10 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist
Why is this treatment being recommended now? Some dental problems are best treated at an early age while your child’s jaws are still growing. Others can wait.
How long is treatment expected to last? Parents need to understand that initial predictions may be off by months since growth patterns can vary from child to child. Keep in mind that younger patients are often treated in two stages: the first when they have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, the next when they have all their permanent teeth, which may come after insurance benefits have run out.
How much is treatment expected to cost? Again, an orthodontist is likely to give her best estimate, but there may be some deviation from this because growth patterns are impossible to predict with total accuracy.
Does the orthodontist use recycled brackets? Some orthodontists sell the brackets that they remove from their patients to companies that then sterilize and resell them. Some patients may not object to recycled brackets, although the safety of this practice is debatable.
Ask the doctor whether he is a dentist or an orthodontist. All orthodontists are dentists, but the reverse is not true. According to the American Association of Orthodontists only 6% of dentists are orthodontists, trained in diagnosing, preventing and treating facial and dental irregularities. In addition to completing college and a 4-year dental graduate program at a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, orthodontists must also complete a 2- or 3-year program of advanced education in orthodontics, also accredited by the ADA.
Ask the orthodontist for recommendations from former patients.
Ask the orthodontist how long her average case takes. Of course, no two patients are alike, but this can give you some guidelines about what to expect.
Is there a possibility that my teeth will shift back after treatment? Even after a successful treatment, patients may need to wear corrective devices periodically to maintain the correct position of their teeth.
How much discomfort can the patient expect? Most orthodontic patients will experience some aches and pains, which can be relieved with Advil or Tylenol.
What can I expect my teeth to look like when treatment is completed?
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