Ten Questios to Ask your orthodontist

This is of great help to assess if you are getting right service from right person, so do not hesitate to ask these questions.

1. Are you a qualified orthodontist, where did you get your MS/MDS degree ?

2. The fee quoted for your treatment, is it fixed ?

3. Is your fees all inclusive ? what do I have to pay extra ?

4. Is there only one approach, what are the alternative ways to treat this problem ?

5. Is it the right age ? how much can I safely wait ? What will be specific advantages of early treatment, what will be difference in costs ?

6. After correction will my teeth stay straight for rest of my life ? Are extractions of teeth necessary in my case?

7. The clips you stuck to my teeth, have they been used on another patient before ?

8. Invisible braces (Invisalign), will they do same quality correction for my teeth ? just like the fixed ones ? What is the evidence in favor of self ligating brackets.Will Lingual braces be as confortable as the normal ones ?

9. Can the treatment last longer that stated by you ?

10. How much will it hurt ? What will be my responsibilities during and after the treatment ?

If you are given option to get treated by Invisalign then go over the question/answers given below, and keep in mind your dentist in fact does nothing, he sends your impressions to the company and gets the aligners and simply hands them over to you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that can be used in place of typical metal braces, depending on the severity of your teeth. Invisalign is also referred to as “invisible braces” or “clear braces” because the trays that are used are clear. Because of the clear trays, Invisalign offers a less conspicuous form of orthodontic treatment.

How does it work?

The Invisalign process works by using a set of custom made plastic trays called “aligners.” These trays have been made from molds of your mouth and teeth, so they will fit perfectly in your mouth. You will switch out your trays approximately every two weeks and you will be able to see results long before the full treatment is complete.

What types of conditions does Invisalign treat?

It is important to undergo a through consultation and exam with your dentist before deciding if Invisalign is the best form of treatment for you. Should your dentist decide that you are a good candidate, Invisalign can successfully treat any of the following conditions:

Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Teeth that are overly crowded
Teeth that are widely spaced

Is it painful?

Because Invisalign uses aligners that have been designed specifically for your mouth, you will not experience the level of discomfort that traditional braces are known for. Invisalign moves your teeth into position gradually so you may feel a little soreness after starting a new tray, but there is typically only minor pain. Another benefit of the aligners is that they are made out of a smooth polymer material, so they will not irritate your gums, cheeks, and tongue like traditional metal braces.

How long will it take?

The average treatment takes anywhere from nine months to eight months, depending on how much movement must take place. You will probably use between twenty and thirty aligner trays during your entire treatment. Once you have completed treatment, it is common to have to wear a retainer occasionally to maintain your results.

Will it affect what I can eat or drink or how I speak?

Invisalign trays are removable, which allows you to eat and drink normally. You will also be able to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, which minimizes the chance for gum disease or tooth decay. You can also remove your trays for any special occasions you may have, which is a huge benefit over traditional braces.

How much does it cost?

The costs for Invisalign may vary depending on your specific needs and the duration of treatment. They are typically about the same as conventional braces and depending on your insurance plan, you may be allotted some coverage for Invisalign treatment.

Are there other options for getting straighter teeth faster?

If you are trying to correct crooked teeth that are also discolored and possibly poorly shaped, chipped, or cracked, you might also consider instant orthodontics using porcelain veneers. For some people, straighter, whiter, more attractive teeth are just a few dental visits and less than a month away.