Braces Decision Making Factor

[smile2.0]

I am collecting information for a project and trying to identify what is an important factor for patients seeking or undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Time (Treatment time)
Time (Time lost-work/school)
Discomfort/Pain
Cost
Aesthetics
Others

[jenn773]

for me..my decisions were in this order:

1. Cost-being a college student and paying for this on my own I had to find a
manageable downpayment and monthly payments
2. Other: orthodontist- you just can't choose one that you're uncomfortable with
3. Time(treatment)-some guy told me three years! and most told me 12-18 months
4. Better Results- I couldn't decide between braces or Invisalign so I went with the
one that could give me better results for my money (actually this
is number two )

[Zoso]

Oh wow. Sorry, but cost should never be the primary factor. If you can't afford to go to an ortho you trust (and like! And whose staff you like!) and get treatment that will give a good bite, that is stable, and that has acceptible aesthetics, then you need to think long and hard about waiting until that is possible. Sure, if all else is equal, and you are price conscious, then this factor comes into play. But this is your body, and your health, and your appearance we are talking about, not getting the car washed and waxed. If mistakes are made, you have to live with them (or at least go through treatment a second time, later in life).

What you need to find is an orthodontist:

• with whom you can communicate effectively
• whom you trust (credentials, experience) and
• whose treatment plan makes sense to you

In considering the treatment plan, you need to consider all aspects of the expected results:

• will your bite be a good and healthy bite, or a compromise in some way?
• will your bite be stable?
• will you be happy with the facial aesthetics? (will any negatives that are bothering you be corrected? might any new negatives result?)

And you also need to consider what the treatment plan entails, and whether you can cope with it:

• are you willing to wear the recommended type of braces? (what if only fixed braces can get you where you "want to go" but your heart was set on Invisalign?)
• if there are extras such as headgear, TADs, elastics, expanders, or such, will you be able to deal with these? would you be able to comply with proper wear of any removable appliances? (in itself a major consideration if you are looking at Invisalign)
• what if surgery or extractions are necessary to get the promised results? would you be willing?

If we've reached this point and are still looking at all answers to the affirmative, then and only then should we be looking at factors such as:

• office hours/availability and location
• price/payment plans

Of course, this is just my opinion. But I really do truly believe that the results are the most important issue (and that the bite is more important than a pretty smile) and your best chance to get to a result that satisfies you is if you place considerations about the orthodontist himself/herself at the top of the priority list, with good communication between the two of you being the absolute list-topping factor.

[jenn773]

i agree with Zoso on every single thing mentioned. but for me to even THINK about braces, i had to be able to pay for it. it just so happened that I lucked out and found the greatest orthodontist and staff that i absolutely love!..AND they were less expensive too

without an affordable price or even being able to find that orthodontist by searching for different prices. I would not be on my way to getting braced in mid April paying for this on my own. so I am kind of glad I searched and searched for a manageable option, getting different price quotes AND opinions from numerous orthodontists. I guess things just panned out for me! But to anyone reading this: Zoso is completely right that cost shouldn't be a top priority, although it may be that way for some. I just guess things happen for a reason sometimes!

[Zoso]

You hit the jackpot. And you raise an important point: the right ortho for you (generic you) might be the least expensive one you talk to, and might not. But being more expensive does not necessarily mean a particular doctor is better.

[Joe_P]

Aesthetics and then cost. Length of treatment, visits, and discomfort play almost no part in getting braces or choosing between types of braces.

[pearlywhites]

For me its always been my lower facial outline.
It is not in proportion with my face .
I was offered treatment when i was younger but couldnt go through with it
only now am i ready for the challange also my kids make a point of my teeth .
Second my bite should be better following surgery.
Time is another thing 1.5 yrs to 2 yrs treatment. Its quite long but you have to think about the benefits.