How to Prepare for Your Orthodontist Appointment
After you have chosen the right orthodontist and scheduled an appointment, it is necessary to prepare yourself. In some cases, this first consultation session will be free of cost whereas in some other cases you might have to pay for your first meeting with the doctor. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to be on top of your game on the day of your appointment. Here are some topics to discuss with your orthodontist.
1. Medical History
On the day of your first visit, it is important to communicate everything with the doctor including your medical history. Give the doctor details about any medical conditions you have. Ask the doctor if any of them will affect the treatment in any way.
2. Duration of the Treatment
The duration of treatment in orthodontics varies from person to person. Hence it is a good idea to ask the orthodontist exactly how long the treatment will take. The doctor might not be able to give you an exact time frame. He/she will be in a better position to give you an estimated time frame after the diagnosis. Sometimes, the doctors cannot go on with a straightforward treatment and rather have to prepare the area to be treated beforehand.
3. The Process
Since the orthodontic treatment takes a fairly significant amount of time, it is better to understand what to expect during the treatment process. Communicate with your orthodontist any concerns that you might have. Make sure before leaving the orthodontist’s office you have a clear understanding of the complete treatment process and the different stages. For example, some patients are okay with sedatives while others are not.
4. Cost of the Treatment
Before starting the treatment process, it is essential to make yourself aware of all the costs associated with the process. It is beneficial to ask your orthodontist what the treatment will cost in total. Make sure you discuss all the hidden costs or fees, so that there are no surprises later.
5. Frequency of Visits
While understanding the complete treatment process, also discuss the frequency of visits that will be required during the course of your treatment. This will help you schedule your appointments beforehand.
6. Habits/Foods to Avoid
One of things to be careful about during your orthodontic treatment is to not indulge in habits that will create an adverse effect on the alignment of your teeth. Ask your orthodontist the details about which habits and foods to avoid.
7. Hygiene
Ask your orthodontist for tips to keep your oral hygiene intact during the course of your treatment. Ask your doctor if there are any products that he/she recommends and if there are any specific cleaning methods to follow in order to ensure proper hygiene.
8. What to Expect
In the end, ask your orthodontist what to expect during the course of treatment as well as after the treatment has been done. Be clear about whether it is normal to experience pain during the process or after it. Ask the doctor if there is any medication you can use if the pain after your treatment becomes intolerable.