New to orthodontics.. questions to ask?

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#1 Post by **CindyRB8603** » Mon May 10, 2010 5:10 pm

Hi, I'm 26 years old, I've got a small overbite and one sideways tooth on the top, which causes my teeth to close in a crossbite. I also have 5 (possibly soon to be 6) porcelain crowns.

I saw an ortho about 3 years ago, in a different state then where I live now. He said I'd be a candidate for invisalign but quite possibly need to wear regular braces for a few months after invisalign, he also told me that I could do this without removing my wisdom teeth, even though my regular dentist said I'd have to at least get the top ones out for ortho work. so the ortho gave me a few rough estimates and sent me on my way...

now, moved to a different state and my dentist recommends i get this problem fixed before my teeth deteriorate anymore. I've been doing research on all the options.

There is one ortho here that does, regular braces, clear ceramic braces, invisalign and another one called clear correct (hadn't heard of it before, but pretty much like invisalign). I plan on getting at least 2 opinions on treatment and costs and such.

But what are some questions I should ask? My insurance will not cover anything, because I'm over 22. So everything would be out of pocket. I just don't want to go in and seem oblivious to everything and have no ideas. I need a quick route (as most charge you extra money if you transfer your care).. my husband is in the military so we'll be moving in around 2 years. Any info or advice?

#2 Post by **CindyRB8603** » Mon May 10, 2010 5:10 pm

i forgot to add, I have had all 4 of my wisdom teeth out last year.

#3 Post by **ashesgap** » Mon May 10, 2010 5:48 pm

Wow, being in Hawaii might make it quite a bit more expensive than if you waited to be stationed somewhere else. Coming from Little Rock to this tiny base in New Mexico saved me 1200...and i am over 23 as well, so none was covered.
Good questions are, how long, what will the end result be, and will i have to have braces after (for invisilign). I wouldn't go with invisilign if you'd have to have regular braces when you're done. Then you'd want to make sure that any issues you have with your teeth would be fixed. Like if you have a wonky tooth turned to the left, would is straighten out.
Those are my helpful hints, i'm sure everyone has even more for you.
Good Luck.

#4 Post by **Jewles** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:17 am

If you have a 2 year timeframe I wouldn't get invisalisn and then normal braces, normal braces are faster and you hardly notice them after a few weeks! Invisalign depends alot on the wearer, and because you can take them out whenever you want its very easy to get lazy.

#5 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:04 pm

Here are some things to consider beyond the actual treatment:

-are all diagnostic materials used, including xrays, photos, and an exam before determining treatment? Many offices provided "free" consults, but ask you to make a payment before telling you what treatment is required

-what is included in your fee? Does it include retainers, any broken appliances, mouthguards, new patient start up kit?

-past work of the orthodontist and positive word of mouth by patients, dentists, and the community

-what the procedure is for emergency visits

-how often you need to be seen, and how long you wait at the office each time

-does the team make you feel comfortable. In many offices, the orthodontist delegates much of the clinical work.

Hope this helps!

#6 Post by **catgyrl** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:28 am

Hi Cindy!

I'm from Hawaii, too! All of the suggestions above are spot-on. As far as a "quick route", did you mean the quickest time to get your teeth fixed? That's never a guarantee. I know that some orthodontists would rather over-estimate the time needed, and then take them off earlier if possible; rather than under-estimate, and then keep telling you "not yet".

The typical cost here for metal braces is about $5,000-$6,000, depending on the length and extent of treatment.

If I were you, I'd get started as soon as possible. That way, if you end up having to move before your treatment is done, at least you may not have much longer to go afterward.

Good luck to you!
-Cathy

#7 Post by **catgyrl** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:32 am

I forgot to add: Jewles is right - "regular" braces work much faster, and if you don't mind the look of metal (I love mine!), they're also cheaper here (Hawaii). I've been on 2 consultations, and both charge an extra $300 for ceramic braces.