Did you just find out that your child may need braces? Are you wondering how to find the “best dentist near me for kids?” Believe it or not, dentistry just for kids is different than practices geared toward adults. These professionals have specialized training and education about the mouths of children as well as common problems and treatments. In addition, their offices may come equipped with kid-friendly perks such as waiting room games and cool flavors for procedures. Yet what specifically should you be looking for in a Hendersonville orthodontist?
Are they all the same, or can you take extra steps to make sure your child is getting the best orthodontic specialist possible?
Here’s what you need to know.
Ask parents of other local pre-teens and teenagers who they would recommend for orthodontic work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the orthodontist friendly and professional? Were they happy with the results of the dental treatment? Did they ever wonder if they weren’t being told about all of their options?
If you don’t know anyone personally with kids in braces, you can reach out to online community groups for recommendations. Your co-workers can also be helpful since they may be on the same dental insurance plan and can let you know about a practice where at least part of the treatment will be covered.
You’ll want to look for a local orthodontist as you’ll probably be visiting often for adjustments and consultations. You won’t want trips to the orthodontist to turn into inconvenient long drives every six weeks.
Before you make a decision about an orthodontist in your area, however, you’ll want to read their reviews online. You can find these on your orthodontist’s website or on customer review sites.
Anyone can get an odd poor review once in a while. However, you’ll want to be looking for patterns that will tell you what to expect.
For example, are a lot of former patients commenting on the friendly hygienists and front desk staff? Do several patients mention that their child was in braces a lot longer than they thought they’d be?
If you see the same observation several times, chances are you’re getting an idea of what your experience will be like. You’ll want to pay attention before you begin investing in a particular orthodontist.
The cost of braces will vary depending upon a number of factors. These include your child’s age, the skill of the orthodontist, and the type of treatment you choose. For example, an Invisalign treatment will end up costing you more than traditional metal braces.
Before you decide on an orthodontist, find out about how much they charge for braces, as well as any payment plans they offer. For example, your orthodontist may allow you to pay off the braces a little bit each month, or they may provide a discount for paying for the entire treatment upfront. They may also offer discounts for veterans, firefighters, or police officers.
It’s important to compare price options, but you’ll need to remember that the least expensive professional isn’t always your best bet. Your child will have their teeth for a long time, so you’ll want to make sure you’re entrusting them to a qualified professional.
Find out if your orthodontist takes your insurance, and ask your insurance representative how much of the cost of braces they will cover.
If there is a difference leftover, or if you don’t have dental insurance, you may want to consider a Health Savings Account (HSA.) These are offered by your employer. They will allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money each month that can be used for medical expenses such as orthodontics, vision care, or co-pays.
If an HSA isn’t available, your employer may have the option of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) These are similar to an HSA in that you can put aside tax-protected money each month and use it to pay for braces. However, unlike with an HSA, you won’t be able to roll over unused funds from year to year.
Your orthodontist should be able to let you know about the variety of treatments they have available. They will then allow you to make the decision based upon what’s best for your child.
For example, if it’s quite important for your child to have braces that aren’t visible, Invisalign could be a great option. Your child will, however, need to have the maturity to remember to keep their braces on for a certain number of hours each day.
You should also be able to compare the cost of different types of treatments. The right dentist will let you know about the pros and cons of your options and let you make a good choice.
Your orthodontist’s experience and education should also play a role in your final decision. Before you make a final decision, ask them about any patients they’ve seen who have a mouth similar to your child’s. How long did the treatment take, and were there any problems along the way?
You can ask your orthodontist where they went to dental school and how many years they’ve been in business. A qualified professional will have years of experience and an excellent reputation within the community.
Choosing a professional to treat your child’s teeth is no small matter. With a little research and good judgment, however, you could find a great Hendersonville orthodontist in no time. And your child’s mouth will be thanking you for years to come!
Don’t stop getting smart about pediatric orthodontists now. For qualified professionals in the Hendersonville area, contact us today.
