What questions should you ask the orthodontist at the consultation?
- October 1, 2025
Great idea to come prepared! Asking the right questions at your child’s or your orthodontic consultation helps you understand the treatment options, timeline, and costs — and ensures you feel confident moving forward.
Here’s a list of smart and essential questions to ask the orthodontist:
About Diagnosis & Treatment
- What specific issues do you see with my child’s or my teeth or bite?
- Does my child (or me) need treatment now, or should we wait?
- What treatment options do you recommend — and why? (Braces vs. clear aligners, early intervention, etc.)
- Will my child (or me) need any teeth removed?
- How long will treatment take?
- Is my child (or me) a good candidate for clear aligners (like Invisalign or Spark)?
- How do braces and aligners compare in this case — in terms of results and comfort?
- Are there any habits (thumb sucking, mouth breathing) that might affect treatment?
- If we wait, how often should we come back for check-ups?
- How will we know when it’s the right time to start treatment?
- What is the estimated cost of treatment?
- What does the fee include — are retainers and follow-ups covered?
- Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
- Do you work with my dental insurance, and how much is usually covered?
- How often will we need to come in for visits?
- What happens if a bracket breaks or my child loses an aligner?
- What should we expect in terms of discomfort or adjustments?
- What results can we realistically expect? (Before/after photos or success stories are helpful!)
Please call our office or text 587-875-0830 to set up a consult and we can go over both options in detail with you.