Questions To Ask An Orthodontist — UK Consultation Checklist 2026

Questions about clinical suitability and diagnosis

Are you a GDC-registered orthodontic specialist? (Check: gdc-uk.org) Which treatment options are clinically suitable for my teeth, bite, and gum health — and which are not? What records (X-rays, scans, photos) are needed before you can confirm a plan? Were X-rays taken before this plan was presented? What is the clinical diagnosis — is this a dental or skeletal issue? Are there any risks specific to my case (root resorption, gum vulnerability, impacted teeth)?

Questions about treatment options and appliance choice

Why are you recommending this particular appliance for my case? What is the alternative if I prefer a different option? For aligners: is my case within the range this system handles reliably? For braces: is ceramic or metal more appropriate for my bite? Can this case be treated by you, or do you recommend a referral to a specialist? What is your experience with this type of case? Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases you have treated, and how should I interpret online reviews for this type of treatment?

Questions about cost, inclusions, and payment

What is the total fee, fully inclusive? What specifically is included — records, appointments, brackets/aligners, refinements (for aligners), retainers, repair visits? Are retainers included, and if so which type and for how long? What is charged if extra refinements are needed beyond the included set? What is your payment plan — is it 0% interest, and what is the total payable over the plan period? Are there any other costs I should anticipate (extractions, frenectomy, restorative work)?

Questions about monitoring and appointments

How many appointments are included, and how often? How is progress monitored — in-person checks, remote monitoring app, or both? Who reviews my case between appointments — you personally, or another clinician? What is the process if I have a problem between appointments? What is your emergency repair policy for broken brackets or lost aligners?

Questions about aftercare and retention

What retainer type will I have at the end of treatment, and is it included in the fee? Will I have a fixed (bonded) retainer, a removable retainer, or both? How long should I wear the retainer, and what is the long-term retention plan? What does a replacement retainer cost if it is lost or broken? How long is the review period after treatment ends? Who do I contact if my teeth move after treatment?

How to use the answers to compare providers

Document answers to these questions in writing from each provider. Compare not just the total price but the clinical reasoning, inclusions, retainer policy, and who will be personally responsible for your treatment. A clinician who cannot clearly answer these questions at consultation may not have the clinical depth for your case. A second opinion is always reasonable for complex cases or high-cost treatment plans.

Useful related pages

This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist.