Top questions to ask ortho?

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#1 Post by **lauren** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:09 am

What are questions you wish you had asked or that you think are important to ask?

I have my last consult before I get braces on next week and want to make sure not to leave anything out!

Things I've thought of are: brand of ceramics (so I can post here, hehe), whether or not it'll just be the "social 6" or all of them in ceramics, how to care for my teeth, verifying I'll only need one tooth extracted, etc. I think those are the only questions I haven't had answered..

#2 Post by **lovelyleo** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:55 pm

I would ask if headgear or any other mouth appliances would be needed, how does the ortho cope with life changing events that affect the patient's ability to pay,and how the office handls unexpected visits....

#3 Post by **jaswi** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:31 pm

I'd also ask if they try to have the same assistant working with you every time that its possible. I've had the same assistant every time, he is a genius(a phd himself) and very good, but apparently the roughest assistant. I went in for one emergency appt and the assistant the worked with me that day noted the fact that I must be tough for dealing with him!

#4 Post by **Wobblydeb** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:25 am

If you haven't done it already, I would get in writing exactly what is (and isn't) included in the fee you are paying.

e.g. Replacing lost brackets, any remedial work that takes longer than the original timeplan, x-rays, retainers.

I would also ask who will be doing the work each time you visit - will the orthodontist do the work (what I would expect) or will non-qualified assistants do any of it?

#5 Post by **rolo** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:48 am

Not questions, but things to stock up on whilst you are there, wax and one of those tooth brushes with a minature bottle brushes on one end, they are great for cleaning under the wire, and either some super floss for interdental brushes. Oh, also I was grateful for the tip of going to the toilet before hand on the day I had my braces fitted as you are in the chair for a while, some people say to use lip balm the on brace day too.

Good Luck

#6 Post by **artroxu** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:06 am

Wobblydeb wrote:I would also ask who will be doing the work each time you visit - will the orthodontist do the work (what I would expect) or will non-qualified assistants do any of it?

I wouldn't even post this if you'd been in your braces a while Lauren, but I just want you to know that even if you have an assistant doing most of the work, it doesn't mean they aren't qualified to do it. My ortho, who's been doing this for over 30 years, has his assistants do 80% of the work. He checks placement, makes minor adjustments and directs the treatment plan each adjustment. I could be wrong but I'm under the impression that this is pretty standard. If you happen to come across an assistant who's skills seem sub-standard, bring this up with your ortho and request a different assistant.

Having said that, every offices' practices are different. The question of who will be doing most of the work is a good question to ask. After you've had a few appointments, you can make up your own mind as to who you feel is qualified or not.

#7 Post by **jaswi** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:12 am

I agree with artroxu. Assistants are typically very qualified. They are trained and certified professionals to do just that. The orthodontist nowadays is more of a coordinator than anything.

#8 Post by **purpleteeth** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:40 pm

1. How long do you think I will need them?
2. How much do they cost?
3. Do I need surgery or extractions?
4. Do your fees include follow-up (retainers, etc...)? If so, for how long?
5. Are there hidden fees, such as for retainers or broken brackets or changing ligs when they become discolored, or cancelling appointments without 24-72hrs notice, etc...
6. How long have you been an orthodontist? What affilations do you carry?