So you’ve made up your mind to meet with an orthodontist and start your smile success journey – what an exciting time! But while you might know what you want from your experience, you might not know where to start. When it comes to researching which orthodontist is the right match for you, we know that it can be a little intimidating, and that’s natural. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, after all, and knowing who to partner with is just as important as the investment itself.
You may feel a little out of your element, but don’t start stressing just yet – Dr. Bowen is here to tell you exactly what questions you should be asking your orthodontist before making a commitment to work with them.
Question #1: Can you explain a little more about your background in orthodontics?
Professional experience is important; understanding the specifics of that experience is vital. You’ll want to have several questions lined up for the orthodontist at your first consultation so that you know if their level of care is right for you.
Be sure to ask them the following: Where did you go to school? How long have you been practicing? How do you keep up to date with the latest research and treatment options? A qualified individual should easily be able to answer these questions, and you should not be shy about looking deeper into their responses.
Another good place to look for this information is the orthodontist’s website. Do they have a section that highlights their training and education?
As one of the most qualified orthodontists in Mullica Hills, Dr. Bowen likes to be transparent about why her qualifications put her practice in the upper echelon of orthodontics. Besides having the highest score on her American Board of Orthodontics written exam, Dr. Bowen is a member of eleven orthodontic and dental associations! Click here to learn a little more about her experience.
Question #2: Are you trained in the field of orthodontics?
You may naturally assume that the person recommending your orthodontic treatment is a trained orthodontist, but this is not always the case. Because dentists and orthodontists undergo much of the same training at the beginning of their schooling, orthodontists are dentists at their cores, but dentists are not orthodontists. Just like with any area of medicine, you want your treating physician to be trained in the specific area that they are treating you for. Although dentists are great for advising on cavities and crowns, you want a trained orthodontist to take care of your braces.
It is always a good idea to make sure that your orthodontist is trained in the following areas:
- how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
- the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- biomechanical techniques to move teeth properly
- numerous case studies
- diagnostics
Before moving forward with a treatment plan, you need to know that your care will be overseen by someone who has had this extensive training and experience.
Question #3: What are my treatment options?
Knowing which treatment options the orthodontist specializes in is an extremely important factor when it comes to making a decision about which practice you want to work with. Getting braces is a lengthy process that requires years of work in some cases. Because of the duration of the process, you should carefully consider the methods that would be available to you at the orthodontic office in question before you make a commitment to work with them.
Bowen Family Orthodontics offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, including:
Metal Braces
As the traditional option, metal braces are often the first that come to mind when considering orthodontic treatment. These braces work by tightening the wire attached to a bracket glued to each tooth. With gentle, continuous pressure, your teeth are aligned over a period of 12-36 months, depending on the severity of your case, your mouth’s response to treatment, and your desired outcome.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces. The difference is that clear braces use white, ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth and provide a less noticeable appearance.
Invisalign
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without the use of wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with a look that is almost invisible. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time.
Question #4: What should I expect from treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a unique process intended to match the needs of every individual, so if you want to get an idea of what you should expect from your time spent with braces, you should ask your orthodontic specialist several questions. For example, how long do they expect treatment to last? How often are follow-up visits? Who will be overseeing your care?
The Bowen Family Orthodontics team is dedicated to making you feel like one of the family. That is why we provide individualized care and attention to each and every patient that walks through our doors. As the sole orthodontist at her practice, Dr. Bowen personally manages the care of each patient as if they were a part of her own family.
Question #5: Do you offer a free consultation?
Moving forward with an orthodontic treatment plan is an exciting step toward a brighter smile – but it is also an important financial decision. A free consultation takes the pressure off of your decision and allows you to focus on the health of your smile and the facts of the practice without distraction.
At Bowen Family Orthodontics, we strive for a level of trust that feels like a family. That is why we offer a free consultation, so we can put our best foot forward by giving you the opportunity to ask questions without the pressure of commitment.
Question #6: What are my payment options?
Your smile is an investment, and you deserve to understand the financial commitment that comes with it. Be sure to ask questions about financing options, payment plans, and insurance policies before you move forward.
Dr. Bowen wants to fill Mulica Hills with beautiful smiles at an affordable price so that cost does not become a barrier to your unique treatment plan. We accept a wide range of insurance policies and provide interest-free financing that can make your dream of a beautiful smile a concrete reality.
Trust the Experience and Reliability of Bowen Family Orthodontics
In many ways, you and your orthodontist become partners in your smile success story. That is why it is so essential to have a complete understanding of your orthodontist’s background, your treatment options, and your payment plan before you make a final selection. If you’re ready to get started with your orthodontic journey, let’s get you scheduled for a free consultation with Dr. Bowen today!