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You are not too old to ask about straighter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says about 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today are adults, and that being older does not prevent you from getting treatment. Adults often come to a first visit with questions a teenager would never think of, like how treatment fits around work or what happens with an old crown.
This list covers those adult questions. For the basics that apply to everyone, like training, options, and visits, use our general consultation checklist alongside this one.
Questions about work and daily life
Your calendar, your job, and your social life all count. Say them out loud at the visit.
- How often will I need to come in, and do you have times that work around a full workday?
- Will treatment affect how I speak at first? I talk a lot for work.
- What options do you offer that are less noticeable, and why might one fit me better than another?
- What should I know if I travel often?
- What happens if I miss an appointment because of work?
- Is there anything about my job or hobbies you should know? (Think sports, a wind instrument, or public speaking.)
The AAO notes that adults have more treatment options than ever, from braces to clear aligners. Your orthodontist can explain which ones suit your teeth and your routine.
Questions about prior dental work
Many adults have had fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or gum treatment. Bring a list, and ask how it fits into the plan.
- I have crowns, fillings, or veneers. How do they affect my options?
- I have a dental implant. How does that factor into treatment?
- I had gum treatment in the past. Should you talk with my dentist or periodontist (a gum specialist)?
- I am missing a tooth. How does that change what you would suggest?
- Do you need records or X-rays from my dentist?
- Will my dentist and you work together during treatment? Who do I call for what?
Only your orthodontist can say how your past dental work affects your case, so this is where honest, specific questions help most.
Questions about living with aligners
If aligners are on the table, ask how they work day to day. The AAO describes aligners as clear trays that patients put in and take out themselves, so your habits matter.
- How do eating and drinking work with aligners?
- What should I do with my aligners at a work lunch or dinner out?
- How do I clean them, and how do I clean my teeth during treatment?
- What happens if I lose one or one cracks?
- How will I know if treatment is on track?
- If aligners are not a fit for me, why not?
Ask about wear and routine at the visit. Your orthodontist sets those instructions for you.
Questions about cost and coverage
Costs and coverage for adults vary, so the practice and your plan are the right sources.
- What will my treatment cost, and what does that include?
- Do you work with my insurance? Does my plan cover adult treatment at all?
- What payment options do you offer?
- Can I get the plan and cost in writing?
Questions about after treatment
- What happens when active treatment ends?
- What kind of retainer would I wear, and who do I call if it stops fitting?
Ready to book a visit?
Browse orthodontists in the LocalSmileFinder directory, choose a few practices, and bring this list to your first consultation. You are allowed to ask every question on it.