Did you know the average cost of braces is $5,000? Many children and adults require braces to either straighten their teeth or correct their bites.
Your child’s health is the most important thing, and their dental health is no different. Finding a local orthodontist that is right for you and your child can be tough. Here are 6 questions to ask before choosing one.
1. Recommendation and Reviews
Asking people you trust for recommendations is an easy first step. If your child has a dentist, they go to regularly ask for their opinion. Your child’s teacher may have gotten information from other students and their parents. Friends and family are great resources as well.
Online reviews can give you a lot of information. Internet search “orthodontist near me” and comb other people’s experiences.
2. Payment Plans
Braces are not cheap, and this can be a big struggle for families. It is important to know your budget and ask if they offer payment plans. Many places will offer a free consolation and give you an estimate. Finding an orthodontist that will work with you on a payment plan can make all the difference.
3. Office Hours
If you and your family have a busy schedule, it could be beneficial to ask about office hours. There are often numerous appointments that could make scheduling difficult. Be sure to ask how many and how often there are appointments
4. Dental Care Experience
During your consultation, ask about your local orthodontist’s experience working with children and teenagers. Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for children, and getting braces is a step up from a routine check-up. A good orthodontist will have years of working with young people and should be able to calm their nerves.
5. Are There Different Options
Ask your child’s dental health care provider which type of braces are best. Depending on your situation, the options may be limited, but it’s still important to discuss them.
Asking for multiple opinions is a good idea too. Another local orthodontist may have a different opinion about the care your child needs.
6. Does my Child Need Interceptive Treatment
If you have a young child, they may need what’s called interceptive treatment or phase 1 braces. This is usually for children who don’t have all their permanent teeth yet.
This method is used to prevent future damage and hopefully correct issues before they become painful. Although the majority of children don’t require this dental service, it may be helpful to have a consolation with your provider.
Local Orthodontist
Take your time looking for a local orthodontist. Do your research and ask the questions above before making your decision.
After your first consolation, ask your child in private what they thought. Take their opinion into consideration, you want them to have the best experience possible, and if they aren’t comfortable, it’s probably not the best option.
Your child’s dental health is a priority, and we hope this article helps you find the best provider. Take a look at our other articles for more information and advice.