If you’re planning to consult with an orthodontist, whether for yourself or your child, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Calgary orthodontists are very happy to answer any questions you may have, and you’ll find that doing so really puts your mind at ease as the date of the procedure approaches. In case you’re having trouble coming up with the perfect questions to ask, here are some of the most common questions asked of Calgary orthodontists.
1. What education did you receive, and are you certified? Calgary orthodontists are used to fielding this question, so don’t think of it as too disrespectful. After all, it’s your right to feel safe and to trust the person who will be operating on you or your child.
2. Is the quoted fee all inclusive, and is it fixed? Find out if there are any additional fees that could arise, and ask if there are any situations that might cause the rate to go up.
3. What are the alternatives to this surgery? Especially in this day and age, there are typically many different ways to accomplish an orthodontic objective. Even if your orthodontist strongly recommends a certain procedure, it’s a good idea to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of any alternatives.
4. Is now the right time? Whether the procedure is being done on you or your child, it’s a good idea to find out if there might be a better time to have this procedure done.
5. What are the short-term and long-term side effects? All procedures performed by Calgary orthodontists come with side effects. These may vary from person to person, so ask about the range of possibilities you can expect.
6. What types of safety procedures are in place? All dental offices should have rigid safety rules in place, and they should also have procedures in case of an emergency.
7. How well-trained are the assistants? Most Calgary orthodontists will probably need at least one or two assistants in the room during your procedure. Find out whether these employees are certified dental assistants, and ask about what role they will play during the procedure. In general, you have nothing to worry about, but this is good information to know in any case.
8. How long is the treatment going to last? There’s nothing worse than going in for a procedure that you expect to last 15 minutes only to have it go on for hours. Ask your orthodontist for a reasonable guess as to how long you can expect to be in the operating chair.
9. Will there be pain? There is almost no orthodontic procedure that doesn’t call for some type of painkiller during the surgery. Find out what type of anesthetic will be used, and also ask about whether there will be any lingering pain after the surgery.
10. What happens afterward? For many types of procedures, Calgary orthodontists will recommend either that you don’t eat for a certain time afterward, or that you take certain precautions to ensure that the surgery’s effects take hold.
