Two enquiries arrive at a practice on the same evening. A parent asks whether their eleven-year-old should see an orthodontist and how long treatment usually lasts. An adult in their forties asks whether it is too late for braces and whether anyone would notice them at work. Both are good enquiries. They need different answers.
Orthodontic enquiries come from two quite different groups. Answering both well brings in valuable, long-term patients.
Parents' questions
- When should my child first see an orthodontist?
- What does treatment involve?
- How long does it take?
- How often are appointments?
- What does it cost, and is there any funding?
- Will it hurt?
- Can appointments be after school?
Parents often ask these alongside children's dentistry questions, covered in children's dentistry questions from parents.
Adults' questions
- Am I too old for braces?
- How visible are braces or aligners?
- How long will treatment take?
- What does it cost, and can I pay monthly?
- Will it affect my speech or work?
- What happens after treatment?
Adult enquiries often overlap with cosmetic and restorative treatment, as with implants, covered in implant consultations and the questions before booking.
Separate pages help
One generic orthodontics page often serves neither group well. Separate sections, or pages, for children and adults let each audience find what matters to them.
What must go to the orthodontist
Whether someone needs treatment, and which option suits them, is a clinical judgement. A website assistant should not suggest either. It should explain the options and offer a consultation.
Adult: Am I too old for braces? Assistant: Many adults have orthodontic treatment, and the adult orthodontics page explains the options, including less visible ones. Whether it suits you is something the orthodontist would assess at a consultation. Would you like to request one?
Parent: When should my daughter see an orthodontist? Assistant: The children's orthodontics page explains the age at which the practice usually likes to see children for an assessment. Your dentist may also refer her. Would you like to request an appointment?
Retainers and life after treatment
Both parents and adults ask what happens once braces come off. Explaining retainers, how long they are worn, what they cost to replace and whether follow-up appointments are included answers a common worry. Patients who understand the commitment after treatment are more likely to keep their results and less likely to be surprised by extra costs.
Busy schedules
Adults worry about fitting appointments around work, and parents about school. Explaining how often appointments happen, how long they take and whether early or late slots are available helps both groups plan. A practice that makes treatment fit into busy lives removes one of the biggest reasons people delay.
Cost and finance
Cost is a major question for both groups. Publishing starting prices and finance options helps. Screening questions at reception, such as whether the patient is a child or adult, help the team prepare, as covered in receptionist screening questions.
Parents and repeated questions
Parents often ask the same questions several times during a child's treatment. Clear, accessible information reduces this, a pattern schools know well, as covered in parents asking the same school questions every term.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for dental practices answers orthodontic questions from your own pages at any hour and captures consultation requests for reception.
Getting started
Write separate sections for children's and adult orthodontics, with costs, finance and what to expect. Then let both groups get answers when they are researching. See the options on the features page, or try SpideyChat on your own site.