Orthodontics is a specialized segment of dentistry that focuses on tooth and jaw irregularities. They straighten your teeth with various solutions like braces, aligners, and retainers. You may have been to the dentist, but if you don’t regularly see an orthodontist, there may be some disconnect in your mind about how to approach a consultation with one.
Continue reading to find a guide to your first appointment with a professional orthodontist, what questions to ask, and what to expect from your visit.
What Happens at the First Orthodontic Consultation?
There most likely won’t be any braces or instruments brought out at the first appointment, unless you count a pen and paper. The consultation is meant for you to get to know the orthodontist and their team.
You’ll fill out forms, get X-rays made, go over your oral health history, and have a conversation with your orthodontist centered around their examination of your current condition.
What Questions Should I Ask?
There are probably a hundred questions going through your mind at once, but here is a concise list of five to narrow it down. These are essential to learning about your orthodontist and figuring out how your treatment plan will play out.
What Types of Treatments Do You Offer?
There’s more than one way to correct your teeth and get the smile you desire. However, you’ll never know if you don’t ask! Traditional braces may be what you know, but there are other options you may qualify for like Invisalign .
What Lifestyle Changes Will I Need to Make After Treatment?
This is a great question for a couple of reasons. One, it lets your orthodontist know that you’re serious about your treatment. Two, their answers will inform you of possible adjustments you’ll have to make to your daily routine.
Can You Show Me Before-and-After Photos of a Similar Case?
Daydreaming and thinking about what your new smile might look like can only take your motivation so far. Seeing a real case of a patient who has undergone treatment from start to finish can offer a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
Whether your treatment takes a few months or a year, you’ll want to know what kind of commitment you’re going to have to make timewise.
Do You Accept My Insurance?
Fitting your treatment into your budget is a consideration you’ll definitely want to discuss with your orthodontist and their staff. However, whatever the cost may be, the results will be worth it!
With this knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared for your first orthodontic visit. You may even impress your orthodontist with your savvy in the process. Relax, open your mind to information, and smile. Your orthodontic journey has just begun.
About the Practice
Dr. Payam Ishani is an orthodontist dedicated to transforming lives through patience and care. With a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice. Dr. Ishani completed his orthodontic specialty training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. As an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, he’s committed to developing his skills and delivering quality dental work to all his patients. To schedule an orthodontic consultation at Casady Square Orthodontics, call (405) 254-5094 or visit the website to discover more services.