Trying to find the best orthodontist in Louisville, KY? We can help with that.
In every city, there’s always an overwhelming number of orthodontic practices to choose from. Fortunately, the following guide explains how to easily narrow down your options.
It’s really a matter of asking some very simple questions. For instance, does the Louisville orthodontist you’re considering provide the specific treatment you require? Are they covered by your insurance?
Is their location close to your home? Or will it take you an hour to drive there?
As soon as you answer these questions, the right choice becomes obvious. To learn more about choosing an orthodontist in Louisville, read on.
1. Is This Louisville Orthodontist Covered By My Insurance?
The first thing you need to consider is insurance coverage. Namely, do you have any insurance coverage for orthodontics work?
If you do, then you need to call any orthodontists you’re considering and ask if they take your insurance. Also, make sure you know which procedures are covered by your insurance and which are not.
Alternatively, a lot of dental insurance policies don’t cover orthodontic procedures. If you’re in this situation, it’s best to get some additional insurance to cover the procedures you need.
This should save you a lot of money. However, it may also be more money/trouble than it’s worth.
Your last option, then, is to pay out-of-pocket. In this case, make sure you compare prices before you decide on an orthodontist.
2. Does This Orthodontist Provide the Treatment I Need?
Next, make sure that the treatment you need, and any alternatives, are provided by the orthodontist. For instance, do you need Invisalign? There are a lot of orthodontic practices that don’t offer this treatment.
Similarly, let’s say that you’re considering getting traditional, metal braces. It’s still a good idea to choose an orthodontist that provides alternatives to this procedure, like Invisalign. That way, you can compare your options and choose the one that’s best for you.
Also, you may be ineligible for the treatment you’re seeking. Therefore, you may need to choose an alternative option.
3. Do They Specialize in the Relevant Age Range?
Thirdly, consider which members of your household might need orthodontic work. If there’s more than one potential patient in your house it would be most convenient if you all had the same orthodontist.
However, you need to check the age range that the orthodontist specializes in. For instance, it’s possible that they only treat adults. So, if you have a middle-schooler who needs braces, you’d have to take them somewhere else for their treatment.
4. Are They Friendly and Welcoming?
Braces and other orthodontic treatments tend to cause some level of discomfort. This is made even more unpleasant if your orthodontist and his/her staff are cold and unfriendly.
When you go in for your initial consultation, take note of the general disposition of the staff. Are they smiling and friendly? Or do they seem burnt-out or apathetic?
If their welcome is not so warm, you shouldn’t expect this to improve later. Furthermore, most orthodontic treatments take many months and require frequent check-ups. So, once the orthodontist you choose begins the treatment, you’re stuck with these people for the entire duration.
5. Where Are They Located?
Just because an orthodontist is located in your city, that doesn’t mean they’re close to you. Factors like distance and traffic can turn a simple orthodontist visit into a 2-hour waste of time.
But you should know enough about your town to judge how long it will take to drive to the orthodontist of your choice. Also, most smartphone map apps account for the above factors to accurately predict your travel time.
Another thing to consider is what direction the orthodontist office is from your home. For example, if most of your routine errands take you east of your home, it’s convenient to choose an orthodontist in this direction as well. Then, you can easily do your other errands on your way home after your orthodontist appointment.
6. Is It Easy to Get an Appointment?
When you call to schedule your consultation, does it seem like the orthodontist has very few dates available to meet with you. Or, is their schedule completely full for the next 3 months?
On the one hand, such a full schedule means that the orthodontist is probably very good at what they do. Still, you should consider these scheduling difficulties a bad sign.
After all, what if you can’t make it to your braces tightening appointment? It could be another 3 months before your orthodontist has another opening available. This adds 3 extra, unnecessary months to the total amount of time you have to wear the braces.
7. What Do Other Patients Say About Them?
Finally, how can you tell if an orthodontist is any good? The best way is by asking any of your friends and family who have been treated by an orthodontist in your area.
Also, check online. Online reviews offer somewhat reliable testimonies of local orthodontist practices. You should check the Better Business Bureau, too.
Ask These Questions to Find the Best Orthodontist Near You
Choosing an orthodontist should never be a gamble. When you need braces, Invisalign, or any other orthodontic treatment, use the questions in this guide to make a wise decision.
White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics have provided consistently excellent treatment in Central Kentucky for over 30 years. If you need a Louisville braces/Invisalign provider you can trust, trust us. Contact one of our 3 Louisville locations today to schedule a consultation.