Learn about your treatment options, timeline, cost and more
Your dentist just recommended that you or one of your children have an initial orthodontist appointment. And you’re understandably a little nervous.
You have questions. Will this make you (or one of your kids) an outcast? Will people stare? And is orthodontic treatment affordable?
Before letting those fears take root, let’s talk about some statistics. About 50 percent of all Americans wear braces, including 80 percent of all teens. In other words, seeing an orthodontist is pretty popular. And if an orthodontist does recommend treatment, it doesn’t mean you’ll have the stereotypical “railroad tracks” you remember from long ago. Orthodontic technology has greatly evolved, giving most patients several treatment options that are more comfortable, camouflaged and cost-effective than ever.
But before any of these decisions are made, it’s time to meet with an orthodontist. Let’s run down what you can expect during the initial consultation and beyond.
An Inside Look at Your First Orthodontist Appointment
First off, you’re going to need to find an orthodontist to meet with. This is easy. Most often, your dentist or even friends and family are happy to give you strong referrals for qualified professionals. If not – or if you want to shop around a little – you find candidates on the American Association of Orthodontists website.
Once you’ve scheduled your initial consultation, the rest is easy. It’s important to really get to know a prospective orthodontist and make sure your personalities mesh well as there is a good chance you’ll be working together on a treatment plan over the next year or two. Otherwise, this first orthodontist appointment, which can last between one and two hours, will be an opportunity for your professional to get an inside look at your teeth structure and jaw alignment. This includes some quick and painless screenings, such as photographs, x-rays and dental casts to capture bite structure.
Putting Together a Plan
After your first orthodontist appointment, you get to kick back and relax while your orthodontist studies the results of your screenings to put together a treatment plan. When you come back for your follow-up visit, you’ll talk about the diagnosis and treatment plan. This will include the type of appliance that you or your child should wear, an outline of how long the treatment will take, and the necessary maintenance and upkeep.
Additionally, this will be the ideal time to talk about payment options. Make a list of questions to bring to the orthodontist’s office, including whether your insurance can be used toward the costs and whether payment plans are available.
The first orthodontist appointment is a lot easier than most new patients realize. It’s a great opportunity to answer all the questions you’ve had about getting your jaw and teeth straighter and healthier than ever.
What questions are preventing you from scheduling your initial consultation?
