Did you know that 70% of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth? Crookedness is one of the top things that they’re insecure about!
What’s great about modern medicine is that there are so many ways to fix your teeth to get the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. For example, you can go to an orthodontist, who can give you a wide variety of treatments to straighten your pearly whites.
If you’re considering braces as an option, then here are 7 questions to ask your orthodontist.
1. What’s Your Experience Like?
First off, you want to choose an orthodontist who has years of experience and is confident in their skills.
Make sure you ask them where they attended dental school, how many years of experience they have, and where they did their specialty residency (if you go with an orthodontist and not just a dentist who can perform orthodontic work).
2. What’s the Best Age to Get Braces?
When you think about braces, you might think of people in their teenage years with metal bands across their teeth. Because of this, you might think only teenagers can have their teeth straightened.
However, almost everyone can get braces, even senior citizens! Your orthodontist will be able to tell you if you’re at a good age to get them by giving you a thorough exam.
If you’re asking for your kids, then know that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that children go to the orthodontist starting at age 7 if they seem to have issues with their teeth.
3. How Long Do I Need to Have Braces on For?
There’s no single answer to this question since everyone is different. This is why it’s so important to ask your orthodontist this question since your situation is unique.
As we’ve said, your orthodontist will give you an initial exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for braces. From this exam, they’ll be able to tell how much work you need.
While your orthodontist can tell you an approximate timeline, it’s exactly that: an approximation. There’s a chance that your mouth may not respond to braces as quickly as others do, which can delay treatment.
With that said, on average, most people need to have braces on for about 1.5 to 3 years. If you have a mild case of crooked teeth, you might be able to complete treatment in a year.
4. How Much Do Braces Cost?
Metal bracket braces are so popular because they’re pretty affordable. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the cost is uniform for everyone.
The fact is, the cost will depend on what your needs are and how much correction you need. Generally, the more crooked your teeth are, the more it’s going to cost since you’ll need more appointments and adjustments.
Also, if you have dental insurance, you might be able to get part of the costs covered. If not, many dentists offer payment plans if you aren’t able to pay the full costs off at once. So if they are too expensive, you can still get braces by paying them off slowly.
5. What Are All My Options?
You might think that braces are the only option for teeth straightening, but think again! While yes, most people go with traditional metal bracket braces, there are actually several options that you might be able to explore. For example, there are lingual braces, ceramic braces, and even Invisalign, which offers you clear aligners that you can take out and put back in whenever you want.
So it’s important to explore what your options are with your orthodontist. Not every professional will offer all of these treatments, nor will every patient be the perfect candidate for all of them. For instance, those will severely crooked teeth might not be good candidates for Invisalign.
Make sure to discuss your choices and come to an educated conclusion with your orthodontist.
6. What Do I Need to Do at Home?
Once you get your braces on, expect your life to change. This is to protect your teeth and ensure that treatment goes as best as it can.
For one, you’ll have to take extra care to brush and floss your teeth. Your orthodontist should be able to provide you with some special brushes and floss threaders. Also, they can give you some wax that you can put on the wires so they don’t cut into your cheeks.
Also, you should avoid eating hard and sticky foods since they can damage your braces. You’ll also want to avoid drinking dark beverages like Coke, wine, and coffee. If you still really want to drink them, use a straw so they won’t stain your teeth.
7. How Often Do I Need to Come in for Appointments?
Braces aren’t a one-and-done deal. You’ll have to keep going in for appointments so your orthodontist can check how you’re doing and make adjustments so your teeth continue being straightened.
Again, the number of follow-up appointments will depend on your personal situation. However, you can expect to come back every 4 to 8 weeks.
Get Started on Beautifully Straight Teeth by Seeing a Great Orthodontist
Now you have 7 great questions to ask your orthodontist if you’re interested in getting braces. Of course, these are just a starting point and just some inspiration.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask your orthodontist. They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns, as well as explain anything you need in detail. The best orthodontist should be patient and willing to go above and beyond to make you feel at ease with braces or any other type of treatment they offer.
If you’re looking for the “best orthodontist near me,” then book an appointment with Vincent Team Orthodontics today.