Orthodontist question

LilyMarshall

Hi, I just want some feedback regarding my experience with my orthodontist. I got braces this week on my top teeth. I had a previous consultation but no photos, x-rays were taken until the day of the fitting of the brace. My orthodontist took photos and an x-ray. He didn't take any molds though. Is this normal? He said he doesn't bother in simple cases like mine. I'm a little bit worried now and a little bit annoyed because I don't think he is giving me a discount even though I am a "simple case". He also never told me to get my teeth cleaned and now I've read on archwired.com that you are supposed to do that.
Sorry for this, I might just be freaking out from reading too much online

Oral Surgeon

No names but is he on this list??
http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/specialistregisters.php

OS

LilyMarshall

Yes he is on the list.

Oral Surgeon

He should know what he's doing so...
Maybe your teeth are clean enough already...
I thought all ortho cases needed models, maybe the ortho users would answer this one...

As for a discount for an easy case.... All depends on duration of treatment...
Some clinicians charge the same for ease/moderate/difficult cases as it is easier to quote for the job. For example, I charge the same for all surgical removals of lower wisdom teeth- I dont really want to be going back to the patient afterwards saying that they need to pay more because it was a tough one...!!

OS

LilyMarshall

Thanks for replying. No, I didn't mean I want a discount. I don't. I want to pay whatever it is for the best treatment. I don't want to cut any corners. So I would like to get everything that I feel I'm paying for.

jenny4385

Maybe go get ur teeth cleaned by dentist now if worried I had braces for 2 years n teeth were never cleaned before put on . Paying for it now

Oral Surgeon

LilyMarshall wrote: »

Thanks for replying. No, I didn't mean I want a discount. I don't. I want to pay whatever it is for the best treatment. I don't want to cut any corners. So I would like to get everything that I feel I'm paying for.

I understand...

I suppose it depends on whether the orthodontist feels that pre-operative models would change your particular treatment plan. For example if the occlusal/ biting relationship of all your back teeth is ideal and all you have is some crowded/ rotated front teeth- maybe it doesn't matter...??

I always thought that pre-op models was standard practice for ortho but I may be wrong...

Orthos??

Orthoman

If the treatment plan is obvious to the orthodontist what does he need the study models for? What does he need to study? He has taken some photos so he has a record of what things were like before he started in case there are issues later.
With regard to cleaning , if you have good oral hygiene, why do you need a cleaning?
Jenny 4385 "I had braces for 2 years n teeth were never cleaned before put on . Paying for it now" .... After my haircut, I won't blame my hairdresser if it gets greasy when I don't wash my hair...... after your brace is put on keeping your brace clean is your responsibilty.

LilyMarshall

Thanks Orthoman for setting my mind at rest. I think I might cut down on the online reading

Thanks to the other posters too.

jenny4385

Best of luck with it op.. Its all worth it in the end... Orthoguy just to clarify i do take really good care of my teeth,it was the two teeth that had metal rings around them that are now the problem .. Mind if i ask u something tho seeing as ur orthodontist by pm??

day dreamer

Hi lily

Dont worry about the moulds. As has been said, they are "study models" and sometimes needed to determine the best plan. If the orthodontist was happy about the plan from the start then they are not needed. However, some will take them anyway.

Also if your teeth are really clean then there is no need to have them cleaned before treatment, just keep regular check ups with your dentist.

Best of luck