Nearly 4 million people in the United States wear braces! Even celebrities are getting braces a lot more often. If you are ready to get your teeth straightened finding the right local orthodontist can be a challenge. If you have been trying to find one that will be suitable for your needs you may be having a hard time deciding who to choose.
Finding a good orthodontist requires you to ask the right questions. Asking the right questions will ensure that you make the right choice.
Here is a look at some of the most important questions you should ask to ensure that you select the right orthodontist for your needs.
1. What Experience Do You Have?
One of the first questions you should ask is about the qualifications and the experience of the orthodontist. Any orthodontist you choose should have a wealth of training and experience in family orthodontics.
It is not presumptions to ask questions and to even ask for referrals. This will ensure that you make the best decision. You can go online and check the reviews for the orthodontist you are considering to know more about them.
2. Am I a Good Candidate for Braces?
One of the questions that you should ask your orthodontist is whether or not braces will benefit you. You should get your orthodontist to explain exactly what they envision braces will do for the alignment of your teeth.
You also need to ask them in detail about which types of braces are available and which ones they think will be better for you. There are several options available.
You can get metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. The one that is right for you is dependent on your budget and also your needs. Metal braces are very noticeable and are the traditional form of braces that have been used for years.
However, Invisalign and ceramic braces are also an option that has become popular lately. This is because they are harder to distinguish and more aesthetically pleasing.
3. How Long Will the Treatment Last?
The length of the treatment you will receive is extremely important. The length of your treatment signals the amount of time that you will be in a relationship with your orthodontist.
It will also point to how much money you will need to pay over time. Depending on the type of braces you want or need, you may have to wear braces for a year or two. However, there are situations where your treatment lasts a bit longer than this. This may happen for several different reasons.
You will also need to go in every month to get your orthodontist to tighten your braces. During your check-up, your orthodontist will ensure that you are making the right progress. They will also tighten the braces as necessary to ensure that your teeth are being aligned correctly.
Make sure that your orthodontist fully explains exactly what kind of treatment options are available to you and how much you will pay over time. You should also find out how much of your treatment you can get insurance coverage for. You can also find out if there is a payment plan available.
4. Will I Experience Discomfort?
One of the things that may be at the forefront of your mind is whether or not getting braces will cause discomfort. While there may be some minimal discomfort when your braces are being installed over time your mouth and your teeth will get used to them.
However, to ensure that this is the case there are some things you need to do. You need to make sure that you take the best possible care of your teeth. Ask your orthodontist what will be expected of you. You will likely be told that certain food items can present a problem.
Depending on the type of braces you get there may be some types of food that you will not be able to eat while you are getting treatment. Certain foods can get stuck in your braces and are not good for your teeth in general. Your orthodontist will ask you to avoid those foods.
5. What Dental Hygiene Changes Will I Need to Make?
Getting braces will require that you make some changes to your oral hygiene plan. You may need to reconsider some of the things that you eat and drink. There are also some changes that you will need to make in how you clean your teeth.
If you floss you will need to change the way you do this. It may become a little bit more tedious to do as you try to maneuver around your braces. The way you brush your teeth may also be affected because doing it the wrong way can cause damage to your braces.
If you are a person who participates in the sport you probably know about the wearing of a mouth guard to protect your teeth. You still need to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces as well. Your orthodontist will let you know exactly which changes you need to make to preserve your teeth and ensure that your braces do their job without much interference or damage.
Find the Right Local Orthodontist
The treatment that your orthodontist provides for you is extremely important. When you finally decide that you want braces to align your teeth it is a big decision.
This is why you need to ensure that you choose the right local orthodontist for your needs. Asking your orthodontist some poignant questions is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that you find someone who is right for you.
If you are looking to find expert orthodontic care do not hesitate to contact us.