When your dentist tells you should see an orthodontist it can feel a little overwhelming at first. The thought of wearing braces for years and the cost alone is a lot to take in. Once you have all the right information though you will feel confident in your decision to get treatment.
And the best place to get that information is from your orthodontics care specialist. Here are 6 top questions to ask your orthodontics specialist:
Is It Necessary to Get Orthodontic Treatment?
One of first questions you probably want your orthodontic care specialist to answer to is do you really need orthodontic treatment. And the answer is yes. No matter what type of treatment you choose, invest in your smile.
When your teeth are crooked, it very hard to get all the plaque and food stuck between your teeth. Plaque when it builds up can lead to gum disease which will lead to lost teeth at an early age. Remember that we only get one set of adult teeth so don’t condemn yourself to a lifetime of expensive and painful dental issues.
Your oral health is also linked to your overall health as well. Research has proven that tooth decay and gum disease are intricately linked with other diseases like heart disease.
What Are My Treatment Options?
There are lot more orthodontic treatment options available than in years past so you really need to consider all your options. Besides traditional metal braces, there are Invisalign aligners, lingual braces and ceramic braces. Depending on your particular alignment issues not all of these will be the best option so you need to have a frank discussion with your orthodontics care specialist about what will work best.
What Exactly Are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made of a clear plastic not metal like braces and can be easily removed to eat and drink and brush your teeth. The Invisalign 3D technology allows your orthodontist to create a step by step plan for your treatment so you will know what to expect every step of the way.
Once the plan is in place, your first set of aligners will be custom fit to your mouth and you will need to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day. If you don’t wear them for the prescribed amount of time, you will risk delaying your treatment so be diligent about wearing them.
In order to prevent long gaps in between when you are wearing the aligners, make it a habit to brush your teeth and clean the aligners right after every meal so that you remember to put them back in right away.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The length of treatment varies depending on type of treatment and your particular alignment issue. Invisalign treatment can be completed within a year while traditional braces can take up to 2 to 3 years. But again it varies so it is important to get all the facts from your orthodontics care specialist before starting treatment.
Will Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?
Orthodontic treatment won’t hurt, but you may experience so tooth and gum sensitivity when first adjusting to the appliances in your mouth. If you choose a treatment with brackets and wires, the metal wires can also irritate the sides of your mouth. It should only last a few days though. To help relieve any irritation, you can rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution (one teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of warm water). Another good solution is to use Orajel on the affected area. If you feel it longer or experience pain, call your orthodontics care specialist right away.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Expensive?
While orthodontic treatment is certainly an investment ranging in cost from $2,000 to $3,000, it still can be affordable. Some types of treatment are less expensive than others and most orthodontics specialists offer payments plans to make it more affordable. It is important to choose a care provider that will work with you on getting you the care you need at a price you can afford.
To get the right answers you will need to find an orthodontics specialist you can trust. While each person has their own particular criteria for what makes for the best orthodontist in Philadelphia, there are certain steps you should take to help in your decision making:
- Get referrals from family and friends. Ask the people you trust if they would recommend a particular orthodontist. Ask about their particular experience and any pros and cons about the dentist that they can share. Your regular dentist is also a good person to ask for a referral. See if they will share who they chose for orthodontic work for their own children. While not everyone is looking for the same criteria, gathering referrals will at least give you a best sense of your options.
- Do a google search. It is also a good idea to do some internet searching as well. Start by googling orthodontist in Philadelphia. Look for reviews and check out the websites of orthodontists in the Philadelphia area to get an initial feel for who is out there and what they offer. Also make sure that any orthodontist you are interested in is a licensed member of the American Association of Orthodontics. This will give you extra confidence that they are up-to-date on all the newest technology and treatments. The best orthodontists are up to date on all the cutting edge technology and latest trends in treatment. Their website is also a good place to find other referrals.
- Set up a consultation. Most of the time, we can’t really get a good feel for a new doctor or dentist until we go in for a visit so it is important to set up a consultation with at least a few orthodontists. While it can be time-consuming, it can really help you feel more confident about your final choice.Here are some questions you should ask?
- What are their credentials and specialties?
- How many years of experience do they have?
- What are their office hours? (Some are more flexible than others)
- What are treatment options and costs? Ask about Invisalign and accelerated orthodontics.
- Ask for references from current or past patients.
- What is their policy for emergencies?
While you are there, you should pay attention to your surroundings. Is everything clean and sterile? Are they using the latest technology? Do they keep their patient’s comfort in mind at all times? Is the office comfortable and the staff friendly? Also pay attention to how the orthodontist interacts with you. Is he very brusque, acting like he doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with you? Or does he really sit down and get to know you and what your needs are?
Consider Orthodontics Limited for all your orthodontic care needs. Call them today for a consultation.
