How much should I pay?

Financial Aspect of Choosing Your Orthodontist

  • Most orthodontists will provide a free consultation, it is best to see those first from your list of potential choices.
  • Evaluate the quotes and the quote costs. Which is offering you the greatest VALUE? This isn’t always synonymous with the lowest price. Remember this work will impact you for years to come.
  • Do they accept your insurance?
  • Do they offer payment plans?
  • Are there hidden or extra costs such as x-rays? You want your orthodontist to be up front with you.
  • Note: There are companies that specialize in dental loans available. The American Association of Orthodontics is helpful for advice on financing options.

Picking an orthodontist’s location

The Orthodontist Office

  • Is the location of the office convenient for you? Remember you will be making frequent visits and don’t want it to be a nuisance to get there (which could lead to you missing appointments!).
  • Do the hours line up with your schedule? Do you need special accommodation for a student or your work life?
  • Is the staff friendly?
  • Is the place clean and tidy? This speaks volumes about the orthodontist.
  • Is it easy to reach the orthodontist’s office? You don’t want to worry about chasing down receptionists and playing phone tag for the life of your relationship.

Feeling Out An Orthodontist

Feeling Out An Orthodontist

  • Trust your gut feeling. You are the best judge of your needs.
  • Does he/she make you feel comfortable? If you don’t mesh well now then most likely this isn’t the orthodontist for you.
  • Bring questions and pay attention to answers. Good orthodontists are able to explain what they are doing and why.  They should inform you of what you can expect from the work and consequences of not having it done.
  • Why do they recommend the treatment?
  • Is the treatment something they have performed before for other patients? You don’t want to be the guinea pig here, make sure they are experienced in your specific area of need!
  • What is their specific assessment? Even if you already have received several assessments from other orthodontists you want to make sure that theirs lines up with the rest.
  • Will your orthodontist be doing the work and checkups themselves or will their staff? Your relationship is with the orthodontist, not with their staff.
  • Make sure that your orthodontist treats you as a valued customer, you are paying good money and deserve their attention.

Things to remember when choosing an Orthodontist

Choosing an Orthodontist Checklist
Getting braces or orthodontic work done is a large investment of your money and time. Once you have determined that you may need orthodontic treatment, the most important decision you have to make is which orthodontist to work with. This is a crucial step because this is a relationship that will last years. You need to make certain that you choose an orthodontist that works for you and your family. There are four main steps that you need to conduct before making your decision:  generate a list of potential orthodontists to interview, feel out the orthodontist, investigate the location and staff, and determine the costs involved with each orthodontist.
Make a list of potential orthodontists to interview

  • One of your best resources in figuring out potential fits for you is your general dentist. If you trust your dentist then most likely they have great advice to offer. However, don’t stop your search here. Your dentist’s suggestion might be a great orthodontist but that doesn’t mean they are the right one for you. Everyone’s needs are different.
  • Ask your family and friends for suggestions. At this step social media resources such as Facebook are very useful. Additionally you can utilize review sites such as Yelp and do a Google search for orthodontists in your area.C