Top Questions To Ask At Your Orthodontist Consultation

If you’re dealing with dental problems that require the specialized care of an orthodontist, you’ll want to find an experienced orthodontist who offers the quality care you need. Before trusting someone with your teeth, you’ll want to get some more information.

Here’s a look at some of the important questions to ask an orthodontist during a consultation. If you have additional orthodontic consultation questions our complimentary consultations are the perfect time to address them!

Top Seven Questions

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?
One of the important things to ask an orthodontist in an interview is about his or her background. Ask about the orthodontist’s education. He or she should have completed three additional years of orthodontic specialty training. Keep in mind, the level of education and the orthodontist’s amount of experience can vary. Find out more about the orthodontist’s background by asking:

• Where did you go to dental school?

• Where did you complete your orthodontic specialty residence?

• How long have you been practicing?

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS DO YOU SUGGEST, AND WHAT RESULTS WILL THEY ACHIEVE?
Find out what orthodontic options the orthodontist suggests for your condition. You also need to ask what results can be expected, since expectations can differ from the services he or she provides.

You and your orthodontist need to be on the same page, and you need to make sure you communicate what exactly you want addressed. Emphasize results and get an idea of what treatment options are available to achieve the results you want.

WHAT ARE OTHER ORTHODONTIC OPTIONS I CAN CONSIDER?
Orthodontists generally offer a suggested course of treatment during the consultation. Ask the orthodontist to walk you through this treatment, and then ask about alternative orthodontic treatments, if they’re available. You may also want to ask about the pros and cons of the specific treatment modalities.

WHAT CHANGES WILL I NEED TO MAKE DURING TREATMENT?
There are many things to ask an orthodontist before getting braces or going forward with any other type of treatment. Find out what changes you’ll need to make during treatment or what changes you may experience during treatment.

Some treatments may affect your talking or chewing. You may need to make some changes to your oral habits, as well.

DO YOU HAVE SIMILAR CASES YOU CAN SHOW ME?
Your case is unique, and even if the orthodontist is experienced and well-educated, he or she may not know how to treat every case.

Ask to see some photos of past work, particularly of similar cases. This can allow you to see the orthodontist’s quality of work, and determine if he or she can achieve the results you want.

HOW LONG WILL MY TREATMENT TAKE?
Be sure to ask how long treatment will take — it’s one of the most common questions patients ask.

The average time for orthodontic treatment is two years, but each case is different. Find out about the estimated treatment duration and ask how often you’ll need to be seen throughout the treatment process.

WHAT IS THE COST OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
The cost of orthodontic treatment is your bottom line. It’s common for different orthodontists to charge differently. Don’t just ask about the cost, but find out what’s included in the cost.

Will you need to pay more if your treatment takes longer than originally expected? Will you have to pay for regular visits on top of the cost of treatment?

Trust the Specialists

Sherman & Balhoff is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). We can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. We are Louisiana’s experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile.