Great expectations

In orthodontics, managing patient expectations is more important now than ever before. With so many external forces influencing how patients perceive orthodontics, dentists may have to tackle certain expectations regarding treatment.

Patients who have a clear image of their desired outcome may also possess an unrealistic outlook about the treatment time, method and their own level of involvement. There are no ‘quick fixes’ when it comes to changing the alignment of the teeth, but there are ways to manage patient expectations and increase the likelihood of treatment acceptance.

Managing patient expectations
With so many digital platforms available that parade the ‘perfect smile’, some patients may approach their dentist with a fully-formed image of the outcome they wish to attain. However, the internet can encourage the misunderstanding that such results can be achieved immediately, or with little effort from the patient. Experiences shared by friends and family may also encourage certain ideals regarding treatment.