Get the Most From Your Orthodontic Consultation

By Jacqueline Brown Bryant, DDS, MS, PC

Jacqueline Brown-Bryant, DDS Orthodontics

. http://www.smileconstructors.com/

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Get the Most From Your Orthodontic Consultation

The following questions will help you make the most of your orthodontic consultation and give you insight for your decisions regarding orthodontic treatment.

1. Are you an orthodontist? What are your qualifications? What orthodontic program are you a graduate of? Was it a two or three-year program? Did you receive a Certificate or Masters Degree? Are you a member the American Association of Orthodontists?
2. What are my treatment options? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? What fees are associated with each option? What is included in the fee? What is the estimated treatment duration for each option?
3. In your opinion, which treatment option would be best? Why?
4. Does treatment need to start immediately? What would happen if we waited?
5. What is the advantage of early treatment or Interceptive Phase I Treatment? Are there any disadvantages to Phase I Treatment? How young is too young for treatment? How old is too old for treatment? What is Comprehensive and Phase II treatment?
6. Will there be discomfort at the beginning of treatment or each adjustment?
7. What will be my or my child’s responsibility with braces?
8. Can I clean and floss my teeth? How? How often will I need to see my general dentist?
9. Will I need a retainer after treatment? For how long? What type of retainer?
10. Will my child or I need other appliances besides braces for treatment? Why? What type? When?
11. How often would I need to come in for adjustments? How long are my appointments?
12. Will you do the work? Is your support staff certified?
13. Do you and your staff take Continuing Education courses? How often?

Make your time with the orthodontist a rewarding and informative meeting. Answering these questions will help you decide on the right orthodontist and treatment plan for you.