Checklist

Orthodontic consultation checklist

Orthodontics is a multi-year commitment. Before you sign, work down this list and confirm each item in writing.

1. 1

   Your goal in one sentence

   Reducing protrusion, straightening alignment, or fixing discomfort when chewing — write down what you want changed, in one sentence.

2. 2

   Diagnostic records

   Establish what the diagnosis is made from — a lateral cephalometric X-ray, an intraoral scan, and so on.

3. 3

   Extraction, and the reasoning

   Whether the plan involves extractions, and whether the reasoning is shown to you in the records.

4. 4

   What the duration assumes

   Ask which treatment goal the estimated duration assumes — alignment only, or the bite as well.

5. 5

   Appliance trade-offs

   Have the differences between metal, ceramic and clear appliances explained for your case, from your diagnosis.

6. 6

   Convert to a true total

   Total = diagnostic fee + appliance + monthly adjustment × expected visits + retainers. Compare clinics on that.

7. 7

   Who adjusts monthly

   Confirm whether the dentist doing your monthly adjustments is the one who consulted with you.

8. 8

   Transfer terms

   Get the refund percentages by stage, and how records are handed over, in writing — in case you move.

9. 9

   Retention plan

   Retainer type, how long it must be worn, and the cost of a replacement if lost.

10. 10

    Take the written plan

    A plan stating duration, appliance, extractions, total cost and what it covers — so you can compare consultations side by side.

Print this with your browser (Ctrl/Cmd+P) and take it to the consultation.