Getting started

[Adu]

Hi

I'm new here, but have read heaps of posts and they've helped me loads.

I've had three consults and although all the ortho's were nice, at this point I'm definitely leaning towards one. He was easy to speak to, didn't rush me, answered all my questions and kept asking if I understood what he was talking about and if I had more questions.

Here's some stuff I'm confused about.
Ortho 1 - ceramic upper eight, rest metal
Ortho 2 - ceramic for all top teeth, rest metal
Ortho 3 - all ceramic

I'd like all ceramic, but two won't go that way ... any suggestions would help.

Ortho 1 - no self ligating due to problems with the brackets and hygiene under the closing bit
Ortho 2 - would use self ligating with a metal slide piece at the front, so not all ceramic.
Ortho 3 - no self ligating

I'm not suitable for invisalign so want the most discreet option at this point.

Time frames and costing were very similar for all three, so I don't have any issues with those. Phew! All three said I'd need to wear elastics and have elastic chains to close gaps, but none thought I'd need anything else, although it was explained that treatment doesn't always go as planned. A shame, but I realised we're working with the human body here.

Sorry this is long, but it's a lot to think about, and I can't stop thinking. I'd like to make my final decision by the end of the week, so that treatment can start.

Thanks Adu

[Sunny]

Welcome Adu

Great you've done plenty of research and have found this forum helpful.

Great you've found an ortho

He was easy to speak to, didn't rush me, answered all my questions and kept asking if I understood what he was talking about and if I had more questions.

This person is indeed a gem, as someone you can communicate with will make this experience much easier.

Many ortho's will only put ceramic brackets on the upper teeth, due to the brackets being so hard. There is slightly more risk of damaging an upper tooth if you connect with it really hard, than with a metal bracket. For some ortho's it a preference thing and for some who charge the same for different brackets, some ceramics are slightly more expensive per bracket. My recommendation is forget the bracket ... choose the ortho!

The ortho's I work for offer sl brackets, but do not push them. Mainly due to bracket issues and the pressure needed to close the door/slide or push the archwire into the clips. Again my recommendation is, forget the bracket ... choose the ortho!

Good luck with your decision and I look forward to reading more about how your treatment goes.

[Adu]

Thanks for your helpful post Sunny.

I've made second appointments with ortho 1 and 3 and feel pleased that I'm getting closer to making a decision.

I will ask ortho 1 about why ceramics on my uppers only. I suspect it's for the reasons you give, but confusing when ortho 3 said I could have the inspire ice brackets on both uppers and lowers.

I am definitely following your advice to choose the orthodontist wisely. Ortho 2 was rushing, pushy and didn't answer my questions properly, so I've chosen not to have a second consult with him. Hopefully I'll have chosen between 1 and 3 by Friday.

Thanks Adu

[Sunny]

Great you've been able to 'drop' one ortho off your list and are now preparing for round two.

I think you're wonderful doing such thorough research and this should help your journey to be a great one.

Good luck finding the ortho best to treat you!