When you receive a referral to an orthodontist, you probably have a million questions. Understanding dental care, braces, orthodontic appliances, and new things can be confusing. We compiled a list of 5 Things to Know Before You Visit the Orthodontist to make things easier for you. There are more than five, but that seemed a good starting number.
When Your Dentist Gives You a Referral
First, let us begin by saying it isn’t the end of the world. While braces don’t exactly have the best reputation, they aren’t the curse they used to be. Your friends will still talk to you. Most people won’t make fun of you in school. The brackets are smaller so they aren’t as noticeable these days. You can add cool colors with bright elastics. Totally not the end of the world. Not quite a fashion statement, but not a horrible fate.
Patients have choices that were not available in the past. Traditional metal braces are still around, with smaller brackets and greater efficiency. Patients can also select clear brackets, which blend with the natural coloration of the teeth. These function the same as regular braces but are less visible. Finally, Invisalign is also an option. These clear alignment trays are available for patients of all ages, although they are most commonly used with teens and adults.
Depending on your orthodontist and the complexity of your misalignment, you may have more options for treatment. That brings us to finding the right orthodontist. As a specialized area under the “dentistry” umbrella, orthodontists focus more on how your teeth appear and line up along your jawline. They are trained to diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities. The final goal of an orthodontist is to make sure that teeth, lips, and jaws are aligned properly.
5 Things to Know Before You Visit the Orthodontist
You will have a lot of choices to make about whether to get braces or Invisalign and much more. We did promise to discuss 5 things that are good to know before your first appointment.
FIRST: You don’t have to “settle” for the first orthodontist that you see. You can seek a second opinion. Most orthodontists offer a free or reduced-price consultation. Look for a doctor and an office that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
SECOND: Your age doesn’t matter. Whether you are an adult, teen, or in-between, people of all ages are seeking orthodontic care to straighten their smile.
THIRD: Never be afraid to ask questions. No matter what it is, the staff at any office are happy to answer your questions. They understand that this may be a new experience for you.
FOURTH: Oral hygiene, although more difficult with braces, is an essential part of your treatment. Plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes flossing with regular braces. This is very important as leaving food particles on your teeth can result in tooth decay. You’ll also need to keep up on regular dental checkups and cleanings during your treatment.
FIFTH: After your treatment is complete, you will have to wear a retainer. The retainer makes sure that your teeth maintain their new positioning. Failure to wear the retainer may result in your teeth shifting toward their original positioning.
Although we could continue to list at least 20 more things to know, we’ll stop here.
Let Koch Orthodontics Cut Through the Confusion
The specialists at Koch Orthodontics are here for you. General questions, help to learn how to brush with braces, or anything else you want to know. If you would like to make an appointment in our Geneseo office, or just ask a question, feel free to use our online Contact Form. You may also call our office at:
Current Patient: (585)-243-3174
New Patient: (585)-460-2856
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