Things to watch out for when visiting an orthodontist
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When visiting orthodontists, there are several things that you should be aware of when booking your free initial consultation. As you go through the process to find an orthodontist, you should keep the following points in mind. This will help you make smart informed decisions about orthodontic treatments and help you prepare for any surprises that may come down the road.
Your Orthodontist Might Not Actually be an Orthodontist
The first thing to check for is that the orthodontist your meeting with is actually an orthodontist. Many dentists these days are calling themselves orthodontists and are offering orthodontic treatment. However in order to practice the specialization of orthodontics in North America, one must go to a graduate level orthodontic school after dentistry school. This consists of several years of education and practical experience where orthodontists learn how to fix malocclusions and TMJ problems. Though there is no law against dentist offering orthodontic solution such as Invisalign, you are better off going to an orthodontist to properly evaluate your options. Only they have the required skills and training needed to fix your malocclusions and ensure that you get your perfect smile.
Orthodontic Fees are Negotiable
The second thing you should know is that any orthodontic fees are completely negotiable. This is why we recommend you visit several orthodontists when you first begin looking for treatment. You will get a range of quotes that will give you an idea of what orthodontists are willing to accept for their work. This can often vary by as much as $3,000 so you best do your homework and negotiate.
Your Quotes.. may not be so Final
Even in the best of cases were you have an itemized list of how much treatment will cost, there will nevertheless be cost overruns. Some of the things that you will have to pay for include broken appliances, retainers and appointments that extend beyond the scheduled treatment time. Orthodontists also charge extra for x-rays and missed appointments. It is in your best interest when negotiating your fees, that you get an idea of what each of these additional items cost so that you can build a buffer into your budget for your orthodontic treatment.
Treatments may also extend for longer than you may think
Invisalign, a common orthodontic solution that is becoming popular due to its transparency has been touted for short treatment times. Yet if you do a simple Google search, you will realize that there are several people who have had their Invisalign treatments extended beyond what they originally imagined. This adds to the stress of having orthodontic treatment, increases the time, and increases your costs. Such delays are usually not preventable because the art of fixing teeth is just that, an art.
Each orthodontist will have a different view on how to fix your teeth, and you will receive a variety of different treatment options. There is no right way, only a number of different procedures that you can go under to help you align your teeth. If you are visiting your orthodontist and he is recommending an extensive treatment such as jaw surgery or teeth extraction, you are best advised to seek alternate options to see if those can be avoided.
Getting orthodontic treatment should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not have to repeat. With a little bit of proper homework and asking the right questions, you can choose the best orthodontic provider for your problems and get that smile that you have always wanted. With a little research, you can save thousands so be sure to get informed and go prepared when you are visiting your orthodontist for your initial appointments.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who work with the teeth and jaw to correct problems with the bite, such as overcrowding or gaps in the teeth.
Orthodontic treatment often includes pulling, pushing, and moving teeth positions so that they fit together properly. The field is also known as “braces” or “orthodontics.” Orthodontists use braces to straighten teeth. They also use retainers after braces have been removed to keep teeth from moving back into their original position. Orthodontists also give advice on how to brush and floss the teeth and manage oral hygiene.
An orthodontist has a degree in dentistry and must complete three years of training at a university-affiliated orthodontic program, which usually takes four years to complete.
Taft Hill Orthodontics
20 Oct 21 at 9:02 pm
Thanks for this informative blog post! Orthodontists are dental professionals who operate with the teeth and jaw to fix bite issues like overcrowding and tooth gaps.
Orthodontic therapy frequently include pulling, pushing, and changing teeth positions to ensure that they are properly aligned. The field is sometimes known as “orthodontics” or “braces.” Braces are used by orthodontists to straighten teeth. They also utilize retainers after braces are removed to prevent teeth from reverting to their previous positions. Orthodontists often provide oral hygiene advice, such as how to brush and floss teeth.
An orthodontist has a dental degree and must complete three years of orthodontic training at a university-affiliated school, which typically takes four years.
Oaktown Dental
9 Nov 21 at 1:27 am