12 Questions To Ask Before Using Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontic Programs

So, you saw an ad showing how simple it would be to straighten your smile. You have been thinking about pursuing modern orthodontic treatment. If there was one thing you learned from the pandemic, it’s that when you saw your reflected at you on the screen, it was not something you felt like smiling about. That direct-to-consumer offer seemed like a pretty affordable way to fix it. Besides, what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot of things could. 

When we move teeth in the mouth, it involves biology. If you mess with it and mess it up, you can face severe consequences, like tooth and gum tissue loss, altered bites that injure your jaw, and, perhaps worst of all, less than ideal results.

Before you start a direct-to-consumer orthodontic program, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has a few questions you should ask yourself, including:

·      Are diagnostic x-rays taken before treatment? 

·      Do you have in-person care from a dentist or orthodontist as part of the plan?

·      Who is the orthodontist or dentist that is handling the case?

·      Do you have options for your treatment, or is there only one available?

·      Will a health assessment occur before initiating treatment for your teeth and gums?

·      What are the risks involved, both health-wise and financially?

·      What are your options for personal contact at the orthodontic treatment company?

·      Who fixes the issues that can arise during treatment and how?

·      What happens if there is an emergency and you need to contact someone about it?

·      What happens if everything doesn’t go as planned?

·      If you have a dispute or an injury from treatment, what can you do about it?

·      Is the proposed dental treatment legal in your state?

Please click here to read more about why these questions are essential and some deeper dives into each question.

These questions are critical to your decision process. The answers can help determine if this direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment is right for you. 

For example, if you don’t know the orthodontist or dentist treating your case, how do you know if they are qualified to treat you or even practice in your state? Are you comfortable handing over the care of your smile to someone you know nothing about? And who do you go with a problem or an emergency?

Or, if you have had past problems with your dental health, how will you know if it’s okay to move forward with treatment? Is that on you to figure out ahead of time and who pays for that health assessment?

Consider Having an In-Person Consultation 

Before you move forward with a company that may or may not be able to help you correct your smile, have an in-person consultation with an orthodontist. This assessment will determine what kind of treatment is best to get you where you want to go while protecting the health and integrity of your oral cavity. Also, it gives the orthodontic team a chance to answer some of these questions right then and there regarding these treatment details.

Moreover, there is no other dentist more qualified than an orthodontist to fix your smile and bite problems. 

Best of all, the consultation is almost always free. So, what do you have to lose?

Fortunately, not that much.

Let’s be honest; we at Bloom Smile Studio have doubts about direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies’ ability to provide the modern orthodontic treatment we can. After all, we are specialists in smiles and bite correction. However, we are dedicated to helping our patients have the best possible oral health and a smile they are proud to show in the Monday morning video meeting. 

To schedule your free consultation today, call Bloom SMILE STUDIO office in GARDEN GROVE at 714-430-8454.

Bloom SMILE STUDIO in GARDEN GROVE has a long history of improving our patient’s smiles. We provide modern orthodontic treatments delivered with old-fashioned excellence in patient experience. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.