Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist During Your Consultation

Straighten your teeth and improve your overall dental health by seeing an orthodontist. Orthodontists, like the doctors at Hanson Place Orthodontics of Bed-Stuy, New York, complete four years of dental school and then study orthodonture for an additional two to three years.

Here are some questions you should discuss with an orthodontist when you schedule an appointment for an initial consultation:

What are my treatment choices?

Hanson Place Orthodontics, a top orthodontist in the Bed-Stuy, New York, area has a variety of treatment options. Talk about traditional metal braces and clear braces. Invisalign retainers, which are virtually invisible, might be a better choice for you. The aligners have become a popular option for adults because they are removable and easy to clean.

How much pain do most people experience?

Most patients will tell you that orthodontics work is relatively painless. People occasionally experience discomfort through the process, especially if braces rub against the inside of the mouth. Invisalign, which doesn’t contain wire or brackets, are more comfortable for some clients.

How many visits will I have to schedule?

Orthodontics  can take anywhere from 12 months to 2 1/2 year of active treatment. Your treatment plan will be individualized. Hanson Place Orthodontics schedules regular visits for adjustments and check ups. Expect an additional 1 to 2 years of retention follow-up.

Will I have to change my brushing habits?

People with metal and clear braces should brush by tilting the toothbrush bristles at an angle. The strategy helps get up under the wires of the braces and reach the tooth surface. Improper brushing causes tooth decay and gum disease and also leads to decalcification, or white spots, on the enamel of teeth when the braces are removed.

How much do braces cost most people?

Talk with your orthodontist, whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, about the total cost of your care. Make sure you understand all fees or charges for replacement parts. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that most dental insurance programs include orthodontic care. Hanson Place Orthodontics and the Bed-Stuy staff work closely with patients to help them understand their total out-of-pocket expenses and to find affordable budgeting options, including financing.

Will I have to limit sports or the food I eat?

Life will go on pretty normally. Active people can play sports, although Hanson Place Orthodontics suggests they wear a mouth guard for activities like football, soccer, basketball and wrestling. The consumption of hard, sticky and sugary foods should be kept to a minimum, and sugary drinks, like soda or punch, should be limited.