Do you have crooked teeth? Are you hoping to correct an overbite? If so, you would be best served by utilizing orthodontic services.
The only issue is that you’ve never used orthodontic services before. As such, you need a bit of help choosing orthodontic services. Well, rest assured, you’ve come to the right place.
Without further ado, here are 7 factors to consider when choosing orthodontic services in Billings, Montana.
1. Experience
Whether you’re choosing an orthodontist or someone to paint your house, you’re advised to choose someone with experience in the field. Experience breeds familiarity, which then eventually breeds expertise. And when it comes to having your teeth and jaws realigned, you want an expert on your side.
The key is to find a practice that’s been in business for at least a few years. These few years are vital in helping the practice to fine-tune its business operations. Experienced orthodontic practices are better at all aspects of business, from accepting payment to sending out reminders to customer service and more.
We recommend choosing an orthodontic practice with at least 2 years of real-world experience under its proverbial belt. This should be sufficient time for a practice to prove itself and gain some sort of reputation (whether good, bad, or something in the middle).
2. Cost
When it comes to cost, not all orthodontic care options are created equal. In fact, there can be a great deal of variation from orthodontist to orthodontist. As such, before deciding on a specific orthodontist, ask what he or she is going to charge you for the services you require.
Any reputable orthodontist will provide you with a complete and itemized estimate of your future costs. This will include not only costs like labor and materials but additional fees as well.
Note, you should be a little wary of orthodontists who charge much less than the others. If an orthodontist charges an exceedingly low rate, he or she is probably lacking in some area (ie. experience, skill, etc.).
Generally speaking, it’s best to choose an orthodontist whose prices sit around the average. This way, you’ll avoid the huge dent in your bank account while also avoiding low-quality work.
3. Insurance Compatibility
You may or may not have orthodontic insurance. However, if you do, you’ll want to make sure to choose an orthodontist who’s in your network. If your chosen orthodontist isn’t in your network, your insurance coverage will not come into effect.
In other words, you’ll be forced to pay full price.
To find an orthodontist that’s in your network, utilize your insurance company’s website. It almost certainly has a “find a provider” tool. Set the appropriate parameters and see which providers come up.
If your insurance company’s website doesn’t have such a tool, you’ll just have to make a call. Note, when verifying insurance compatibility, verify with both the insurance company and the orthodontist. This way, there’s no doubt about whether your insurance is, indeed, compatible.
4. Proximity to You
Orthodontic services are not a one-time thing. When utilizing orthodontics, you’ll be going to appointments on an almost monthly basis. As such, you want to choose an orthodontist who’s close to you.
You can determine an orthodontist’s proximity by using Google Maps. Just type in the orthodontic practice’s name and it will provide you with info on location and distance as well as an estimated time to travel.
We recommend choosing an orthodontist that’s located within 30 minutes of you. There’s almost sure to be a reputable orthodontist within that time radius.
5. Licensure
Not just anyone can provide orthodontic services. Orthodontists need to be licensed. And you need to make sure that your chosen orthodontist does, indeed, have a license.
First and foremost, orthodontists need dental licenses. However, it shouldn’t stop there. They also need to be certified by the American Board of Orthodontists.
Make sure to see proof of both licenses. If proof isn’t provided to you, you should use a different orthodontist.
6. Services Provided
When it comes to services provided, not all orthodontists are created equal. As such, when choosing an orthodontist, you need to make sure that he or she provides the services you need.
For instance, one orthodontist might work with metal braces only. If you want Invisalign braces instead, this orthodontist wouldn’t suit you. On the other hand, there are many orthodontists who work with all types of braces, thus allowing them to serve any and everyone.
You should also look out for labels like “pediatric” orthodontist or “senior” orthodontist. These orthodontists work with kids and seniors specifically. If you’re not a child or a senior, these orthodontists wouldn’t serve your needs.
7. Reputation
The last thing you should consider is reputation. If an orthodontist has a good reputation, he or she likely provides good care. If the opposite true, well then, the opposite is likely true.
Use Google or Facebook or Yelp and look up your prospective orthodontists’ practices. You should be able to find a large collection of patient reviews for each orthodontist. Read through these and try to get a feel for each orthodontists’ strengths and weaknesses.
You can also make use of star ratings. Star ratings indicate the consensus feeling on a specific orthodontist. If a star rating is above 4, it’s usually indicative of quality service. If it’s under 4, it’s probably not a great sign.
Do You Still Need Help Choosing Orthodontic Services in Billings?
Are you still searching for orthodontic services? Need help choosing orthodontic services in Billings, Montana? We here at Bennion & Lambourne are going to suggest . . . ourselves.
We’re the top orthodontists in the Billings area, having helped countless patients in improving their dental health. Whether you need braces for kids, adults, seniors, or otherwise, we have you covered.
Contact us now to discuss your needs!