New, anything to watch out for?

[GeezLouise]

I'm 53 and going for first consultation soon. Is there anything experienced folks can recommend asking or watching out for? Sunniest regards, -GeezLouise

[Jewels]

Hi!

I'm not an expert but I did go for a few consultations before getting my braces. I noticed that sometimes you have the option of doing a "quick fix" which fixes what you want changed (a crooked tooth, a gap) but often there is an issue involving the bite that also needs to get fixed in order to prevent other problems from happening. The health of your teeth overall should be the top concern.

Good luck!

[Nozzelnut]

Hi and welcome.

Go to as many orthodontists for a consult as you can.

If 4 out of 5 say; ie you need extractions; then you probably do. Find what they have in common. Ask the simple questions; how long in treatment, price, what's included (retainers, emergency repairs for breakages,) general treatment plan, board certs, aligners (invisalign) vs traditional braces (ceramic or metal) vs appliances like Inman, other appliances (TPA, RPE, TADs,) functional bite or for appearance...

I met with 3 orthos. I picked the one that had additional TMJD training and experience. I had 2 consultations with him; first was basic. Had me open and close a couple times; looked at what my teeth were doing through the bite...

The second consultation was more in depth. Xrays, study model review... Got into specifics and he had a couple options. Talked about aligners, traditional braces and basically continuing with the splints he made me that would treat my TMJD but not fix it. Had a more specific amount of time for treatment.

I wish you the best finding an orthodontist and starting your treatment.

[allyria]

Definitely go to as many consultations as possible! I feel like many orthodontists are more concerned with cosmetics than actual healthy teeth but I did eventually find one that took my problem seriously.

[SpottedPickle]

Make sure to be your own advocate. Know what you want from the procedures realistically and make sure that the orthodontist and you are on that same page. I am giving up a perfect upper midline for a better bite and taking the rotation out of teeth.

It is a very trusting thing to have someone changing you, if you cannot trust the Orthodontist, just keep looking. I cancelled a consult because the staff seemed surprised the consult was for myself. I wanted a ortho who was comfortable with adults. It is not as uncommon anymore, so no need to settle for adding awkwardness to the mix of anxieties!

[GeezLouise]

Thanks so much, everyone! My dentist, who is highly educated and female (not many of those in this rural area and she is independent thinker enough for me ha ha), referred me to a couple of orthodontists she thought would do well for adult orthodontics and be a good fit for what I'm after. I really like the one who is doing mine. He was careful to explain the pros & cons, and although he'd make more money off some of the other types, he was clear that since I was after "good results" rather than "good looks during the process," the metal braces would be the best choice. He himself has invisalign something.