Having a reputable Canton orthodontist to visit is essential for a few different reasons. An orthodontist differs from a dentist in the sense that an orthodontist has additional education to specialize in first diagnosing and then treating any misalignments of your jaw or teeth.
An orthodontist, for example, might create a treatment plan for you that involves retainers or braces. They may also perform teeth straightening surgery and other teeth and jaw alignment procedures. If you believe you need a local orthodontist in Canton, Ma, then the first step is finding the right one for your dental needs.
With there being many different orthodontists in your area, it’s important you know how to choose one. In the guide below, you’ll learn several questions to ask an orthodontist in Hyannis before selecting them.
Continue reading to get started!
1. What Type of Services Do You Offer?
Before you can select an orthodontist, you should first determine what type of services you’re requesting. Will the orthodontist be able to provide you with the type of dental/adult orthodontics services you need?
Be sure to go over all of the different services the orthodontist offers before deciding if they’re the right fit for you. For example, if you know you need braces but are leaning more towards Invisalign, then you may need to find a dentist who offers Invisalign and information about Invisalign vs braces.
You can conduct an online search for, “Invisalign orthodontist near me” to get started. Another example would be if you’re looking for TMJ/TMD treatment. Can the orthodontist offer you these types of treatments?
Speak with the orthodontist about your specific dental needs ahead of time to determine if they can offer you the services you’re looking for.
2. What Are Your Hours/Emergency Hours?
The next factor to consider is the office’s hours. What are the office hours, and do they work well with your own schedule. Consider the location of the office as well.
Will you be able to make it there after work or school before they close? You should also consider asking about emergency hours. Do they offer emergency care and emergency hours?
You want an orthodontist who will be there to answer your emergency calls no matter when the emergency might arise.
3. Do You Accept My Insurance?
Finding an orthodontist who accepts your insurance is crucial. Orthodontist and dentist appointments can be expensive if not covered under your insurance. You can contact your insurance company and ask what orthodontists are covered in your network.
You can also contact the orthodontist directly and ask if they accept your insurance. If you find an orthodontist that you want to see but they don’t accept your insurance, don’t panic. Many orthodontists offer financing options for those who need it.
This might be in the form of payment plans, accepting certain credit cards, and more.
4. How Much Experience Do You Have?
Don’t forget to ask the orthodontist how much experience they have as well. You want to find an orthodontist with several years of experience for a couple of reasons. For starters, an orthodontist with experience will have seen many patients and teeth/jaw alignment issues in their past.
This means that not much is a surprise or new to them. They know how to handle just about every situation in their field that you can think of. An orthodontist who’s been in business for several years also proves that they’ve been doing something right.
They know how to provide excellent care to their patients, which ensures they stay in business.
5. What Are Your Qualifications?
Aside from experience, it’s important to know what the orthodontist’s qualifications are. Did they complete their orthodontics training, which differs from general dentistry? Are they licensed and insured?
These are all important questions to ask with simple answers. Your orthodontist should also be able to show you proof of all the above. Find someone who’s qualified so you know they’re reputable and trustworthy.
6. Do You Have Photos of Your Past Work?
Many orthodontists keep a portfolio of some kind to show current clients the work they’ve done in the past. Don’t hesitate to ask the orthodontist if they have photos of past work they’ve done.
Looking through their portfolio is a great way to determine the quality of work that the orthodontist performs. You can get a feel for what they’re capable of and determine if you want to have them help you.
You should be able to view photos of clients that had traditional metal braces, Invisalign, and other types of work done.
7. What Will the Cost of Services Be?
One of the final questions to ask is about the cost of services. Children and adult orthodontics can get expensive without insurance depending on the type of procedure needing to be done. It’s essential to know how much money you’ll need to pay upfront for each appointment or procedure, with or without insurance.
Do keep in mind that you should wait until you’ve found one or two reputable orthodontists you trust before comparing costs.
It’s Time to Find Your Canton Orthodontist
Now is the best time to find your Canton orthodontist! Use all of the helpful information listed above to guide you throughout the process. When you find an orthodontist who checks each of these boxes, then you know you’ve found the right one for you.
At Arch Orthodontics, our experienced and professional team strives to make each patient feel comfortable and welcomed while staying informed throughout the entire process.
Contact us today and schedule a complimentary consultation.