Do you hesitate to smile around other adults with straight teeth? Are you self-conscious about your appearance when you speak or laugh? Maybe your jaw is misaligned and you try to hide your profile in family photos.
Orthodontic treatment is one way to improve your smile, but cosmetic treatment often gets put on the back burner when you are an adult with other life expenses and responsibilities. How will you be able to afford braces and other appliances the Doctor recommends? You can live with crooked teeth, right?
Ortho treatment is more valuable to your health than the cost
You can choose to live with crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, but your quality of life will continue to depreciate. Crooked or crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Misaligned jaw joints can result in chronic headaches or pain in the face and neck.
The point we are trying to make is that when your smile is left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Therefore, the cost of orthodontics is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop later.
A good specialist will keep you schedule
To keep costs as low as possible, you will want to see a doctor who specializes in orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics. A specialist will be able to identify the severity of the problem and provide effective treatment methods that will work the first time.
You and your Orthodontist will become a team. The Orthodontist should motivate you and provide you resources before, during, and after treatment. On average, braces will be on for 24 to 36 months. Treatment will be completed on time (HUGE cost saver), if you cooperate with your doctor and follow his instructions.
Dr. Salvatoriello provides his patients with an oral hygiene chart, which is a take-home calendar that encourages his patients to record their brushing, flossing, and eating habits. He also requires you to be responsible for your orthodontic treatment by signing a Good Patient Contract. This agreement outlines expectations for the patient to clearly understand his or her responsiblities throughout treatment.
A fixed fee can save you money
A fixed fee is the way to go. This means you will be given one cost for the entire treatment plan without having to worry about additional costs along the way. In this case, the doctor takes on the risk because he or she has the experience and training.
Practices who do not provide a fixed fee will charge the patient for broken appliances or making the repairs. This can frequently happen throughout treatment if you are not being careful with the appliances. Therefore, the patient takes on the risk of paying more than they expected.
A doctor who is upfront about costs and responsibilities from the beginning can save you money down the road.
Use health insurance to your advantage
At our practice, we will help you understand what you or your insurance company is obligated to pay. We call the insurance company to verify what type of coverage you have and how much they will cover. Then, we discuss your best options and help you determine a payment plan.
Many insurance plans include dental coverage or dental discount plans that will help you pay less out-of-pocket for certain services and appliances. For example, the initial comprehensive consultation (first appointment) will be categorized as a "dental exam". Most dental insurances will allow you to wave the entire exam fee.
Remember, you can still get orthodontic treatment as an adult
Fixing your smile is not just a cosmetic treatment. It can prevent long-term health conditions if you address the problem sooner, rather than later. Set up an appointment today at one of our local offices in Hanover, New London, or Clarement New Hampshire.
