From the moment you hear “your child needs braces” from the orthodontist, you understandably may have a lot of questions. From total cost and monthly payments to insurance coverage and length of treatment, your orthodontist should be willing to sit down with you to go over all your concerns. Here are five key questions to ask your orthodontist before treatment.
- What is your experience? This is a big question to ask because it can help you gauge the professionalism and reputation of a particular orthodontist. Ask which orthodontics program the doctor attended, as well as how many years of practical experience they have. Are they members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)? Check the AAO website to find orthodontists near you and read doctor biographies.
- What are your hours? As a parent with tweens and teens going to school and participating in extracurricular activities, it’s important to find a specialist who can accommodate your busy schedule.
- How long will the process take? Everyone is different, but your child’s orthodontist should be able to give you a ballpark timeline so you can prepare. On average, braces stay on for about two years, with many tweaks in between. Ask about checkups and how often they are scheduled throughout the year. Usually, it’s about every 6-8 weeks. This allows the specialist to view progress and make any adjustments as needed.
- How much will it all cost? This is often a sticking point with parents, some of whom may not have insurance for orthodontia. This is a difficult cost to pin down across the board, which is why you need to ask this question when you first meet with your child’s orthodontist. Often, discounts are applied to paid-in-full treatment; other times, payment plans can be arranged monthly to reduce the financial strain on families. Every office is different, but don’t be fooled by rock bottom prices. Remember, price shouldn’t have anything to do with quality. Find out exactly what the treatment and any associated fees will cost you in the long run.
- What options does my child have? At such a sensitive juncture in a young person’s life, it can be daunting to wear braces, retainers and other devices during this time. That’s why it’s important to ask your orthodontic care specialist about the options they offer, from traditional metal braces to less visible tooth-colored braces or even clear aligners. Be sure to ask about the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Have more questions about braces? Call Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser at 757-428-1110 to set up your free consultation.
