Everyday more and more people are visiting the orthodontist to get that perfect smile they have always wanted. However, not everyone is clear about what a visit to the orthodontist involves and what to expect from it.
To begin with, before you visit an orthodontist, you need to keep in mind some pre-consultation considerations. Chief amongst these is whom you choose to be your orthodontist. This decision however, is not very easy to take, and involves a lot of research on your part. The best way to decide on an orthodontist is to discuss it with your general dentist, who would be able to guide in the most appropriate direction. Another way is to talk to family, friends and acquaintances about their experiences with orthodontists, and whom they would recommend you visit. This is often a good way of choosing a specialist as you get firsthand accounts of the orthodontic treatment process. Other pre-consultation considerations involve checking the credentials and qualifications of the orthodontist (seeing a listing of the AAO or the ABO is the best way of doing this).
Once you’ve decided on an orthodontist, be prepared for the consultation visit. This is important as it is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the actual treatment process. This includes checking with the orthodontist his experience and work (in the form of before and after pictures). During a consultation you can also discuss with the orthodontist the techniques and procedures he uses, including the latest in orthodontic treatment like translucent aligners, and arch wires. You should also check with the orthodontist what the likely treatment for you is and what procedure will be the best. At this point in the consultation it is important to discuss the fees and the payment plan the orthodontist has. This will allow you to make an informed decision and explore payment strategies and/or orthodontists with a price structure more suited to your means.
The initial consultation session also allows you to get a feel of the orthodontist’s clinic, support staff and his personality. This is important as orthodontic treatment is usually a lengthy process and it helps if you’re comfortable with your orthodontist and his staff.
The actual orthodontic evaluation/examination happens once the first consultation is done. This is mainly to help the orthodontist come up with an individualised plan to suit your specific needs. In order to do so, the orthodontist could conduct oral, facial and functional evaluation, take facial and intraoral photographs, maybe take cephalometric and panoramic x-rays and even take impressions of your teeth and bite and make models of them. Additionally, the orthodontist might review your past dental records and accordingly decide on a plan for you.