5 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist in South Austin

A whopping 4 million Americans wear braces and, no, not all of them are tweens. A quarter of all of those wearing orthodontics are adults.

So, you might be here ahead of your child’s first appointment with the orthodontist. Or maybe it’s you that’s going to receive a teeth-straightening treatment soon.

Either way, you don’t just need to know about the orthodontists near you in South Austin, which you’ll find at these locations. You should also prepare for what you’re going to say to the doctor when you see them. What should you ask your orthodontist?

Here are the inquiries you should make.

1. Is Now the Right Time for Braces?

Your child should have an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. The orthodontist can see then if your little one will need treatment in the future.

But a vague yes-or-no answer simply won’t do. Instead, be sure to ask your child’s orthodontist when they can expect to come back for treatment. For most kids, this will happen when they’re 10 or 11, but it’s good to ask so you have a clearer picture of what to expect.

2. Which Orthodontic Treatment Will Work Best?

Perhaps you’re weighing up your orthodontic options: you might want Invisalign or prefer braces. You shouldn’t be the only one researching and deciding which would work best, though.

Your orthodontist can help you decide which treatment would work best for your particular situation. Invisalign can fix many common issues, but metal braces will be required for a more involved treatment.

3. How Will My Life Change With Orthodontics?

This is a two-pronged question. First, you should ask how long your treatment will take. You should get used to the idea of wearing your braces for months or years into the future.

On top of that, ask your orthodontist how your life will change with braces. You’ll have to avoid certain foods, for example. Your orthodontist will tell you what to expect, in terms of adjustments, pain, dietary changes and more.

4. How Often Will I Have to Come Back?

An orthodontic treatment isn’t a one-off installation. You will have to go and see your orthodontist multiple times for adjustments. These minor changes make sure your teeth continue moving into the right position.

In general, you will have to see your orthodontist once a month to adjust your traditional braces. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires check-ins about every six weeks.

Again, your orthodontist can give you a better idea of what to expect. So, be sure to ask so you can understand how your braces will change your life.

5. How Do I Care For My Braces?

We touched on the way you’ll have to change your life by avoiding braces-damaging foods. But you’ll also have to adjust your dental-care routine when you have braces, too.

Your orthodontist can give you all of the tips required to keep your teeth and braces clean in the months ahead. They’ll provide you with tools for making braces more comfortable. For example, a tiny container of wax can help you protect your mouth and gums if a wire gets loose and scratchy.

Now, Time to Find an Orthodontist

You know what to say during your first visit to the orthodontist. Now, it’s time to find the right person to help you straighten your smile with the best orthodontist near you. And, if you need more health news and advice, be sure to check back with us.