Invisalign / 6 month braces - getting started.

starlight0708

Hi

I am strongly considering seeking treatment to straighten my teeth (one of my new years resolutions !). I have been doing some research and am not quite sure how to get started. From what I have read, it seems that going to a registered orthodontist is recommended - although I have come across a number of places offering the treatment whose personnel are not on the registered list of orthodontists. From experience do people feel this is a huge issue?

I have a couple of other questions if anyone can help please?

1. How did people find their treatment provider, was it by recommendation, word of mouth, internet ?

2. Should you have a check up and work done (fillings, clean etc) with your own dentist before you have a consultation or can such work be done as part of the process.

3. Do you need a referral letter from your own dentist for an orthodontist?

4. Are there generally waiting lists for such procedures?

Many thanks for any advice on this.

Dianthus

A general dentist may well charge you the same/similar price as a specialist orthodontist; it's generally recommended to opt for the more qualified person as they will be more experienced& better placed to advise you on all the various treatment options.

1. Any and all. There are a number of orthodontists in our locality, all similarly qualified, sometimes patients see two or three for a consult& the final decision come down to personality as opposed to price. Or sometimes even the convenience of car parking;)
2. Either. But teeth& gums must be rendered healthy before any orthodontic treatment commenced.
3. Not necessarily, you can self-refer in many cases. But then the orthodontist has to refer you back to a general dentist for a full exam.
So it's generally more efficient to have a checkup, have them send on a referral letter, then have the orthodontic consultation, allow the dentist& orthodontist to discuss the treatment plan (eg: extractions, fillings, ect) , then have the general dental treatment, & then commence orthodontic treatment.
4. Varies between practices, waiting time usually days- weeks. Receptionist(s) should be able to advise you over the phone.

starlight0708

Thanks very much Dianthus for responding and for the info. I have made an appt with my own dentist as a first step !!

Dianthus

Good luck OP.
You might notice a thread here from another poster who has had the treatment...be sure to be very clear with the orthodontist about what you're seeking to achieve from treatment, as Invisalign does have limitations& everyones' expectations of results differ.