatment to end, you should understand that patient cooperation also plays a part in speeding up the entire process.

Q#4: What if an emergency arises during the treatment?

While serious problems or emergencies during orthodontic treatment are not very common, your orthodontist should tell you that all aspects will be reviewed and discussed with you; in case any problem arises. Mostly, patients are given written instructions regarding such matters. If a problem like abrupt pain in your orthodontic appliance occurs, you’ll have to contact your orthodontist immediately. Always ask the orthodontist if they have the option of an emergency appointment available.

Q#5: What about the cost of the treatment?

While it’s difficult for orthodontists to accurately estimate the cost involved in the treatment during the initial consultation, they can give you a rough estimate so that you can get an idea of the money involved. Don’t forget to discuss payment plans and alternative financing options.