Successful orthodontic treatment is the product of cooperation between the orthodontist and the patient. The doctor and the staff owe many responsibilities to the patient, which include the following:
- performing an exam and taking appropriate records (x-rays, photographs, impressions or scan of your teeth); formulating a treatment plan and discussing alternative options
- explaining the risks of orthodontics and monitoring for problems and side effects throughout the treatment; educating the patient about taking proper care of their teeth and orthodontic appliances
- making retainers after treatment completion to preserve alignment of the teeth
- discussing finances and making reasonable efforts to facilitate insurance payments; scheduling appointments; and being available to address emergencies
- providing a safe environment
The patient, on the other hand, is expected to be involved in the treatment process. Without mutual doctor-patient relationship, the treatment will not produce the desired outcome. Here we discuss some of the orthodontic patient responsibilities. Failure to follow them may result in termination of treatment and dismissal from your doctor’s practice.
Come to your appointments and be on time
During your treatment, the orthodontist will need to see you every 4-6 weeks if you have braces, with possibly longer times between visits if you chose clear aligner therapy. It is very important to come to your appointments. Missing, or frequently rescheduling appointments can not only lead to longer duration, but it may also adversely impact your treatment.
Some adjustment appointments are quick and it may seem that nothing much gets done other than changing the colored ties. The truth, however, is that at every visit the orthodontist evaluates the progress of treatment and decides on the next step. Sometimes it is the continuation of what was started the previous visit, and sometimes it is the reversal or change of the strategy if a different approach is needed. The point is that if you go too long between visits without your orthodontist’s evaluation, undesirable movement of the teeth can occur and the treatment duration will be extended.
The other side to keeping your appointments is being on time. Orthodontists see many patients every day. The time reserved for each patient’s routine adjustment may only be 20-30 minutes. Think about the things that need to happen during this time. The patient is brought back into the clinical area, assistant unties the wires and prepares the patient for whatever procedure is planned. Then the orthodontist comes in, evaluates the treatment, decides on the next step, and gives instructions to the assistant. The assistant follows the instructions and re-ties the patient.
After the patient is taken to the front area, the room is cleaned and instruments are packaged for sterilization. This is a well orchestrated process that takes up the full time allotted. So even if you are only 10 minutes late to your appointment, your adjustment may run into the next patient’s time. So don’t be surprised if you have to be rescheduled to a different day.
If you do have to miss an appointment, call the office right away and they will make the effort to find you a spot as soon as possible. However, because all patients are seen routinely every 4-6 weeks and because these appointments are scheduled right after the current appointment, the office may be booked out a month ahead. Unless, there is a cancellation, you may have to wait that long to be seen.
Follow orthodontist’s instructions
There are a few things that your orthodontist will expect you to do during the treatment. One of those things is taking proper care of your teeth and appliances. You will be shown how to brush and floss your teeth around the brackets and the wires. It will be your responsibility to maintain excellent hygiene during the treatment. You will also be educated about avoiding certain hard and chewy foods that can break brackets. You will be expected to follow those recommendations.
During certain stages of the treatment you may be instructed to wear elastics. These rubber bands are used to correct the bite. You will be shown the right way to put them in and you will be responsible for wearing them properly. Part of your treatment may include wearing of a headgear. If you have a rapid palatal expander, you will be shown how to make regular turns at home. Failure to follow all instructions may result in delay in treatment.
Your orthodontist may give you a referral to a general dentist or another specialist for adjunctive services. You may need to see a general dentist to have teeth extracted, if that is part of your plan. You may need to see an oral surgeon to expose an impacted tooth or to have some pathology evaluated. You may be referred to a periodontist if any gum problems or bone loss are noted. If your home oral hygiene is not adequate, you may be asked to have more frequent cleanings at your dentist. When those referrals are made, you will be expected to schedule them promptly.
Keep regular dental check-ups
Your orthodontist’s main job is, well, orthodontics, which is moving teeth. All other issues are addressed by your general dentist. It is your general dentist who performs cleanings, checks teeth for cavities, extracts teeth, and evaluates for pathology. If during orthodontics, you develop a sore, a growth, sensitivity, pain, or something unusual in your mouth that is not directly related to or fixable by adjusting orthodontic appliances, you may be referred to your general dentist. You will also be expected to have regular 6-month check ups to make sure your teeth stay healthy.
Pay your bill
It is your obligation to pay in full, or make installment payments as agreed. If you are unable to make a payment, call the office to discuss alternative arrangements. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontics, the office will verify the benefits and will work with the insurance company directly to collect their portion. Many insurance companies pay out their benefits on a monthly installment basis, rather than a full amount upfront, to make sure that patients maintain their coverage throughout the entire treatment. If your insurance terminates in the middle of the treatment, the unpaid insurance balance will become your responsibility. Falling behind your payments may lead to discontinuation of treatment and being sent to a collection agency.
If you decide to stop treatment early, or move to a different area before completion, the office will prorate your fee using their special formula. Typically (this may vary from practice to practice), 30% of the fee is allocated towards initial treatment planning and placement of appliances, 50% towards the actual treatment, and 20% towards removal of appliances and retainers. So, even if you decide to have your braces removed only a month after placement, you may owe 50% of the entire fee.
Exhibit proper behavior
Be nice, be courteous, be patient. If you are rude to the staff, exhibiting threatening, or otherwise inappropriate behavior, you may be dismissed from care.