At Myers Orthodontics, our mission is to help patients of all ages throughout the greater Knoxville area achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. But no matter what the orthodontic condition or the treatment, the first step is always the initial consultation. While we strive to take the time necessary to go over every detail of treatment during our complimentary orthodontic consultations, it's always good to be prepared. So to help you prepare for your orthodontic consultation, we've compiled some of the most important questions to ask your orthodontist before treatment.
What to Ask an Orthodontist Before Treatment
Getting ready to start orthodontic treatment? That's an exciting thing: you're on the road to a gorgeous new smile that will revitalize your appearance and your life. But it's important to be informed, and taking a proactive approach to asking questions and getting information will serve you well throughout treatment. To help you better prepare for treatment, here are a few of the most important questions to ask an orthodontist that many patients forget:
- How Typical Is My Treatment? Are There Any Unique Difficulties? – Virtually all orthodontic problems fall into a set list of orthodontic malocclusions. But every patient is unique, and malocclusions can interact in complex ways. Asking your orthodontist if your case is typical or presents unique challenges can help you understand the rationale behind the treatments your orthodontist is proposing, giving you a better idea of what to expect throughout treatment.
- What Treatments Are Available to Me and What Are the Pros and Cons? – There are a variety of orthodontic treatment options on the market, and each comes with unique advantages and disadvantages. But more specifically, we recommend asking what the pros and cons are for your case specifically – for example, Invisalign may be a discreet option, but it could require a significantly different treatment approach than traditional braces for your specific malocclusion. Talking these things over with your doctor can help you make a more informed decision.
- What's the Risk of Future Problems? – Most patients require only one or two phases of orthodontic treatment, but regression is always a threat, especially without proper retainer wear. Talk with your doctor about the risk of future orthodontic problems based on your malocclusion and what makes the most sense under your circumstances.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Your Knoxville Orthodontist
These are excellent questions to ask during a consultation, but treat them as a starting off point. The most important thing is that you feel confident in your understanding of your orthodontic condition, the options available to you, and why you're choosing the treatment you are – and you should ask as many questions as you need until you feel confident in all three. Ready to start towards a new smile of your very own? We'd be thrilled to help: request your free consultation online today!