I had my 2nd consultation with Orthodontist number 2 at 4:15pm today.
Firstly I'll cut it short...
it went very well!
Now, this is the part where I type an essay about the consultation and me struggling to remember everything.
I was called into the room by the assistant where Mr Orthodontist was waiting. He is Hungarian, so it was nice to listen to his accent lol. I sat down and he asked me if I had filled out a patient form, I said no I hadn't… so one was requested from reception and he gave it to my mum to fill out (I always have my mum with me to appointments
), for a minute I thought he got confused and thought I was under 18 lol! but soon realised that wasn't the case
.
So he asked me why I was there and what my issues were. I explained that I have crooked teeth and sometimes have problems flossing certain teeth etc, and also that I dislike my teeth and smile. He then took a good look in my mouth and sat me back up and explained what was going on. He said I have an overbite (not a 100% one though) and that because the upper front teeth are currently crooked and tilt backwards slightly (to the inside of my mouth), once they are straight I will then have an overjet… When he said this I was a little shocked and worried thinking "oh God! am I going to end up with an overjet after treatment?" … he then continued saying that first he will align the upper teeth and later on put a lower brace on. He said he wouldn't be fitting my lower brace at the same time as my upper because of my overbite and upper teeth hitting the lower brackets. He then said because of how my upper front teeth are, once they are straightened I will have an overjet (he isn't sure by how much obviously until we are at that stage) and he said after the teeth are aligned he will use elastics and possibly headgear to correct the overjet (I found it funny when he was really explaining about elastics and headgear… giving me a look as if to say "are you sure you really want to wear these, I have to know you will be compliant!" lol). I am cool with whatever I have to do, be it elastics and headgear, I am up for it!
Oh and another big plus is he said
NO to extractions, and that none are needed. He went on to say that he doesn't agree with this method as it can change the face shape and not for the better – I was well chuffed when he said this and so happy he didn't believe in pulling out healthy teeth just to straighten up crooked teeth
.
He recommended I go with the metal braces (that have rubber ligatures) rather than the clear as he says they tend to break. I liked the fact he was honest about this, because the clear brackets are more expensive, so when he said this, I felt comfortable he wasn't a money grabbing Ortho unlike the first Ortho I saw! I said "yep, I am cool with metal"" and he seemed chuffed.
He said my teeth are in "pristine condition and gum health is fine" which kinda gave me a big head as I always doubt my teeths condition (and gums), so that was a result.
He then took photos of my teeth, photos of my profile and did impressions. He also measured up the sizes for molar bands. He said x-rays will be at the next appointment. So because of that I mentioned that I already had 3 wisdom teeth removed and one is left (under the gum still), he said it was good that 3 were already gone but he suggested I get the 4th removed too. I asked him "would I need to get the last wisdom tooth removed before or during braces?" he said that it might be better for the oral surgeon to remove it before the braces, mainly because the brackets get caught on their gloves lol
.
Just before I left his room, he mentioned my current face/chin/lip shape and said they will change too, for the better, and I certainly liked the sound of that!
He didn't say a price or anything while I was there, which I am cool with as he is going to do all the paper work etc first, then send me a letter in the next 2 weeks stating treatment plan and all other info. If I am happy with everything once I receive the paper work he said I can pretty much come in asap for the fitting, or if I still have questions I can have a 2nd part of the consultation after I receive the letter to ask any questions I have and to have an explanation of diagnosis/treatment plan in person.
I am very pleased and sooo glad this consultation went well... finally, something goes my way! I came out feeling very satisfied, unlike when I left my first consultation (I remember feeling really down and fed up).
So right now, I am going to wait to receive the letter in the post (he said I might receive it late this week or early next week, but usually it takes 10 working days)… give it a read through and if I have anymore questions either ring up (the receptionist said to me before I left that if I had any questions after reading the letter I could either ring up to book another appointment to ask the questions or she'd be happy to answer them over the phone) and ask/make an appointment, and if I am totally happy with everything then I guess I will be booking my fitting appointment!
I'm honestly so chuffed it went well. This Orthodontist seems really kind and comes across as he loves his job and is eager to help, he doesn't give me the impression he tries to 'sell' it to you and isn't trying to convince you to pay for the highest priced brackets.
Soooo I might not just need a brace, I could need headgear too! I certainly wasn't expecting that... but not in a bad way, I don't mind. What has to be done has to be done.
That's it, for now...
I so hope that this ortho can provide you with what you want.
(like the first time). I'm currently trying to think if I have missed anything off my list of questions!
. The Orthodontist said in some cases extractions can be ok, but when he had a look at my teeth and facial structure he said I wouldn't like the way my chin/lips would look if I had extractions so he said he refuse to take any of mine out. Maybe that will change during treatment, because he keeps saying I will end up with an overjet! and I am not quite sure how far that can be pulled back without extractions. Oh, it makes your face look thinner? I need some of that though! 