Metal Mouth Message Board

Hello all!

I am 23 years old and I am planning on getting my braces in April at the very latest. I have already gone to one consultation with an ortho who uses the self ligating braces along with Orthocad IQ which I was very impressed with seeing as how I was completely unaware of this new technology! He also recommended that I remove the premolars on both top and bottom because of my crowding. This is something I am comfortable with because I know in the long run it would be the best thing for me.

I have another consultation January 5th with another ortho in Washington DC who uses very up to date technology.

But, my question is, for those who have sought multiple consultations with different orthos, why did you choose your doctor? What was different about them aside from the treatment options?

In my teens, I had the same plan (removing premolars), so if all 3 doctors tell me the same thing, I would like to know how I will find 'the one'.

I got my treatment on the NHS (paid for by the government) so in theory I didn't really had much choice when it came to my orthodontist. However.. I have seen two different orthodontists in my time and the difference between them was obvious.

The first orthodontist I saw:

- Had signs up all over the walls describing all the different "crimes" that would get you removed from his patient list ("kicked out" effectively). Some of these things were fair enough (like not turning up for appoinments) but others were slightly draconian. I believe even needing repairs too often or asking for appointments during school holidays was apparently enough for him to refuse to see you anymore. I don't know if these were just scare tactics, but it didn't exactly create a friendly atmosphere.

- Offered no kind of treatment plan and just told me I should try and keep my lips shut (even though that was physically impossible for me until I had surgery a few months ago). Whether he would have come up with something nearer the time I was ready to get braces I don't know... but I seem to remember that he didn't even confirm that my 12mm overjet was treatable.

- Generally was quite unfriendly and unapproachable.

The second orthodontist I saw*:

- Was friendly, willing to listen and discuss my treatment with me.

- Had no threatening signs (I think there was one up saying "you can ask me if I've washed my hands" for a while, but that's as scary as it got )

- Generally put me at ease and was likeable.

*I had to have some cysts and impacted molars taken out and from what I can remember, my oral surgeon wanted a second opinion from an orthodontist about whether I needed two or four teeth extracting and gave me the option of seeing a different orthodontist at the hospital.

If all of them tell you the same thing, all have a decent reputation and all charge the same.. I'd just say go with your gut instincts and pick the one you like best. If nothing else it makes "one" keener to ask questions and make sure you know what's happening during your treatment if you feel comfortable with them. For example, I know I can go see my current orthodontist for an emergency appointment if I even suspect that something's not going right and he'll listen and correct it; it doesn't have to be that something needs repairing (from what he says I've saved myself from more long-term problems by doing that).

Little did I know when I started seeing "ortho two" aged 12, that I'd still be seeing him 7 years later (I ended up needing jaw surgery, which meant I had to have another round of braces once old enough and lots of other appointments in between my two lots of braces). I dread to think the hours I must have spent in that dental chair; and if nothing else I guess he developed quite rapport with me over the years (and I know just how sarcastic I can get before I start pushing my luck ), which makes the experience a little bit easier. There's the odd thing my orthodontist knows about me that even my parents don't, and I can't imagine that having happened with "ortho one" and his "signs of doom" . I was even surprised by a nice personal letter from him in the post once about something I'd spoken to him about (which had pretty much nothing to do with braces or my treatment), I assumed it was to say my appointment had changed or something until it started "dear Sarah" .

Hi
I went for 3 different consultations & the Ortho i've signed up with was the last one i saw.
The 1st was the Ortho linked to my dentist - he was rude, disinterested (except for the money side of things!), both he and his assistant were rough and hurt me during my initial consultation and his teeth were awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 2nd was recommended by 2 people i work with but when i went to see him he was soooooo rude (made really unprofessional comments) and i felt like i was on a conveyor belt (not what you want when you're spending a lot of money!).
The 3rd was also recommended to me by a colleague and thankfully she is great! I knew as soon as i met her that she was completely different to the previous 2. She is friendly & approachable, takes time to listen to my concerns & explains everything and generally puts me and ease and makes me feel confident in her abilities. My brace goes on mid-jan (after 4 extractions!!)
Make sure you go with the person who you feel most comfortable with / confident about - remember you're going to be seeing them pretty regularly over quite a long period of time. Good luck

Hello!
I only received two consults and ended up going with my first, which is also the ortho that my primary dentist referred me to. For me it was a combination of things that drove my decision. First, she was wiling to explore additional options for me since I have an impacted canine. I really wanted to see if it could be brought down into my arch without the use of traditional braces. Although I ended up having to go the traditional route, I was appreciative that she researched and made the attempt for more non-traditional methods. Second, the orthodontist and her staff are incredibly courteous and friendly. My ortho may not have a fancy new office, but I feel extremely comfortable there and have always received exceptional service. The final reason I chose my ortho was experience. She has been practicing for over 20 years and has a great reputation.

Bottom line, this is someone that you are going to be spending a lot of time with and the care they are providing to you is very impactful. My only advice is that you do your research, take your time making the decision and go with your gut instinct.

Best of luck to you!

I had six consultations before I chose my orthodontist. I agree that many offices have the "conveyor belt" approach described above.

I chose my orthodontist because she took time to thoroughly examine my teeth during the consultation (some of the other doctors barely took two minutes). She listened to my concerns and asked me a lot of questions.

Right away, I knew I'd likely go with her, though I did have a few other consultations afterward. A lot of it was a gut decision for me, and feeling comfortable with this particular orthodontist. I also liked that her waiting room was never crowded, and that she doesn't have any assistants; she does all the work herself.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

I had two consultations which were 5 months apart from each other. I remember the first orthodontist office made me sit through some cheesy video regarding braces and then an office manager came in for the hard sell on getting me to make an appointment. This all happened before I even saw the doctor. She even asked me after watching the video would I stay today and get them put on. Say what lady? I was there for a reason because I was in pain regarding the changes in my bite due to two crowns and subsequent tmj. The doctor came in and spent a total of 3 minutes with me(yes I counted) looked in my mouth and said yep you need braces for a year. That was it and he walked out and said make an appt with the office manager. He could have cared less regarding my issues with the tmj or how braces could help alleviate those symptoms or get rid of them entirely. I knew right then that was not the office I would be going with.


The second consult I had was like night and day from the first. The doctor spent 45 minutes with me and did a thorough exam of my teeth and talked to me a bit about the history of the tmj and why I was having the symptoms of it from those recent crowns. He told me how the braces could definitely improve or get rid of my symptoms because he could correct and stabilize my bite. He told me that I could benefit from braces but could continue to go through the rest of my life without them if I choose not too. He emphasized that I could be pain free as well as improving my bite, oral hygiene and enhancing my appearance. He was so nice and generally cared that I was in pain and kept asking how I was able to get a hold of so much prescription pain meds and to be careful taking them because they could really do a number on my stomach or overdose on them.

It's no brainer but I with the second orthodontist even though he told me treatment would last at least 22 months vs the first doctor who did the 3 minute exam/consult and said a year in braces. All in all I had to go with someone I trusted.

I've seen eight orthodontists. It's been very confusing for me because they've all said different things like just get 2, 4 or 0 premolar extractions. The range has been 6 months, 14 months, 1.5 years, 2 years, 2.5 years. When I told my periodontist, he exclaimed, "Geez, that's a lot! A lot of opinions can get confusing!"

I even had one who used to teach at Tufts look me in the eye and say, "You must get four extractions; anyone who says otherwise is just out for your money!" I wanted to trust him but he was the longest time at 2 years, and one of the most expensive. He only did about 10 percent adults, and I I thought he was too cautious.

Anyway, I narrowed it down to two orthodontists. One is called Dr. R, and my friend currently is in treatment with him. He treats almost all adults. But I get a salesmen-like vibe from him. The first time I saw him, he declared my case was "easy"! (Others told me my case was moderate complexity) and he said I could do 0 or 4 extractions, though I would be much happier extracting four. I didn't feel hurried; he was nice but not precise. But then again I wasn't asking a lot of questions. Second time, I saw him, he seemed very busy. But he saw the anxiety in my face and said, "Well, don't extract them, if it's mentally not good for you." Which left me feeling more confused. I want HIM to tell me what's best for me! I've leaning toward him because he has a great reputation and treats mostly adults. He also said it would take 14 months. He doesn't take mold impressions to study them though. But he's known for having innovative technology, especially with retainers. Part of me is afraid that he has so many patients, he won't give me the attention I want. (Though at the end of every meeting he always asks, "Do you have anymore questions??) But if an orthodontist treats a lot of patients, he gains a lot of experience? Isn't that a good thing?

The second contender was called Dr. S. She was very patient, and answered all my questions with technical precision. I think I felt most comfortable with her as a person. She does 50 percent adults. But I don't know much about her. I don't have any testimonials or referrals. It's just gut feelings. She said 1.5 years. She was more traditional regarding retainers and taking impressions, and was willing to talk out with me the differences between extraction and non-extraction.

Urgh. This is just a very hard decision. What should be expect from an orthodontist? For them to listen to you right and answer your questions right? When you do your tightenings and adjustments, you don't always have a long conversation with your orthodontist during every appointment?

I only had one consultation! My brother had been through the same practice and they did a wonderful job. My ortho is also very experienced and well qualified, he answered all of my questions, told me from day one exactley what we would need to do, how long it would take and the costs involved. It made me feel very confident that he was so confident and its all turned out really well. I was given my debrace date today (4 weeks time!) and although treatment has been longer than expected.. I was told 18-21 months and it will end up being 25 but it was so worth it in the end!

I went to three consultations, and ended up choosing the one my dentist referred me to. I went to the additional consultations to see if anyone recommended anything different. The only difference was some teeth pulling, which I wasn't interested in.

But, the thing that was important to me was how much time the ortho took to answer my questions and explain things to me. Also, the fact that my dentist recommended them was something I took into account, but not until I took the other factors which was how comfortable they made me feel, etc. Cost was an issue, but not the final decision maker. I'm using insurance and FSA (Flex account) to pay for it.

You need to feel comfortable with whomever you choose. Hopefully cost will not be the major factor, nor should the one who promises the shortest time. You want the best results and you want to be able to trust your ortho, be comfortable going to the office, and feel free to discuss your treatment with him or her at any time. For me, I would never go to an office that has a "factory" feel in which the ortho passes through for a minute or two during your visits. I'm paying for personal service and the best results possible.

I once had a dentist who acted like I wasn't in the room when he came to check me during routine exams. So I left that practice as soon as I could find someone I could have faith in. The new person was fantastic, and a friend to boot. Too bad he's now retired.

I had two consults before I made my decision.

Dr S. was recommended by my dentist (who was going through braces at the time), an adult friend who just got them off and two friends whose kids had gone to him. He was a little abrupt, but I didn't feel put off. He is not someone I would go out for a drink with, he is pleasant and business like.

Dr. N was my kids ortho. We had been seeing him for 8 years between both kids and my son was a few months away from getting his off. I knew the Dr. style and his office staff very well and I assumed that I would get a decent discount for being a repeat customer.

I ended up going with Dr S. Why? There was $2000 difference in the price between the two and they described the same treatment. The only difference was that Dr S told me that my mid-line was off and he wouldn't be able to correct it with braces, that it was my jaw that was misaligned. This made sense to me because I had been in a pretty bad car accident about 10 years before and I had problems with my veneers after the accident because my bite had changed. Dr N never mentioned my mid-line.

I am now almost 9 months into my treatment and I am very happy with my ortho. Is he "warm and fuzzy" like Dr N? No, but I never have to wait when I arrive on time, I am in and out quickly and his staff are great. It was awkward to go into Dr N's office with braces on when I took my son in to get his braces off, but I did call them and tell them before I had them put on that I had decided to go with a different ortho and they were very polite.

I agree with the other posters that it really is a gut decision. You will be at this office every 4 to 6 weeks for a few years, make it some place you want to go.

CeliacMom wrote:I had two consults before I made my decision.

Dr S. was recommended by my dentist (who was going through braces at the time), an adult friend who just got them off and two friends whose kids had gone to him. He was a little abrupt, but I didn't feel put off. He is not someone I would go out for a drink with, he is pleasant and business like.

Dr. N was my kids ortho. We had been seeing him for 8 years between both kids and my son was a few months away from getting his off. I knew the Dr. style and his office staff very well and I assumed that I would get a decent discount for being a repeat customer.

I ended up going with Dr S. Why? There was $2000 difference in the price between the two and they described the same treatment. The only difference was that Dr S told me that my mid-line was off and he wouldn't be able to correct it with braces, that it was my jaw that was misaligned. This made sense to me because I had been in a pretty bad car accident about 10 years before and I had problems with my veneers after the accident because my bite had changed. Dr N never mentioned my mid-line.

I am now almost 9 months into my treatment and I am very happy with my ortho. Is he "warm and fuzzy" like Dr N? No, but I never have to wait when I arrive on time, I am in and out quickly and his staff are great. It was awkward to go into Dr N's office with braces on when I took my son in to get his braces off, but I did call them and tell them before I had them put on that I had decided to go with a different ortho and they were very polite.

I agree with the other posters that it really is a gut decision. You will be at this office every 4 to 6 weeks for a few years, make it some place you want to go.

They didn't offer a family discount? Ugh. I guess not all orthos do. I think mine gives some sort of discount if my son needs them later. But, I have to inform them of that before treatment to get the cost.

This is a great topic. I am in the process of choosing a new orthodontist and reading about people's consultations and the choices they ultimately make are great. I've had 3 consults so far, and one recommended a very invasive procedure along with speech therapy. Most likely Mr. invasive recommendations will not be chosen. I will share my story once I make a final decision.

Does anyone think a particular 'type' of orthodontist is more likely to recommend unnecessary surgery? I've been browsing the archives on the board and quite a few people have mentioned having some orthos recommend surgeries during a consultation, but they turn out fine when they chose an orthodontist who didn't recommend surgery.

Well I had at least half a dozen consults over a three and a half year period and felt that besides the varying treatment times, plans and prices, an obvious lack of enthusiasm by some of the consultants was what really made me discount so many of them.

That's why I think its a good thing to get as many opinions as possible for such a long, expensive treatment and not to get pressured into going with someone you don't feel 100% confident about...

I knew I'd found the right team when they not only seemed genuinely pleased about taking me on as a client but also promised that I would be their "masterwork' lol... I felt confident about the team right away and knew I'd made the right decision.

On average, how many orthodontists should one test out for consults? My dentist gave me 3 cards because he said I could get some very different opinions?