Sandy, UT Family Orthodontics: Six Things to Consider in 2022

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family orthodontics

Do you or your child need braces? Are you looking for an orthodontist in Sandy, UT?

The new year is a great time to begin thinking about braces in Sandy. As we talk about fresh starts, you can look forward to a shining new smile and better oral health that will keep you happy and healthy for decades.

Here’s what you should be looking for in family orthodontics.

1. Recommendations

Maybe you have crooked, gapped, or missing teeth. Or maybe your dentist recommends orthodontic care for optimal oral health.

Straight teeth are easier to take care of and can lower your risk of things like cavities and gum disease. They can also help with chewing, digestion, and self-esteem. It pays to find a Sandy orthodontist you can trust.

The first step when it comes to finding a good orthodontist is to reach out to family and friends for recommendations. Your coworkers are another good place to start, as they can probably recommend someone who takes your insurance.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you reach out for recommendations. Were they happy with the treatment? Was the service friendly and professional throughout the process?

You can also reach out to social media community groups. It’s important to choose someone local, as you’ll likely be visiting every few weeks for orthodontic treatment.

If you still can’t get any recommendations, you can do a quick Internet search and get the names of Sandy orthodontists. Call them and ask for at least three former patients you can talk to about their experience.

2. Reviews

Once you’ve got the names of a few different family orthodontists in Sandy, you can read online reviews and see what former clients are saying. For example, do many say that they were happy with the dentists and the treatment? Or do a lot of them seem to be saying that the treatment was expensive and took too long to complete?

Remember that anyone can get a poor review sometimes. However, a pattern of similar comments can alert you to a potential problem. If you see a lot of former patients saying the same thing, chances are that you’re getting a good idea of what your experience will be like.

3. Takes Your Insurance 

Your dental insurance may pay for partial coverage of orthodontic treatment. Before choosing a Sandy orthodontist, make sure you find out whether or not they take your insurance.

When paying for the rest of your braces treatment, you may want to consider setting up a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with your employer. These allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month that you can use to pay for medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment. 

Many orthodontists will offer special payment plans that allow you to pay off the treatment a little each month. This can make it easier to fit into your budget. Others may offer special discounts for paying for everything at once, or for being a public servant.

Braces are an important investment, but you’ll need to know how you’re going to pay for them. Make sure you have financial considerations in mind when you choose an orthodontist.

4. Experience

Before deciding on an orthodontist, call them up and ask about their experience. How many years have they been practicing orthodontics? Are there any special services that they offer?

Your orthodontist may specialize in things like virtual consultations, same-day braces, or Invisalign. Feel free to ask lots of questions to get an idea of what they have experience doing.

You can also ask about common problems in patients your child’s age, as well as how they deal with them. Do they get a lot of anxious patients, or any with special needs? Do these patients tend to feel comfortable in their office?

The right orthodontist will give you the assurance that they know how to deal with any special issues.

5. Qualifications

In order to become an orthodontist, a professional needs to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree as well as a four-year dental program resulting in a D.D.S. or D.M.D. They will also need certificate of orthodontics.

Orthodontists in Utah must also be licensed by the state. This usually requires graduating from an accredited dental school and passing a written and practical evaluation. 

Some orthodontists choose to earn certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. And all will continue their education as professionals in order to maintain their licenses.

Before choosing an orthodontist, make sure to check out their qualifications online, or ask them about them in person. They can give you extra assurance that you’re making a good decision.

6. Office Environmment

Before deciding on an orthodontist, pay a visit to their office and get an idea of how it feels. Does it seem clean, neat, and organized? Do the patients seem happy?

Talk to the office staff and orthodontists to find out about their level of expertise. You can also get a feel for the commute by visiting.

While first impressions can’t always give you a realistic idea of what to expect, visiting the office beforehand can give you some real confidence.

Family Orthodontics in Sandy

If you want straight, healthy, and attractive teeth, it’s time to begin looking for family orthodontics in the Sandy, Utah area. The right orthodontist and the right treatment will keep you happy for years to come.

Don’t stop getting smart about Sandy, Utah orthodontics now. For qualified professionals in the area, contact us today.