First appointment with an orthodontist: 7 important questions before installing braces or aligners

Deciding to correct a bite can be difficult. How long will the treatment last? Will it hurt? Which is better to choose — braces or aligners? And how much will a beautiful smile ultimately cost? These questions arise for almost everyone who is planning orthodontic treatment for the first time. In dentistry «Triumph-Denta» in St. Petersburg, we are sure: the path to a beautiful smile should begin not with complex procedures, but with a clear and detailed consultation with a specialist. Orthodontist Renata Aleksandrovna Ivanova helps patients understand modern possibilities for correcting their bite and choose a suitable treatment option. We tell you what seven questions you should ask an orthodontist at the first appointment. 1. Do I really need to correct my bite? Uneven teeth are not always an exclusively aesthetic problem. Improper tooth positioning can make daily hygiene difficult, contribute to uneven distribution of chewing load and increased tooth wear. However, each case is different. During the consultation, the orthodontist assesses the position of the teeth, the features of jaw closure and the condition of the oral cavity. The main task is to determine whether treatment is necessary and what problem it should solve. 2. Which is more suitable for me: Damon braces or aligners? This is one of the most popular questions patients ask. Modern orthodontics offers different ways to correct the position of teeth. Damon braces — a self-ligating bracket system that allows you to treat various malocclusions. The braces are fixed to the teeth and work constantly. Aligners — transparent removable mouthguards, made according to an individual plan. They are subtle when talking and smiling, but require discipline: they must be worn most of the day, following the doctor’s recommendations. The choice depends on the complexity of the clinical situation, the condition of the teeth and gums, the patient’s lifestyle and other factors. There is no one system that is ideal for absolutely everyone. 3. How long will it take to correct the bite? The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the malocclusion, the age and condition of the dentofacial system, the chosen correction method and compliance with the orthodontist’s recommendations. In some patients, treatment may take about a year, in others — two years or more. The doctor determines the preliminary dates after diagnosis and drawing up an individual treatment plan. The actual duration of treatment may differ from the initial prognosis. 4. Does it hurt to install braces and wear aligners? Fear of discomfort — one of the common reasons why patients delay correcting their bite. The installation of braces itself usually does not cause pain. After starting treatment, activating the bracket system, or switching to new aligners, temporary pressure and tooth sensitivity may occur. As a rule, these sensations gradually decrease as you adapt. During the consultation, the orthodontist will explain what to expect in the first days and how to relieve possible discomfort. 5. Do I need to have my teeth treated before installing braces? Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is important to ensure that your teeth and gums are in satisfactory condition. If necessary, the doctor may recommend treatment of caries, professional hygiene, therapy for gum diseases or other preparatory procedures. This preparation helps reduce the risk of complications during long-term orthodontic treatment. Dental and gum health — an important basis for successful bite correction. 6. What makes up the total cost of treatment? The cost of orthodontic treatment — is not only the price of a bracket system or a set of aligners. Depending on the method chosen and the clinical situation, the plan may include diagnosis, system installation, follow-up visits, additional procedures and a retention phase. • What is included in the initial price? • How are control visits paid? • Will additional costs be required? • How much will it cost to consolidate the result after treatment? The doctor draws up an individual plan, and payment terms must be clarified before starting treatment. This allows the patient to better understand upcoming expenses and plan a budget. 7. Will teeth remain straight after treatment is completed? After removing the braces or completing treatment with aligners, an equally important stage begins — maintaining the achieved result. For this purpose, retainers or special retention trays are used. They help keep teeth in a new position and reduce the risk of them moving again. The duration of the retention period and the method of consolidating the result are determined individually. Therefore, at the first consultation, be sure to ask the orthodontist how this stage will be organized. Bite correction begins with consultation It is not necessary to understand in advance all types of braces, aligner manufacturers and treatment technologies. This is precisely why there is specialist consultation. In dentistry «Triumph-Denta» in St. Petersburg, the appointment is conducted by Renata Aleksandrovna Ivanova — orthodontist. At the consultation, you can discuss the state of the bite, possible correction methods, the need for diagnosis and expected treatment time. The main thing is — get answers to your questions and make an informed decision. Special offer for patients «Triumph-Denta» Until November 1, 2026, there is a 10% discount on Damon bracket systems and aligners from the orthodontist Renata Aleksandrovna Ivanova. If you have been thinking about correcting your bite for a long time, take the opportunity to make an appointment for a consultation and find out which treatment method is right for you. Check with the clinic administrator for the size of the discount, the list of participating services and the conditions for its use.