Choosing the right orthodontist for your family can mean taking a good look at their qualifications and your preferences, as well as your insurance coverage and overall budget. Here are some of the things to consider as you select the right
orthodontist for you.
Education and Training
Some orthodontists have undergone additional training to learn how to specialize in certain aspects of orthodontics or dental care. If you need additional services, like dental care or removal of one tooth to make room to adjust your bite pattern, this can mean the difference between handling everything in-house or you having to go to a different dentist's office to get that done. Streamlining your office visits to one practice makes it simpler for you and keeps insurance and billing straightforward since everything comes from the same place. If you have multiple children who need orthodontic treatment at the same time, taking them to the same doctor makes the process simpler and can even result in a discount.
Overall Convenience
If you select an orthodontist that is located across town, you may end up regretting it, as you'll need to visit the orthodontist office more frequently than you would a dentist or doctor. If you get braces for yourself or your child, you'll have to visit the office for regular checkups, tension changes, and any repairs needed. Some emergencies can cause you to need to make a drop-in visit, for example, if a wire pops out of place and begins poking or cutting the inside of your mouth. In these situations, going to a practice that is conveniently located will make it much easier to incorporate a visit into your day.
Ease of Communication and Booking Appointments
As you navigate the process of having braces, there will be questions and issues that come up, and your orthodontist's office should be a resource for you at these times. Look for a practice that has office hours when you are available to make life easier for yourself. Some practices open one day of the weekend or stay open late one evening to help accommodate people who have to work during regular business hours. Others make it easy to make an appointment by allowing you to use an online booking system instead of having to call to schedule a time. Selecting an office whose processes match yours will make it that much easier to work with them to correct your bite pattern.
Treatment Options
Orthodontists that have a wide range of treatments available are usually committed to constantly learning new things and expanding their skillsets, which allows them to bring innovative new things to their patients. While some orthodontists specialize in one form of treatment for teeth, others offer a range of treatment plans to accommodate all preferences and budgets. In addition to old-fashioned metal braces, patients can also choose ceramic or clear braces to correct issues with the teeth and bite patterns. The cost, treatment times, and number of office visits needed for each type of braces can vary, so you need to get a specific estimate for each kind you may be interested in pursuing. By choosing a practice that offers many kinds of braces, you can obtain the information you need to decide without having to visit multiple offices.
Insurance and Payment Options
Price is always going to be a factor in large decisions like choosing an orthodontist, but in addition to the price, consider the payment options the practice accepts. Even if you do not have insurance that covers the cost of orthodontia, you may find that certain orthodontists offer payment plans or work with a program that offers you credit to help pay for the treatment over time. If you have a health savings account, you may be able to use the funds saved there for expenses like co-pays for office visits.
By taking the time to assess some of the orthodontists available, you can ensure that you choose one that works for your family and that you feel comfortable with seeing one on a regular basis. This will help create a positive relationship that makes the process of getting your teeth fixed easier and simpler than ever. To schedule an appointment with an experienced office, reach out to Becker Orthodontics.
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