Consultations

[Tinman80]

I'm new here (my story begins here http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =3&t=52455)

I just wanted to know how many different orthodontists people here consulted with before committing to one. I have 6 consultations lined up in 4 weeks. Is that excessive?

I am 37 I don't know anyone who has had braces for 15 years or more. Is there a better way to find out about them then making the appointment?

Any and all advice is welcome.

[bi167]

Hi, Welcome!
I am 24 and did visit 4 orthos before going forward and went to each of them twice to ask lots of questions! It's perfectly fine to consult as many as you want before taking decision, after all you will have to stick to one for long long time! Also each ortho's advice and treatment options differs slightly. You will know which one will be the one for you by the time you finish all the consultations.
Just relax and ask as many questions you have and without any concern till you are satisfied with answers

[Tyrantblade]

I only did 2 because surgery and extractions were not a part of my treatment, so I didn't have any tough decisions to make.

A lot of Orthodontics offices have websites and there are lots of places online where people post reviews, so you can use those resources to do some research and slim it down to a few that get better reviews and are close to you.

I went with one that gets 5 star reviews from lots of patients after I did the consultation and it just seemed right and I haven't regretted it, they have been great to work with over the course of almost 2 years, and I should be done in September.

[Ravenclaw]

I consulted with 5 orthodontists. But I did do my research before scheduling consultations. I only met with the ones with the best reviews on Yelp and Healthgrades. An additional benefit to meeting with several orthos is that you're able to pit them against each other to get the best price.

[22at26]

Just one for me.

I was referred to my orthodontist by my general dentist. I have been really impressed with the contacts and fellowships he has with his specialists so I have full trust in my orthodontist's recommendations and treatment plan. I have nothing major (no extractions or surgery) so I had no big fears to work with, either.

[Tinman80]

Thanks for the posts. I didn't look at health grades yet. It reassured me about some of the calls I made. My appointment on Monday is with the highest rated ortho in the area.

I do want to meet a few, but I suppose I will know the right one when I meet him or her. The appointments for next month are not appealing to me. I wonder if it takes more than a month for a consultation will they be available for questions or emergencies. (Some are only in the office 2 days a week).

Thanks again.
Tinman

[jaime]

I had five consultations; 3 with orthodontists, and 2 with dentists.

I went the one who had been around the longest.

[SinkFullOfDinner]

Do as many as you need to make a decision you're comfortable with. I think the biggest benefit for me from doing a few consultations was that I became a better interviewer and knew more about what to expect and what to ask. The first one was just kind of a blur. I didn't know what I didn't know, and I was a little freaked out that I was even there. It was similar to the feeling I had shopping for an engagement ring: the jeweler is an expert, I don't know diddly squat about diamonds, you're completely "out-expertised," you know it's going to cost a lot, and your decision leads to a multi-year commitment.