Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure but also a stressful and overwhelming experience. One of the challenges of moving to a new city is finding a new orthodontist for yourself or your family, whether for first-time or continued treatment. Depending on the size of the new community, there may be a plethora of orthodontists to consider or only a handful, making it difficult to know where to start. Regardless, here are a few tips to help make the process easier.
When one searches for an orthodontist, one should contact their insurance provider to see what services or treatments are covered. Many will insist on patients using an orthodontist within their dental network. Otherwise, they may not fully cover the services the orthodontist recommends. This may pose a financial hardship if extensive dental work is needed to correct serious oral problems.
Patients may receive referrals from trustworthy sources, such as family or friends living there. It can be reassuring to know that the recommendation comes from someone who has received similar services from the orthodontist in question. They will likely be honest regarding their treatment experience as well as the process of scheduling or rescheduling appointments, as everyone’s daily lives vary.
Professional dental organizations often have online search tools to help patients find an orthodontist who is a member. This is a good way to ensure that the orthodontist has met or exceeded the minimum requirements for professionalism, competence, and ethical behavior.
Online reviews can give the patient a general idea of the experience that others have had with the orthodontist in the recent past. In addition to looking on the site for the orthodontist’s office, patients can search for reviews from impartial third-party sites. If possible, search thoroughly through message boards where people discuss their experiences with the entire practice, not only the orthodontist.
After reviewing referrals and using online searches to narrow the choice, visit the orthodontist office’s website for more details. Of course, the more information the practice’s website can provide the patient, the more helpful it is.
Ultimately, patients may want to confirm their choices by visiting the office and speaking with the team and orthodontist. This provides an opportunity to get a feel for the atmosphere within the office and whether it is comfortable for the patient. It also allows the patient to ask important questions of the orthodontist regarding their experience and practice operations. Patients can also review their overall goals with the orthodontist to ensure their plans align or if a more effective option is available.
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Finding an orthodontist when moving to a new city can be a challenging task, but with the above tips, you can make the process easier and more manageable. By doing your research, asking for referrals, and scheduling consultations, you can find an experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy orthodontist. Remember, orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in one’s long-term oral health. Schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to see how they can customize an effective treatment plan and realign your smile.
Request an appointment or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at 714-459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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