When it’s time to visit the orthodontist for the first time, you need to ask lots of questions and get as much 
information as possible to ensure the one you pick is the right fit for you and your children. You might even want to meet with a few orthodontists before choosing one. We offer a complimentary orthodontic consultation that allows you to ask questions and understand your options before deciding on treatment.
The following questions are the ones you should ask every orthodontist you meet with, and their answers can help you determine who is the right orthodontist for you.
What Age Should I Visit The Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
The logical benefit of orthodontics is straight, beautiful teeth. However, straight teeth are also healthier teeth because they are easier to clean and it’s easier to bite and chew, improving digestion. Also, misaligned bites like overbites, underbites and crossbites cause wear on your gums and jaw muscles, leading to broken teeth, jaw strain or even tooth loss.
How Do I Know I Need The Treatment Your Proposing?
The orthodontist should be able to give you a specific answer to this question by showing you exactly where your problems are, what type of bite issues you have and how the solution being proposed will solve them. You should choose an orthodontist who can give you a detailed explanation of how the treatment they’re proposing will help you.
What Are The Possible Consequences Of Not Following The Treatment Plan You’re Proposing?
Treatment plans usually involve several steps. Understanding what will happen if you opt to delay a step or if you want to avoid a step altogether is crucial for knowing whether or not this treatment plan is best for you. Your orthodontist should be able to give you all the information about what will happen during each step of treatment, along with what consequences may occur if you neglect to adopt any part of the treatment plan.
If You Needed Treatment, How Would You Choose Your Orthodontist?
This question can give you insight into what the orthodontist considers the most important elements of choosing an orthodontist. This question is a bit more personal than others and can be a great way to determine how honest and trustworthy an orthodontist is. Look for a candid answer that doesn’t automatically assume the orthodontist you’re speaking with is the best one for your situation.
What Makes A Good Orthodontist?
While answering the previous question, they may spark this question that can give you some insight into the character of the orthodontist. They should stand behind the answer they give with their actions and their track record. For instance, if they say that a good orthodontist spends time with each patient, and they only spend a few minutes with you during your consultation, you’ll know that they don’t stand behind their own beliefs about how a good orthodontist should operate.
How Long Will My Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Many factors come into play when determining the length of treatment necessary. Since each patient and their dental goals are unique, the treatment time will vary from person to person. Based on past experience, the orthodontist should be able to provide you with an estimated time you will need to be in treatment.
How Often Will I Need to Come Into the Office, and What Are The Office Hours?
This question is important, especially if you have a busy schedule and cannot make appointments during business hours or you are worried about missing school. The availability and accessibility of an orthodontist can make all the difference.
Do You Provide Patient References?
Talking to patients is a great way to find out about the orthodontist’s bedside manner, treatment plans, payment plans, and overall ability to provide a great experience. Any good orthodontist should be able and happy to provide you with the contact information for at least a few of their happy patients. If they aren’t, see if you have friends or family members who have gone to the orthodontist you’re talking to.
Who Will Be Performing The Actual Orthodontic Work, And What Are Their Credentials?
Often, orthodontists don’t perform the work of attaching brackets, bending wires, etc. They have associates who do the work for them. Find out if that’s the case and, if so, what experience and qualifications the associates have.
What Are Your Billing Options?
Understand billing and payment plan options upfront to avoid problems later on.
What Are Post-Treatment Plans?
You shouldn’t start working with an orthodontist until you have a very clear idea of what the plan is before, during and after treatment. At this point, you should also get a timeline of how long everything will take, including post-treatment.
We want every patient to feel comfortable with the orthodontic treatment they choose. Providing options that range from traditional metal braces to the Invisalign® clear aligner system means that your treatment will be designed to fit your needs.
We are ready to answer all of your questions so that you feel confident putting your smile into our hands! Schedule your complimentary consultation online to get started!