I get the whole notes app thing, but honestly, sometimes I feel like writing everything down makes me overthink it and just stresses me out more. I kind of prefer going in with just a couple main questions in mind, then seeing what comes up naturally. As for the wax, I actually found the silicone stuff stuck around better than the regular wax—they gave me both at my last appointment, and it made a difference. Maybe worth asking for next time?
I totally get what you mean about the notes app—sometimes it feels like prepping too much just ramps up the anxiety. For my last consult, I jotted down three things I was worried about, then tried to let the rest flow. It actually helped me focus more on the conversation and less on my phone. As for the wax, I had the same experience! The silicone kind stuck way better, especially overnight. I wish I’d known to ask for it sooner, honestly.
For my last consult, I jotted down three things I was worried about, then tried to let the rest flow. It actually helped me focus more on the conversation and less on my phone.
That’s pretty much what worked for me too. If I try to prep a huge list, I end up more nervous than before. Usually, I just pick the top things on my mind and let the rest come up naturally—sometimes the ortho covers stuff I hadn’t even thought of anyway. About the wax, totally agree: silicone is way better for sleeping, but it took me a few rough nights to figure that out. Funny how those little tips make a big difference.
- Picking just a few concerns is honestly underrated. Whenever I’d walk in with a whole checklist, my brain would short-circuit and I’d forget half of it anyway.
- Agree on the silicone wax—took me way too long to ditch the standard stuff. My cheeks are forever grateful.
- Don’t stress too much about missing something. Orthos have seen it all, and usually cover more bases than we expect.
- Funny how the “little things” (like wax or which foods to avoid) end up being what you remember most, not the technical jargon.
Don’t stress too much about missing something. Orthos have seen it all, and usually cover more bases than we expect.
I wish I could chill like that, but my brain’s wired for worst-case scenarios. Last time, I tried to “just trust the ortho” and ended up panicking because I forgot to ask if I could still eat popcorn (spoiler: no). I get what you mean about the checklist overload, but if I don’t write stuff down, my mind goes totally blank. Maybe it’s just me, but I need those notes—even if I only remember half of ‘em.