You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious or worried about overcrowded or gapped teeth or a bite misalignment. Although some patients consider these to be aesthetic concerns, the truth is that they can also contribute to cavities, gum disease, damaged enamel, and TMJ disorders.
Thankfully, your orthodontist offers different services to help straighten your smile and enhance your dental condition. However, it’s important to be well-informed before proceeding with any type of service. Continue reading to learn about 3 things to ask at your first appointment so you know what to expect from treatment!
Question #1: What is Your Level of Experience?
Building and maintaining an evenly-spaced grin requires skill, patience, and commitment from both the patient and the provider, and it’s only natural to want to find the most qualified person to help you achieve your goals.
One way to help determine whether you’ve found the right provider for you is to inquire about their education or depth of experience providing the anticipated procedures. Although all orthodontists must meet specific criteria to become licensed, some may have additional years of experience or have completed continuing educational programs to stay current with the latest treatment options and technology to provide up-to-date services.
Question #2: What Treatment Do You Recommend?
Many patients associate orthodontics with traditional braces because it’s the tried-and-true way to correct everything from mild issues to more severe misalignments. But your provider also offers other options that might be helpful or required, such as clear aligners, palatal expanders, and retainers, to address your unique needs.
Asking your provider which services or appliance you might require can help you understand your treatment in more detail so you can make better-informed decisions regarding the future of your smile. Not only that, but understanding the different steps involved in straightening your smile can help alleviate any anxiety or nerves you might be feeling about the options.
Question #3: How Long Will My Service Take?
One of the first things many patients want to know is approximately how long it will take before they have the beautifully straight smile they’ve always dreamed of. However, the answer depends significantly on your unique circumstances, and can be affected by different factors, such as the severity of your misalignments, your age, the treatment you choose, and whether you comply with the provided guidelines or instructions.
For instance, many patients can finish clear aligners within 12 to 18 months, compared to the 24+ months often required for braces, but only if they wear the transparent trays for the allotted 20 to 22 hours daily.
If you have any other pressing questions or concerns about your dental condition, potential services, or what to expect from your orthodontics, be sure to bring them up at your next visit!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Palmer takes great pride in helping improve his patients’ lives by helping them build and maintain beautifully straight smiles intended to last. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University and then completed his specialty residency and received his Master of Science in Orthodontics from the same university’s School of Dentistry. Today, he offers a variety of services and appliances to provide customized orthodontic treatment plans to meet your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!