Deciding to move forward with orthodontic treatment is a big – and rewarding – step for you and your family. But when it comes to researching the best doctor for your desired treatment, the process can be a little intimidating. Orthodontic treatment is an investment not only in your smile but also in your health and wellbeing in general. Like any big investment, it is essential to know what qualities in a practice are best suited for your treatment.
The team at Brodsky Orthodontics knows what it takes to provide great treatment options for all of our patients, which is why we’ve taken the time to put together a list of questions that you should ask your prospective orthodontist before deciding which one is the best fit for you.
What are my treatment options?
Not every doctor offers the same treatment options, so knowing which methods the orthodontist specializes in is an extremely important factor when it comes to making a decision about which practice you want to work with. Getting braces is a lengthy process that requires years of work in some cases. Because of the duration of the process, you should carefully consider the methods that would become available to you at the orthodontic office in question before you make a commitment to work with them.
Our team at Brodsky Orthodontics offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, including:
Metal Braces
Metal braces have been around for a long time and have been the most common method of treatment for many years. These braces work by tightening the wire attached to a bracket glued to each tooth. With gentle, continuous pressure, your teeth are aligned over a period of 18-36 months, depending on the severity of your case, your mouth’s response to treatment, and your desired outcome.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces. The difference is that clear braces use white, ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth and provide a less noticeable appearance.
Invisalign
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without the use of wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with a look that is almost invisible. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-18 months, you’ll see results in no time.
InBrace
InBrace is a new treatment option that uses a computer-generated wire attached to the back of your teeth to straighten your smile without being visible.
What should I expect treatment to look like?
Orthodontic treatment is a unique process intended to match the needs of every individual, so if you want to get an idea of what you should expect from your time spent with braces, you should ask your orthodontic specialist several questions. For example, how long do they expect treatment to last? How often are follow-up visits? Who will be overseeing your care?
The doctors at Brodsky Orthodontics take the time to meet personally with each patient to ensure that all of their questions are answered. While treatment duration depends on a number of different factors, you can expect to meet with your orthodontist every 6-12 weeks for a follow-up appointment.
What is the orthodontist’s background experience?
When searching for a professional service like orthodontics, you want to know that your treatment plan is being managed by a capable, experienced individual or team. It is important to know where the orthodontist went to school, how long they have been practicing, and how they keep up to date with the latest research in their field.
You can find all of this information and more for each of our orthodontists by clicking here.
Is the doctor a trained orthodontist?
While this may seem like a given, it is important to make sure that the person in charge of straightening your smile has been specifically trained in the practice of orthodontics. In addition to advising on cavities and crowns, some dentists make recommendations on orthodontic treatment even if it isn’t their specialty. However, just like with any area of medicine, you want someone who is trained in the particulars of the service you are interested in.
Orthodontists and dentists go through much of the same training, but orthodontists spend an extra 2-3 years digging into the specifics of oral adjustment. This means an orthodontist has studied:
- how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
- the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- biomechanical techniques to move teeth properly
- numerous case studies
- diagnostics
Before moving forward with a treatment plan, you need to know that your care will be overseen by someone who has had this extensive training and experience.
Do they offer a free consultation?
Moving forward with an orthodontic treatment plan is an exciting step toward a brighter smile – but it is also an important financial decision. A free consultation takes the pressure off of your decision and allows you to focus on the health of your smile and the facts of the practice without distraction.
At Brodsky Orthodontics, we trust our services, and we want to make sure you feel the same. We offer a free consultation so that you can speak with one of our experienced orthodontists without any obligation to pay for our services unless you decide to move forward with treatment. This is our way of showing that we are invested in you.
What are my payment options?
You deserve to understand the financial commitment that comes with investing in your smile. Be sure to ask questions about financing options, payment plans, and insurance policies before you move forward with any orthodontist.
The Brodsky Orthodontics team believes in making smiles an affordable practice. We offer a series of perks that ensure cost is no barrier to your health, including:
- Interest-free, monthly payment options
- Flexible payment plans
- Courtesy discount (6%) for paying in full
- Payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and CareCredit
A Team of Experts You Can Trust
If you are ready to get started on your journey to a brighter, happier, straighter smile, you’ve come to the right place. Brodsky Orthodontics has a team of doctors who are experts in our field. Be sure to sign up for our free consultation today!