Yes, visiting your family dentist for a thorough cleaning and check-up before applying braces is essential. Your orthodontist will advise you on how far in advance to schedule this. Remember to avoid having fluoride treatments with your dentist two weeks before getting your braces, as the fluoride may interfere with the braces adhering to the teeth.
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are recommended throughout the treatment process to make sure teeth are moving appropriately and to address any issues that may arise. Some orthodontic offices offer remote monitoring options that can minimize the number of appointments needed in person. While this can be an added convenience for you, it also allows the orthodontist to be more regularly updated and involved with your ongoing treatment.
Not necessarily. Clear aligners are not usually fabricated on site, and delivery from the manufacturer can take 4-6 weeks. Combined with initial scans, placing attachments, and educating the user on how to properly wear and care for them, aligners can take just as long as braces.
If you are unable to make your payment(s) for orthodontic treatment, communicate that to your orthodontist immediately. The orthodontist needs to be aware of this change in your circumstances.
Typically, a contact is signed when you decide to move forward with orthodontic treatment.
Many orthodontists accept major credit cards. Check with your orthodontist’s office about whether credit cards are accepted as payment, and if so, which ones.
To find an orthodontist who takes your insurance you can:
Just because an insurance company lists someone as a provider of orthodontic treatment, it does not guarantee that the doctor is an orthodontist. To be sure any provider truly is an orthodontist, use the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) Find an Orthodontist service. The AAO only admits orthodontists, who have training in the orthodontic specialty, as members. Selecting an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic care is your assurance that the doctor is an orthodontist.
Yes, you can purchase orthodontic insurance.
Many people have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, usually provided by their employer. Such insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee for orthodontic treatment, many times there may be a specific dollar amount or lifetime cap. If your dental insurance is through your employer, your human resources department may be able to provide coverage details. The information can also be obtained directly from the insurance company. With your permission, the orthodontist may be able to confirm your insurance benefits for you, such as:
Not all providers used by insurance companies to provide orthodontic treatment are orthodontists. To be sure any provider you are interested in using is an orthodontist, check the Find an Orthodontist service, where you will find members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The AAO only admits orthodontic specialists as members.
