Orthodontic treatments are probably more common than you might think. In fact, over four million Americans have braces, with a quarter of that number being adults. Despite this, many people still don’t know too much about the finer points of orthodontics. That means they don’t know the right questions to ask their orthodontist. But before you make an appointment, there are a few things you should double-check. To learn more about getting braces in Cleveland, Ohio, keep reading.
We’re sharing a list of questions that you should ask during your first visit.
1. What Kind of Orthodontics Treatment Do I Need?
Braces come in all different kinds. There are the traditional wire braces often seen on teens. Then there are all kinds of retainers and aligners.
Ask your orthodontist which kind you need. Different types serve different purposes, but some are more desirable than others.
By communicating openly about your needs, you’ll get the best treatment options. For example, if you’re feeling self-conscious, Invisalign could be a good treatment for you.
2. What Are Your Qualifications and Experience
An orthodontist does important work. So, you need to know they have the right experience and qualifications to get a good outcome for you.
A good orthodontist should have a degree in the topic and at least several years of hands-on experience. Our doctors have years of experience and qualifications including master’s degrees.
They are well supported by an expert team. All our staff members are highly qualified, with years of experience. So, you can sit back and relax, feeling safe by the knowledge that we’ve got you covered.
3. How Can I Improve Dental Care at Home?
Visiting a dental professional is only a small part of keeping your mouth healthy. The real oral care work comes at home, with regular brushing, washing, and other hygiene work.
This becomes especially important when you’re receiving orthodontic treatment. When you have braces or a retainer, you may need to avoid certain foods or take the aligners out at certain times.
Your orthodontist in Middleburg can give you specific advice and perhaps even provide pamphlets and other reading materials. By following this advice carefully, your treatment plan will run smoother and you’ll benefit from improved dental health in the long run.
4. What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?
Orthodontics emergencies don’t tend to come up that often. Still, it’s good to know what to do if something goes wrong.
Your Cleveland orthodontist can give you advice on what to do in an emergency. They may offer you an after-hours number so you can get help whenever you need it.
5. Do I Really Need Braces?
This may seem like a strange question to ask an orthodontist. But a professional will be open about whether braces or aligners are the best option for you.
There may be alternative options for you, depending on your needs. It never hurts to ask and find out more about different ways of doing things when it comes to Cleveland orthodontics.
6. What’s the Timeline for My Treatment Plan?
Orthodontics treatments can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. And the number of appointments required can vary wildly too. That’s why you need to know how long the process will take.
Ask your orthodontist in Cleveland for an outline of the treatment schedule. Find out how long the process will take in total and find out about the number of appointments required too.
Be aware that things may change throughout the process, so no orthodontist can give you an exact time scale. But getting a rough idea of how long your treatment will take allows you to plan ahead and get realistic expectations for your treatment.
7. Do I Need Any Teeth Extracted?
Sometimes braces and retainers aren’t all that’s needed for a healthy mouth. To fully align your teeth, you may also need some teeth extracted. If your mouth is too crowded, or if a tooth is totally misaligned, it may be beyond braces or aligners to fix the issue.
A good orthodontist will be upfront with you if this is the case. They will explain how the extraction process fits into your treatment plan and the impact it will have on the end result of your orthodontics.
8. What Will My Insurance Cover?
Contrary to popular belief, insurance providers often do cover emergency orthodontics treatments. But elective treatment is rarely covered. The level of orthodontic care receiving coverage depends on your provider and coverage.
Talk to your orthodontist about what your insurance is likely to cover. Getting a clear idea about this in advance will help you to make a plan.
9. What Payment Plans Do You Offer?
If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about paying for your treatment. If the upfront cost is too much, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan.
Talk honestly with your orthodontist about your financial requirements. If you need a different payment plan, it’s possible something could be worked out that’s mutually beneficial. There’s no harm in asking!
Braces in Cleveland, Ohio for You
Talking with your orthodontics professional and asking all the questions you can think of is a great way to get the best treatment. This will help you to understand the different options available and the pros and cons of each treatment.
If you need braces in Cleveland, Ohio, Weiss & Tor Orthodontics can help. We offer a range of orthodontic services and we’ll do our best to send you away with a big smile! Read more about our services today to find out more about how we can help you.