5 Great Questions To Ask Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment
1. How long will I need to have orthodontic treatment?
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient and is based on each patient’s specific needs. Simple cases can often be finished in about a year, while other cases need 24 to 30 months of orthodontic treatment. When you come in for your free consultation, we will go over your needs and specific treatment goals and then design your treatment plan accordingly.
2. Have you treated a lot of orthodontic cases like mine?
Thanks to the additional 2-3 years of training orthodontists receive after dental school, they have the skills and knowledge necessary to properly handle a wide range of orthodontic situations and give you the best results. This is the reason your orthodontist solely practices orthodontics; by specializing in this branch of dentistry and applying their expertise in a targeted way, orthodontists gain more and more experience with every case.
3. When should I schedule my child’s first orthodontic appointment?
All children should visit an orthodontist for a checkup as soon as an orthodontic issue is discovered, but no later than age 7. This recommendation comes from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). This enables Dr. Cox to begin determining whether early orthodontic treatment could be necessary, which could make a significant difference for some kids because some changes cannot be made once the face and jaws have stopped growing. Therefore, by initiating routine checkups from age 7 or earlier, we can take advantage of a patient’s predicted growth phases and intervene as needed to ensure that orthodontic treatment has the greatest outcomes possible.
4. What distinguishes an orthodontist from a dentist who places braces.
Orthodontists receive advanced training in their area of expertise within dentistry and specialize in improving teeth alignment, occlusion (how your teeth come into contact with one another), and correcting bite problems (overbites, underbites, open bites, etc.). Dentists generally focus their talents on the health of the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw.
5. How will my life change while wearing braces?
Patients will need to pay particular close attention to the following after getting braces:
• Brushing and flossing are done with more care to maintain healthy teeth and gums
• An adjustment period for the mouth as it gets used to brackets and wires
• Changes in a few food items to prevent damaging orthodontic appliances
Learn more about the role of your orthodontist in your smile journey from the American Association of Orthodontists.
