Taking your child to get braces can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if it’s your first time. Getting braces or any orthodontic treatment is a serious endeavor, and is one that requires time and consideration before diving in headfirst. With this in mind, Randall Orthodontics has compiled a list of the most common mistakes we see parents make when choosing an orthodontist. Read on to find out how you can avoid these mistakes when you are looking for an Idaho Falls orthodontics office you can trust.
Not Understanding What Your Insurance Covers
Before choosing an orthodontist to go to for you or your child’s braces, you must take a look at what your dental insurance covers. This includes looking over the basics, such as:
- What, if any, orthodontic procedures are covered.
- How much of the treatment, appointments, aftercare, etc. are covered by insurance.
- And, if the orthodontist you are planning on scheduling an appointment with is in your “network.” Choosing an orthodontist “out of network” may result in you having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket.
To get a better understanding of your dental insurance benefits, we suggest speaking with your insurance agency so that they can explain the somewhat complicated insurance jargon. For example, your insurance may cover only 50% of orthodontic visits after so many appointments or in some cases will only cover a certain amount of visits, treatments, costs, etc. Additionally, if you do not currently have dental insurance for your child, speak with your employer to learn what your options are for dental insurance premiums. If you’re unsure of what questions to ask your insurance provider, our Idaho Falls orthodontic office can help you with that. Call us today to learn more.
Not Asking About Payment Plans or Options
Even if you do choose an orthodontist in your network for braces in Idaho Falls, your dental insurance may not completely cover the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatments. Usually, patients have to pay some amount of money. If you are expecting to spend some money out of pocket, you’ll want to discuss if your orthodontist offers payment plans. Most quality orthodontic offices will offer a payment plan that is suitable for all lifestyles and budgets. Randall Orthodontics is dedicated to providing all of our patients with confident smiles. This is why we work with our patients to offer a flexible payment plan so that you never fall behind.
In addition to discussing a payment plan, it’s essential that you also go over payment expectations, such as what if a payment is late or whether or not they will accept a payment if it’s not paid in full.
Not Doing Research or Background Checks
In this day and age, we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. Instead of having to rely on your friends or family for a referral to an orthodontist or looking in the phone book, we can find numerous businesses with just the click of a mouse. While the convenience of the internet has made it “easier” to find what we are looking for, it also means that we must spend more time weeding out the bad from the good. Luckily, one way that you can find out if an Idaho Falls orthodontist is a good fit for you is by reading online reviews. Also, be sure to check their website and other places on the internet like Yelp and Google My Business for more information.
Once you have your search narrowed down, you must do a background check on the orthodontist to check their credentials. For instance, some dentists will offer orthodontic treatments even though they are not technically qualified to perform such procedures. Orthodontists go to school for an extra two years to specialize in their field. Make sure that the orthodontist you choose is certified.
Choosing The Most Convenient
Unfortunately, some sources on the internet will tell you that choosing an orthodontist office close to your home is one of the most important factors you should consider. And, while this is partially true, what matters most is the expertise of your orthodontist. It’s more critical to the outcome of your child’s dental health that you choose an orthodontist who is more qualified than one that is just five or ten minutes closer to your home.
With that being said, when you are shopping around for an orthodontist you will want to ask what their schedule is like and if it’s hard to reach them, say, in case of an emergency. Make sure to choose an orthodontist who is easy to reach and has a schedule that works with yours.
Waiting Too Long To Take Your Child To The Orthodontist
Randall Orthodontics recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation at age seven. This may seem young, but at this age, an orthodontist will be able to see if orthodontic intervention may be necessary down the road. The most common time for treatment is between the ages of 11 and 13. When parents wait too long to take their children in for an evaluation, it can end up costing them more money and time. When children are younger, it’s easier to move the teeth into the proper position because the bones in the jaw and mouth are still growing. Furthermore, having braces in Idaho Falls at a young age sets children on course for having a beautiful, straight and healthy smile in their adult years.
Call Randall Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation for Idaho Falls braces. We want to help your child smile with confidence.
