Metal Mouth Message Board

Now I have to decide if I'm going to go through with it. The fact that the ortho does not want to do any extractions should make this a no-brainer, right?

Thanks to everybody who has posted their story. I have appreciated reading all the posts about your experiences, and it has helped me start on this road.

How soon after the initial consultation did you get started with braces?

I would get at least one other consult, even if you end up going with your provider. Reason - You're going to be dealing with them for a long time, best that you feel comfortable with both their treatment and their bedside manner. Also best to see what other providers are charging, how well they communicate, etc.

For me, extraction/non-extraction didn't play a big role, as I was more concerned with the end result. I did get 2 separate opinions recommending extractions before going through with them though, since they're irreversible. In my particular case, I was told that extractions could improve my upper lip incompetence(my lips do not come together at rest, so I have to consciously hold my lips closed in public) while non-extraction treatment would likely worsen it, so I opted for extractions.

Thanks, that's good advice. I went for a consultation with a different ortho several years ago, which actually put me off doing orthodontics. That ortho immediately suggested jaw surgery, which I don't want to do unless it's necessary. The ortho I saw today said that the only reason to do jaw surgery would be cosmetic improvement (slight facial alignment), and that there is no functional need for it. That gave me confidence that he is a reasonable doctor.

I went right on ahead and got mine after the first consult. There is only one ortho who comes to my town and they have an excellent reputation so I just went ahead with it and didn't bother with any other opinions. I knew that if I didn't just jump right in I would talk myself out of it or just keep putting it off so a month after my consult I was braced.

I had three consultations. The first with my regular dentist (who also does orthodontic work) who initially told me that I would need braces to close the space in my teeth and then two separate consultations. Because I don't need any extractions, it really was a matter of deciding which orthodontist I liked best. Their prices were within $200.00 of each other. I chose the second one I saw because I really liked the way he answered my 2500 different questions!