3 Things to Know Before You Switch Orthodontists

Switching healthcare providers in any sector can be a nerve-racking experience. Even if you’re concerned with the level of the care that your current orthodontist provides, you may be nervous to leave a provider that you have a history with. Whether you’re moving, changing insurance, or looking around for a new team, we’ll look at what to consider before you switch to a new orthodontist in Columbia. 

1. Treatment Plans

While every orthodontist has to pass the same tests and meet the same standards, their approach to orthodontics is not always the same. If you need clear aligners, a jaw alignment, or help with sleep apnea, you may get very different answers to the same questions. One thing that you can do before switching orthodontists is to check in with an orthodontic team before you make the official changeover. They may not be able to give you a precise treatment plan, but they can help you understand how they’ll treat your concerns.

2. Patients Reviews

Patient reviews can reveal a lot about an orthodontist, even if it’s clear that there are some patients who may smudge the truth in their reviews. Before you read through the comments, remind yourself which factors are most important to you. For example, if customer service is far less a concern than expertise and competency, then you can evaluate different orthodontists based on the level of care and not the level of hand-holding they do. That said, when you’re choosing an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, choose a team that can offer you basic courtesies, like returning your phone calls and following up on appointment scheduling.

3. Expertise in Columbia

Not every orthodontist has the same level of expertise. They may have limited access or understanding of different types of dental technology, particularly as new products debut on the market. This lack of knowledge can keep their patients from receiving the best care or, at the very least, understanding why a certain treatment isn’t right for them.

If you’re looking for a team that can help you answer all your questions on Invisalign, traditional braces, sleep disturbances, and more, consider contacting the staff at Tompkins Orthodontics to schedule a consultation today!