Questions to ask during your first orthodontics evaluation

Embarking on a course of orthodontics treatment can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. In order to make sure that your journey to a straighter smile gets off to a smooth start, you should gather as much information about the process as possible.

At your first NYC orthodontist appointment, be prepared to ask questions. If you are well-informed from the beginning of treatment, you’re less likely to encounter problems over the following several months.

Here are a few questions that may be helpful to ask at the initial orthodontist appointment:

What are my options for orthodontic treatment? – Today, patients can choose from a variety of techniques and appliances to straighten their teeth. Discuss your budget and preferences with your orthodontist to see which approach will be most appropriate for your case.

Will I need any treatment beyond my orthodontics? – It’s important to know if any other interventions will be necessary in your case. Patients with severe malocclusions or other jaw malformations may need to have surgery, as may adult patients who need to have the upper jaw expanded to make room for all of the teeth. If you have severe gum disease, you may need to visit a periodontist before the braces can be placed.

Do I need to make any changes to my oral hygiene routine or diet? – Patients who wear traditional braces, including metal or clear brackets, will need to adjust their oral hygiene habits. They may need to brush more often to keep the mouth clear of food particles, and floss threaders will be helpful tools for flossing along the gumline underneath the archwire. Patients may also need to cut out certain foods, such as sweet, sticky substances.

Can you show me results from your previous patients? – Many orthodontists will ask patients for permission to take their pictures and share them with new patients. Although each patient’s case is unique, examining outcomes with previous patients can give you a general idea of your orthodontist’s skills.

You may also want to know how long your orthodontics treatment will take, and you can feel free to ask your orthodontist for an estimated timeline early in the process. If you do, keep in mind that the timeline is likely to change as your treatment progresses and be flexible.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact Jackson Heights Orthodontics at 718-335-4444.

Orthodontic treatment: An overview





Patients choose orthodontics in Queens as a way to achieve their ideal smiles that are perfectly straight and healthy. However, people sometimes enter the process without a thorough understanding of what the process entails. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during orthodontic treatment.

Before active treatment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s case. This step may include x-rays and a dental exam. The orthodontist will also take impressions of the teeth during this initial appointment. Those impressions will serve as an important planning tool for the orthodontist, and they will also help the orthodontist and the patient to measure the progress of orthodontic treatment.

After the treatment plan is complete, the patient enters the active orthodontics phase. Patients can choose from a variety of orthodontics appliances based on their personal budgets and preferences. Traditional metal braces are an economical option, while invisible plastic tray aligners meet the needs of patients with concerns about smile aesthetics during treatment. Brackets can also be bonded to the backs of the teeth to avoid a significant impact on the patient’s appearance. Patients may also select clear plastic or ceramic brackets connected with metal wires.

Regardless of the method, the basic premise of orthodontic treatment is the same. The devices exert forces on the teeth to reposition them over time. The process of moving the teeth can take months and even years. The orthodontist will switch out the archwires to increase or decrease tension and may use rubber bands to reposition the jaws in addition to the teeth.

For patients with particularly narrow upper arches, tooth extraction or jaw expansion may be necessary before the appliances are placed. This step gives the teeth sufficient room to move into the proper alignment. Patients will have to wear retainers for several months after the braces are removed to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original positions.

 In highly complex cases, orthodontists may refer their patients to other specialists for complementary treatment, such as oral surgery. In these cases, additional treatment may be needed for the patient to achieve the desired outcome of orthodontic treatment.

Although many people associate braces with adolescents, some adults can benefit from orthodontics just as much. No one needs to be resigned to a misaligned smile.

Call (718) 335-4444 to schedule your consultation today!