Meeting with an orthodontist can cause a bit of nervousness if you are not prepared. While no one expects you to walk in and immediately understand everything the specialist is saying, it can be helpful to know what you want to ask ahead of time. Before arriving for your initial consultation, consider posing the following 3 questions so that you feel more confident in pursuing orthodontic treatment.
Question #1: Which Treatment Option is Right For Me?
Depending on the orthodontist you choose to see, there is a good chance they offer several treatment options. These can include:
- Traditional braces
- Invisalign®
- Clear braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Pediatric orthodontics
Many orthodontists also provide dentofacial orthopedics and various appliances to make straightening teeth and keeping them in their new location easier.
Knowing which type of treatment is right for you requires that you allow your orthodontist to perform a thorough examination of your smile. This may include taking digital images of your mouth as well as impressions of your teeth and bite.
Once your preferences, budget and dental needs are established, a proposed method of treatment can be recommended.
Question #2: How Much Should I Expect Treatment to Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on a few different factors:
- The severity of your orthodontic problem (i.e., overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth or bite misalignment)
- The type of orthodontic treatment you prefer
- The length of time you can expect to wear braces
- If additional services or appliances are required to move your teeth into alignment (i.e., rubber bands, palate expanders, headgear or a retainer)
Some dental insurance companies offer orthodontic coverage, so you will need to review your policy to determine if this is included in your plan. If so, you may have up to 50% of your treatment covered by your insurance company. However, if it’s not included as part of your plan, you will need to think about purchasing a supplemental policy if you want to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
You can also ask your orthodontist about alternative payment options like flexible financing through third-party companies, like CareCredit or Chewsi.
Question #3: How Often Will I Need to Visit for Follow-Up Appointments?
The number of times you will need to see your orthodontist for a follow-up appointment will ultimately depend on the type of treatment you choose to pursue. Traditional braces that incorporate some form of metal bracket and wire typically require more frequent and lengthier visits. The reason is that wires generally need to be tightened or replaced to keep teeth moving.
For clear aligner solutions like Invisalign, fewer and shorter follow-ups are likely. Many patients can be in and out of an appointment in 30 minutes or less since the orthodontist only needs to evaluate the progress and determine if any adjustments are required.
Learning all you can about orthodontic treatment will help you remain confident as you start your journey toward a straighter smile. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to ask them during your appointment.
About the Practice
Simply Orthodontics Webster is a practice that consists of two qualified and top-tier orthodontists, Dr. Sam Alkhoury and Dr. Maddie Li. We offer multiple treatment options to help patients of all ages take back their smile and oral health. Whether it’s treating a young child to reduce the potential for more complex care in the future or realigning a poorly formed bite with Invisalign for an adult, we have the skills and instruments needed to produce outstanding results every time. If you want to do something about your crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth, contact us via the website or call (508) 943-2100 to learn more.