Orthodontic opinion differences, option A,B or C?

rdotg

Hi all,
long time reader, first time poster. I have decided to complete a full orthodontic course of treatment. Obviously it is a big decision so I have obtained two professional opinions but I would be interested to hear your opinions:

Option A: after a consultation i was told i would need a tooth extracted on the top jaw and a course of train tracks on top and bottom with a treatment duration of about 12 months, costing €4000.

Option B after a brief consultation i was told that no extraction was required and as before it would be train tracks top and bottom but the course of treatment would be 18 months long at a cost of €4500. This included a permanent retainer placed in my mouth with a nighttime removable retainer also provided.

Option C: I am wondering if there are large differences in the cost of this treatment and could i find this treatment in other clinics in Dublin for a reduced price? I am also soncerned that as my top teeth are not too crowded i am that one opinion says an extraction is required and the other opinion says an extraction is not required? Is it normal to have two such differing opinions? Should i seek a third opinion?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Opinions will differ. There a usually a few ways to successfully complet orthodontic treatment. The extraction versus non extraction debate is one I am not qualified to talk about, however there a few good orthodontists on the forum and they might give some advice here.

davo10

I'm not an orthodontist but it sounds like Option B involves arch expansion which widens the arc of your teeth in the upper jaw so teeth can be aligned without extraction, this may involve extra time and appliances. The extractions in Option A create the space immediately to move the teeth into alignment hence less time and less cost but you lose usually 2 of your premolars. It is essential that it is done by a qualified orthodontist particularly if you are having irreversible extractions. Different clinicians may use slightly different techniques so do not be concerned by the different opinions.

kkth0360

If Option A involves extraction of just one tooth from the upper arch, it is likely that this is being recommended to correct the position of the upper dental centreline, and correct the bite on the back teeth. If this is the case, the non-extraction option, Option B, will either use another means of creating the space required to correct the centreline, such as IPR (removing a small amount of enamel from the contact areas of the teeth), or else the plan might be to simply align the teeth while accepting the centreline problem and asymmetric bite. This latter approach (alignment only) would be a significant compromise, but may give an acceptable outcome if you are prepared to accept the compromise.

However, 12 months would seem to me to be very quick for Option A - treatment involving an extraction in an adult would usually take at least 18 months. Non-extraction treatment is usually faster, as there is no extraction space to close, and can often be completed in 12-14 months depending on complexity.

Rather than seeking a third opinion (which may well result in yet another treatment plan!), it sounds like it would be useful to get some further details and clarification on each of the suggested treatment plans. Hopefully you will then be able to make an informed decision on which orthodontist / plan is right for you.

Incidentally, I would agree with Davo10's advice that you should ensure the treatment is being carried out by a qualified Specialist Orthodontist. You can check the Register of Dental Specialists here.

rdotg

Ah thanks guys, I really appreciate your feedback! So i now understand the differences in orthodontic opinions now a little better. The only concern now is the relative cost of the treatment. I spoke to a friend who had treatment carried out for a relatively similar cost a few years back and I was wondering if the costs have reduced for this type of treatment in ireland and is the option of "shopping around" for a cheaper overall cost open to me?

WDW1111

I'd say most are in or around the same price. I had braces (adult) for the last few years (2.5 yrs in total) and the total cost was €4700, that price includes retainer afterwards and visits etc. I had 2 extractions but had severe overcrowding so extraction was the only way to go. There is a good website/forum called archwired.com aimed at adults getting braces where you can get lots of advice.