Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

Consulting With an Orthodontist: Which Questions Should You Ask?

1 April 2019

Herman Kim

While your first visit to the orthodontist may seem normal, this isn't the case. This is the only opportunity you have to know the specialist who will transform the feel, function and appearance of your mouth. To have a successful session, it's important to know the main questions you will ask the orthodontist to ensure you pick the best expert for the task. Here are questions you can ask to get the necessary information you need before making the final decision.

What services do you suggest and the expected results?

Orthodontists offer a wide range of services. Having a meeting with the orthodontist may be obvious to you, but what is expected may differ from the offered services. It's advisable to ensure you and the specialist are on the same page. Begin by telling your orthodontist the problem you would like them to address. Emphasise the desired results and allow them to share ideas of what a fruitful treatment will look like. This way you will know if that's the treatment you require or not. If you know nothing about the treatment options, ask the orthodontist to recommend the best one for your problem, including the expected results.

Are there other treatment options?

By the time the consultation is completed, the orthodontist will have to recommend the best course of action. Ask them to outline the details in depth and the reasons why they think that specific treatment is ideal. Also, don't forget to ask them about other alternative treatments, in case they exist, so you can make an informed decision. For instance, if they endorse orthodontic treatment, find out if there are other dental options you can consider. Find out if orthodontic options like Invisalign, self-ligating braces and ceramic braces can be explored. Allow the expert to outline the pros and cons of each option.

What changes will you experience?

All treatment options have their effects and side effects, and this is the same case with orthodontics. Find out if the orthodontic treatment will have an impact on the way you talk or chew or if it will transform your profile. In most cases, the changes will be positive, but it's still good to know the good and the bad. Note that changes cannot happen overnight, and they shouldn't. The best orthodontic change is meant to occur in a slow and steady manner, but you should still have an idea of how long it will take to see the expected results.

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