I am about to get braces, is it ok to find my own orthodontist?

Or can I only get an appointment by referral of my dentist. I am going to the dentist in the morning to speak to him about getting braces (I am in my late 20's by the way). However what if he refers me to an orthodontist who I don't feel is of a satisfactory standard, can I go find my own orthodontist.





Also can anyone give me some advice on questions I should ask the orthodontist (besides how long they have been practicing) so that I can find out if they are right for me. I am very untrustworthy of the medical profession as I feel they are just out to make as much money as possible. And I am also frightened because looking at previous questions I have noticed some people have had bad experiences with orthodontists (e.g. they have taken braces out to early, etc). Because I will be financing the orthodontic treatment myself I don't want to end up paying for braces and then have my teeth move back to their original treatment afterwards.

I am about to get braces, is it ok to find my own orthodontist?
Hi, as long as you are paying you can go to whatever ortho you want, you should look up on the net, there is millions of info, also have you though about the type of braces you want ? are you going for the usual train track, ceramic, braces behind the teeth or the new invisalign. do you think you need top and bottom.





I have the invisalign braces, they are absolutely brilliant, and i can see a big difference already, I went to many ortho's re all different sorts of braces and the prices varied from 4000 - 6000 euros.





I am really happy with invisalign and my time wearing them is only 11 months verses 2 years in train tracks, but they don't suit everybody.





My friend had ceramic and was really happy with these, so it all depends on personal preference.





Whatever you choose ask, as many question as you want, find out if your retainer is included in the pack, how much extra it will cost for breakages to wires if you choose train tracks, what happens if it comes to the end and your not happy with the results. your paying so ask away.





Good Luck with what ever you choose. :)


Good luck with what you pick
Reply:In the US when a doctor refers you to a specialist, you choose the specialist not the doctor. The doctor or dentist only tells you what kind of specialist you should see.
Reply:well...i live in the us, but i have braces.


for mine, they estimated the time it would take and set a price based on that. as far as i know, they haven't changed it.





**tips**


*wear your rubber bands!(if you get them-- my guy said that they don't work unless you are wearing them 22/24hrs a day)


*always brush!--i get grossed out by people with food in their braces b/c its not too hard to keep them clean


*don't eat starbursts


*gum is okay--it can actually be good for you b/c it keeps the blood flowing through your gums
Reply:Well as a dentist myself i would say that it is completely fine for you to find another dentist.





If you contact direct NHS WWW.NHSDIRRECT.CO.UK they can find a local dentist within your area which would meet your requirement's and needs.





However if you have any questions about the level of service your current practitioner is providing i would recommend you contact the dental council.