Listening To Your Orthodontist's Recommendations And Choosing The Right Braces For You

Orthodontists typically make recommendations for treatment based on what they have used, what they feel works best and on the type of braces they believe will deliver you the best results. However, that does not mean that you cannot request other types of braces to be used on your teeth instead. Here is a closer look at understanding the treatment your orthodontist recommends versus choosing the orthodontia and treatment plan you would prefer. There are also some reasons why you do not have to choose the treatment plan your orthodontist suggests.

You Have Options and the Right to Choose

Legally, you can refuse any type of treatment or procedure and accept an alternative, especially when the treatment is not medically necessary. In the case of orthodontia and adults, you are already choosing a cosmetic procedure to beautify your smile and your teeth, thus making it not medically necessary. Ergo, you should know what all of your options are and you have the right to choose from the available options. For example, if your orthodontist suggests that you should go through traditional metal bracket and arch wire treatments, but you want Invisalign braces, you can refuse the traditional braces and request the invisible, snap-in braces you want.

Ask Your Orthodontist Why He or She Has Made Certain Treatment Recommendations

On the flip side, before you charge ahead with your personal preferences for treatment, be sure to ask your orthodontist why he or she has made the recommendations for treatment products that are not in line with what you would prefer. Some orthodontists are perfectionists and like to use certain products and procedures to get your teeth perfectly shaped and perfectly aligned. It may just be that the products and procedures he/she recommends will create the best results overall, in which case you will need to decide if you want "perfection" or you just want a nice, even smile with minimal crowding.

Your orthodontist may have health or medical reasons too, such as a concern about the overall condition of your gums or teeth. These issues may be more frequently tended to and addressed with traditional braces because you have to brush and floss often to keep your braces clean and free of food debris. It is not so easy to forget to brush, as it might be with other orthodontic options. This just goes to show how important it is to effectively and fully communicate with your orthodontist before you accept or deny his/her recommendations for treatment.