3 Things to Know Before You Switch Orthodontists

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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!

Correcting an Open Bite

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Have you recently noticed differences in the way your teeth fit together? Have you developed a speech impediment? If it seems like unusual changes are taking place with the positioning of your teeth, this could mean you’re developing an open bite. Fortunately, your dentist in Columbia, SC, has solutions.

What Is an Open Bite?

When your upper and lower teeth no longer fit snugly together, your dentist may diagnose an open bite. While this may not sound too serious, it can be quite inconvenient. Depending upon where the teeth no longer meet, biting and chewing your favorite foods may become a chore. You may no longer be able to easily eat a sandwich or enjoy a juicy steak without effort. This type of malocclusion may also affect your speech, because you’re no longer able to pronounce certain words clearly.

What Causes an Open Bite?

Several conditions may cause you to develop an open bite. These include empty spaces left behind by lost or extracted teeth and dental trauma. In young children, thumb sucking or tongue thrusting may lead to open bite. A temporomandibular joint disorder may cause this condition, too, and so may genetics.

What Are the Treatment Options for Open Bite?

Your dentist has several solutions for treating an open bite, and they’re happy to sit down with you to discuss your options. These may include placing braces or clear aligners on your teeth to move them back into the correct position or surgery to reposition your jaw. Sometimes, behavior modifications classes are helpful, too, if your open bite stems from a bad habit such as thrusting your tongue against your teeth.

Help for Open Bite in Columbia, SC

If you need more information on the diagnosis and treatment of open bite or other malocclusions in Columbia, SC, we invite you to contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. Our experienced and professional dental team routinely treats problems such as open bite. We’re happy to sit down with you to discuss the most effective ways to improve your smile and to straighten and realign your teeth. Contact us today for more information and to schedule an initial consultation and diagnostic tests.