Choosing the right orthodontist is a huge decision, especially if you’re seeking one for your family orthodontic treatment. You want to make sure you and your loved ones end up satisfied with the treatment outcome.
When you select an orthodontist, you should make a thoughtful decision. After all, oral care matters just as much as the rest of your body’s health. So, who can you trust?
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Sandy, UT, then you’re in the right place. Here are some questions you should ask so that you can find the right professional for you.
1. Ensure They’re a Qualified, Experienced Orthodontist
For someone to become an orthodontist, they have to complete a graduate program in dentistry and get their Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery certification.
However, it’s certainly easier to trust a board-certified orthodontist. Such professionals have to complete their residency in a CODA-accredited orthodontic course, which means they have to study for an extra two to three years.
In addition, students in this program are taught about orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This ”specialization” may make them more qualified.
If this certification is not an important factor to you, at least find out where they went to dental school (check the office for plaques and other proof), how long they’ve been practicing, and where they completed their orthodontic residency. Hopefully, you’ll feel comfortable with their answers before starting a treatment.
Finally, ask about their license and insurance credentials. It’s always worth checking that you’re in good hands before starting a treatment.
2. Ask About Follow-Up Visits
Anyone going through an orthodontic treatment knows that follow-up visits are needed. So, check if they have time slots at a time you’re available.
To have a clear sense of the frequency of appointments, talk about it to your orthodontist before starting any treatment. Ensure you’re aware of how often you have to visit for a follow-up, and that you’re both on the same page.
3. Find Out the Pros and Cons of Each Treatment
Many Sandy orthodontist offices provide various treatment options (traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more). There are positive and negative aspects for each, and different price ranges.
To facilitate your decision, you may ask if they can show you pictures of similar cases to yours (showing the before and after), so you have an idea of the procedure’s outcome and what to expect.
Finally, ask the orthodontist to give their professional advice about what treatment they think suits you best. Take everything into consideration and choose the best alternative for you.
4. Ask About the Procedure’ Cost
Different offices have different policies. In some places, you’ll pay a fixed price for an all-inclusive treatment and sometimes not.
If your procedure is not all-inclusive, ask about what you’re paying for. Replacing lost retainers, retainers, regular visits, co-pays, emergency visits, or repairs to damaged wires or brackets could result in additional charges.
In addition, ask about payment plan options and financing. Some places offer small down payments or interest-free payments. Ensure you’re fully aware of what’s available, so you can choose what’s best for you.
Here’s an extra tip: find out if they accept insurance. Ask about what kind they take, what has to be done for getting it approved, and if they will assist you with your provider to decide what will and won’t be covered.
5. Find If Changes Will Be Required
It’s always best to know what changes will take place once you start your orthodontic treatment. For example, you might have to avoid specific foods after putting braces on (to avoid breaking them).
Also, keep in mind that your flossing and brushing habits will probably be different (especially if you get braces).
Here’s one last thing: orthodontic treatment might impact your talking (you may have slightly slurred speech during your adjustment period). Just be fully aware of what you are doing before you dive in.
6. Ask Who’s Gonna Do The Work
When picking a Sandy UT orthodontist, ensure they’re as present as possible during your appointments. In some dental offices, these professionals are not fully present to do a patient’s treatment. Sure, they may show up to perform certain tasks but end up leaving the rest of the work to an associate.
So, when you see them during a consultation, ask if they’re the ones who personally tighten braces, bend wires, fit aligners, and so on. If not, find out about the associate’s expertise level.
7. Find Out How Long Will It Take
This is an essential question to make as it impacts you greatly. If your treatment doesn’t finish by a particular deadline and has to be extended, will it cost you more? Different treatments may have different estimated times to finish it, so you might just as well ask.
Orthodontist in Sandy, UT
Orthodontic treatment offers more than just a pretty smile. It involves repositioning misaligned jaws, correcting bad bites, reducing overcrowding, and straightening crooked teeth. In summary, it improves your overall oral health.
When your oral care is at stake, you want to select the absolute best professional. Asking these questions before picking an orthodontist may seem unnecessary and an exaggeration, but it’s worth the extra effort.
We have all heard scary stories of dental treatments gone wrong: don’t let the same happen to you!
So, if you’re looking for an orthodontist in Sandy, UT, don’t waste your time googling ”braces in Sandy” or ”TMJ treatment near me”. Instead, check out our clinic! We offer personalized customer service with top-of-the-line orthodontic services. Contact us now!