9 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist

According to some studies, about 4 million Americans wear braces.

If you’re going to join this percentage of people wearing braces, you should make sure that you choose a good orthodontist.

But what questions should you ask them to make sure you’ve found the best one? Keep reading to find out!

How Much Experience Do They Have?

First, you should check to see what “orthodontist near me” has the most experience.

Since your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, make sure that you choose an orthodontist who has been n practice for a while.

Their experience should include different types of treatments rather than doing the same thing over and over. Not every patient is the same, and you want to ensure that you’re in good hands if your case is the one random one that doesn’t follow a trend.

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You should also ask them if they’ve undergone any extra training since they left medical school. To become an orthodontist, most of them started out as dentists but then got extra training.

You can also check for the seal of approval from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). If they don’t have that, you may want to keep looking for another one.

Are They Specialists?

Orthodontists are actually specially trained dentists, but some orthodontists also have specializations as well.

For example, some orthodontists are trained on how to do dentofacial orthopedics. If you need to change the structure of the bones in your jaw or repair any imbalances that are in your face, this would be a good specialist to go see.

You should also find an orthodontist who specializes in the type of braces that you’re interested in getting. Or, if you have kids, you may want to find a kid’s orthodontist.

Are They Involved in the Community?

Being involved in the community doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker when it comes to deciding on an orthodontist, but it can demonstrate what type of company they are.

If they are interested in investing in the community, you can rest assured that they’ll put the same energy back into fixing your smile.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

Every patient is different, but on average an orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

However, some patients take longer. You should ask them how long they think treatment will take based on your specific case. After you’ve had a consultation with them, they’ll be able to give you a more accurate estimate.

Do They Offer Free Consultations?

Speaking of consultations, make sure you ask if you can meet with them before you decide to sign any contracts.

Getting braces can be very expensive, and you should shop around and have consultations with a few different orthodontists in your area.

While you’re at your consultation, they should give you a breakdown of how much everything will cost and what procedures you’ll need to be done.

The consultation also might include X-rays of your teeth, a tour, a treatment plan, reviewing your dental history, and possibly even an orthodontic exam.

9 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist

Are They Using Latest Technology?

There have been so many advances in technology for orthodontics that make your treatment so much easier. However, not every orthodontist is up to date with them.

You should ask if they’re using any new technology, like 3D mapped wires and braces. This can help make your braces more precise and move your teeth to the exact location that you want them in.

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It can also help to shorten how long you have to have your braces.

However, there are also new technologies like Invisalign that get rid of the need for any type of metal braces.

How Many Follow-up Visits Will There Be?

When you have braces, you’ll have to go in every few months to get your braces adjusted, tightened, and cleaned.

Ask the orthodontist how many times they’ll expect you to come in. If you wear traditional braces, the standard is normally once a month.

However, if you’re wearing Invisalign braces, you may only need to go in every six weeks.

Do They Offer Discounts?

It is expensive, and most insurances don’t cover the costs. However, you can try looking for orthodontists that accept Medicaid.

If you can’t find any, you may want to ask your doctor if they offer any discounts that you could be eligible for.

Some of them might offer you 0% interest monthly payments. However, some of them might take a percentage off to save you money in the long run. Regardless, it’s important to know what the total cost will be before you sign up with them.

Are There Any Charges for Emergency Appointments?

What happens if you need to go to the orthodontist between your routinely scheduled checkups?

If something hurts or breaks, you’ll have to go in right away. Normally they’ll take care of any issues with no extra charge, but it will also depend on the damage.

To make sure you aren’t hit with any extra charges, make sure you ask about their policy while you’re at the consultation!