Orthodontics is something that most people have some secondhand knowledge of; most braces patients know someone who has undergone orthodontic treatment in the past and have some familiarity with what it entails. However, there’s still a lot about it that can be a mystery if you’ve never experienced it firsthand.
For example, what do you do at an orthodontic consultation? What are they for, and what kind of questions should you ask? If you have an initial appointment with your orthodontist coming up, here are a few things you might want to ask them about.
What Kind of Braces do you Offer?
For one, you might be aware that there are several different kinds of braces out there. You’re probably familiar with traditional wire and bracket braces, but even these come in different forms that suit various needs, like clear braces. There’s also clear aligner treatment like Invisalign, which has surged in popularity over the last few decades. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, it may be a good idea to ask which of these services your orthodontist offers, and what they would recommend for you.
What Are Your Qualifications?
Consultations are an opportunity for you to learn, but they’re also a chance to get to know your orthodontist. You might take this opportunity to ask about their qualifications, or to see some before/after pictures of patients they’ve treated in the past. This should give you a better sense of whether the orthodontist you’re seeing is right for you, and whether it’s a good idea to entrust your smile to them.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
Most braces patients are naturally anxious to get their new smile as quickly as possible. However, it can be difficult to know precisely how long your orthodontic treatment is going to take without knowing more about you. Once your orthodontist has a good sense of what issues you’re facing, as well as the treatment you’ll pursue, they’ll be able to tell you a little bit more about how long you can expect to wear your oral appliance.
Of course, this will only be an estimate; things can happen during the procedure that can extend its length, but there’s no harm in getting some sense of when you can expect to get your brand-new smile!
About the Author
After wearing braces not once but twice, Dr. Ovy Quintanal is well aware of what it feels like to be in the dentist’s chair. That gives him an empathy for his patients that people often struggle to find from other orthodontists. Dr. Quintanal received his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and completed his 3 year specialty training residency in Orthodontics and Orofacial Sciences at the University of Tennessee.
If you have any questions about your orthodontic consultation, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (954) 737-2300.