Can I Choose My Orthodontic Treatment?
Kenilworth, IL – Orthodontic treatment is a big step that requires careful consideration and research to choose the best provider for you. When entering into orthodontic treatment, it’s important to choose an experienced provider who can offer the very best in treatment. But it’s also important to choose one who views patients as partners in care, who answers questions and addresses concerns and understands your smile goals.
“One of the most important factors in orthodontic treatment is the patient him or herself,” says Dr. Michael Stosich of Stosich Consulting. “Patients need to understand how orthodontic treatment works so that they have a reasonable expectation of how their treatment will progress, and they need to understand what their role is in ensuring treatment stays on track.”
Patients and orthodontists are partners in care. While the orthodontist does the work of crafting a personalized treatment plan, the patient can’t rely only on the orthodontist to keep the treatment on track.
“Patient compliance is a huge part of orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Stosich. “I can create the very best scientifically backed treatment plan, but if the patient isn’t holding up their end of the deal, it won’t be as successful.”
So, what does that mean for the patient? Dr. Stosich answers some commonly asked patient questions to better illustrate the important relationship between patient and orthodontist.
Can the patient choose the treatment option he or she wants?
There are so many treatment options today, and chances are good you’ve seen or heard advertisements for at least one. Patients frequently come to their orthodontist with the treatment option they’ve heard about, hoping it will be the right one for their issue.
Dr. Stosich says “I love when I know patients have done their research and come prepared to ask questions about treatment options. But it is important to remember that advertisements and marketing collateral are designed to show only the positive aspects of the product, and they may not touch on the downsides to the treatment. So, it’s important to come in with an open mind as to what may be the best option for you.
An experienced orthodontist will use different technologies to help patients get the smiles of their dreams, and this is a huge benefit to patients. That means that even if one treatment isn’t the most ideal for you, there will be a better option that can give you the smile you deserve.
It’s important that your orthodontist be willing to listen to what you want out of treatment, and then work to help craft a treatment plan that takes this into account. Likewise, it is important that the patient be ready to listen to the orthodontist’s expertise and experience and be willing to hear about different treatment options if the one they hope to use isn’t the most ideal fit.
What does patient compliance mean, and how does it affect the treatment outcome?
This is an excellent question and one that is important to address. Orthodontic treatment is a team effort – not just between the orthodontist and staff, but with the patient, as well. There will be things the patient is expected to do to ensure their treatment stays on course. From proper brushing and flossing to wearing rubber bands or aligners as directed to following food guidelines, you play a very active role in ensuring your treatment progresses as it should.
“Patients must be actively engaged in their treatment in order to ensure the very best outcome,” says Dr. Stosich. “If your orthodontist advises you to wear rubber bands, it’s crucial that you do because they are needed to adjust your bite to the ideal position. If you don’t, you may be jeopardizing the outcome. The same goes for clear aligners – you have to wear them as directed, as often as directed, and in the order created, or you may be throwing your treatment off track.”
Patients still need to pay close attention to brushing and flossing and visit their dentist regularly to ensure their smiles are healthy enough for treatment. Care should be taken to avoid foods that can damage the braces, and patients need to maintain their regular appointments with their orthodontist.
Dr. Stosich and his team of highly skilled and compassionate orthodontic nurses are there to help their patients every step of the way. From your first consultation to the day your braces come off and beyond, patients are a valued member of the iDentity Family and Dr. Stosich and his team will always work to go above and beyond to ensure their patients feel supported, listened to and well-cared for.
Dr. Stosich is a board certified orthodontist with years of experience creating the most ideal scientifically backed treatment plans for patients of all ages. His patients receive the most advanced and efficient treatment, provided by an orthodontist who views the patient/doctor relationship as a partnership. If you’re ready to discover the power of orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with iDentity Orthodontist by calling 847-548-4200 (Grayslake office) or 224-408-2200 (Kenilworth office).
