Should Price be the Primary Factor in Choosing an Orthodontist?

dental nurse in dental office

If you Google the phrase, “Why you shouldn’t choose the cheapest…” you will find myriad articles about why it isn’t best to choose a variety of service providers based on price alone.

This is true when it comes to orthodontic treatment, too. Orthodontics is very similar to cosmetic surgery, in that it improves aesthetics and shapes your appearance for life. Also, if the treatment is not done right the first time around, correcting the initial mistakes is very lengthy and costly.

But unlike cosmetic surgery, orthodontists typically can work their magic using a variety of noninvasive options. We use appliances to guide orofacial development and correct facial asymmetry, severe overbites and underbite, underdeveloped chin, and narrow palate, among other conditions.

For the same reasons that you wouldn’t want to necessarily choose the cheapest plastic surgeon, don’t let price be the leading factor in deciding which orthodontist you choose. The cheapest price does not mean the best treatment for your unique orthodontic needs.

Other Important Considerations

We understand that price is important. But other factors to consider include whether the professional providing orthodontic treatment is an orthodontist. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists.

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed two to three years of additional specialty training after finishing dental school to gain specialized education in aligning teeth and jaws. Only an orthodontist will have the knowledge and access to all available treatment options.

Don’t be shy about asking where your provider attended school, and how long that provider has been in practice. While you’re at it, ask your provider about the types of continuing education he or she has completed while in private practice. You want a professional who remains current on the latest technology and treatments available.

Another way to verify if your working with a professional is to ask your child’s pediatric dentist. Pediatric dental offices like Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry have orthodontists they recommend, in addition to dedicated pages on their website helping parents prepare their children for orthodontic work.

Factors that Determine Treatment Cost

Educating yourself on why treatment costs what it does is a good idea. Understanding the determining factors means you also will better understand the value and quality of treatment you receive.

The complexity of treatment and the length of time required to address your orthodontic needs is the largest cost-determining factor.

Your dental insurance affects your out-of-pocket treatment costs, and we work with our patients to ensure they maximize their insurance benefits. It is our practice philosophy that the cost should never be the reason that prevents you from getting treatment at our office. That is why we offer the most competitive financing available.

At the end of the day, choosing an orthodontic treatment provider is a decision that should be given a great deal of thought. The beauty and longevity of your smile – or your child’s smile – is riding on it. Should you need more information about which orthodontist to choose, head over to our good friend, Dr. Dan at Showtime Smiles, to learn more. As an orthodontist himself, Dr. Dan strives to provide all patients with easily accessible information about orthodontics, so they can make the best dental decisions possible.

Please call our office today if you would like to schedule an evaluation to learn more about how orthodontics can improve your smile.