Invisalign, an FDA-approved dental procedure, can straighten your teeth in as little as six months. If you’re considering Invisalign, it’s important to choose your doctor carefully—not just any orthodontist will be able to help you achieve the results you want! Be sure to check out these five things before choosing your Invisalign doctor site so that you can trust the treatment he or she prescribes for you.
1) Location, location, location
First and foremost, ask around for recommendations. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who has worked with an Invisalign doctor in your area, ask for their feedback.
You can also ask other doctors for their opinions about local providers—your general dentist may know of some of your neighbors’ orthodontists. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you prefer an aesthetic-only provider or one who also specializes in orthopedics and oral surgery; just be sure that your preferred doctor can meet all of your needs as a patient.
2) Quality of treatment
Choose an orthodontist who is a member of The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). AAO-member orthodontists are more likely to use current technology, follow rigorous training and continuing education guidelines, offer a variety of payment options and have trained staff that will help make your experience a good one. It’s also important to make sure your provider is licensed or certified in their field.
Check their credentials with state dental boards or medical boards through certifying organizations like The Joint Commission or American Board of Medical Specialties. Remember:
Always check with your health insurance company before treatment begins; they may require that you choose only an in-network provider.
3) The duration of the service
A key factor in your choice of provider is how long they’ve been providing orthodontic services. This is especially important if you’re considering Invisalign treatment, as these methods require a little more time and effort than traditional braces.
If you have any questions about their experience or time spent practicing, ask away! It’s also a good idea to find out what they charge; while most orthodontists charge around $5,000 for a year’s worth of treatment with traditional braces, some providers may offer different price packages depending on your needs. Don’t hesitate to haggle if necessary—especially with smaller dental practices that are just starting out.
4) Insurance coverage
The best way to find out if your insurance company will cover some or all of your treatment is to call them and ask. Some insurance plans only partially cover orthodontic treatments, and even then, some plans have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic work. If you’re in one of these situations, it may be worth it for you to pay out-of-pocket in order to avoid any complications with your plan in the future. Always verify that coverage with your insurance company before moving forward with treatment!
5) The doctors
Unlike with many other orthodontic services, you can use an Invisalign doctor site as your means of narrowing down a search for an ideal provider. Some general questions to consider when you choose your preferred Invisalign doctor include Do they specialize in Invisalign? How long have they been practicing? How much experience do they have in treating patients who wear braces?
What is their level of education and certification? Have they treated patients who wear braces before? These are all important questions that will help you find a good fit for your specific needs. The best orthodontist near me will be able to help you get started on creating a smile that’s ready for any occasion!