Melbourne Orthodontics: Orthodontic Consultation

3 Tips to Seeking Orthodontic Consultation

I recently had a discussion with a client orthodontist in Palm Harbor, FL that related a question posed to him, "My son's dentist suggested that we start treatment with Invisalign Teen. Does it make sense to just start or would you suggest that I seek an orthodontic consult?"

Being that I work in the field of orthodontics and dentistry, and that I myself have had Invisalign and my daughter is currently in braces, I saw an opportunity to help disseminate information that might help others in a similar situation of making good orthodontic care decisions.

First and foremost, and in complete deference to all general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentists that provide Invisalign or similar appliances, no orthodontic procedures should ever be made outside of the specialty of orthodontics.

[Related article about Orthodontic Consultation, Damon braces and Invisalign in Melbourne]

Even if one ultimately decides to embark on the path of orthodontic care with his/her dentist, not consulting an orthodontist prior to beginning treatment can result in a less than desirable outcome, ultimately putting you back in an orthodontist's chair. And because most orthodontists perform a complimentary initial consultation there is no reason to not, at the very least, find out if their treatment plan aligns with that of your dentist.

The fact is that orthodontics is a specialty that requires at least two years of post-doctoral training in a program accredited by the American Dental Association. The specialty is, in layman's terms, a study in the physics and biomechanics of tooth movement and balancing facial irregularities. The equipment, software, and techniques orthodontists use to evaluate the patient are equally specialized and allow far more precision in creating a treatment plan. So here are three tips in choosing with whom you should seek orthodontic care:

1) If your dentist suggests that he/she perform any orthodontic procedure, ask for a few orthodontic referrals for the sake of second opinion. He/she should not be put off by such.
2) Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations. You'll be surprised at the myriad of responses. Give extra credence to those that really, really advocate for a particular orthodontist.
3) Go to the sites of the suggested orthodontists and dismiss any that are not certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Surprisingly 40% of practicing orthodontists are not board certified which means they have no formal training in the specialty of orthodontics.

I personally went with Invisalign as my orthodontist deemed that I was a candidate and achieved fantastic results. He did not follow the same plan with my daughter. Instead, he suggested that we go the route of lingual braces, braces behind the teeth, for that fact that they, like Invisalign, are not visible and would allow much greater control over tooth movement, thereby yielding a far more desirable outcome. {article source: click here to read the full content of the story}