There may come a time during your orthodontic treatment when you need to relocate, and thus continue treatment at a different orthodontic office. Our office sees this situation fairly often since we’re in a military community, and changing orthodontists is not as difficult as you may think.
Full Answer
Can I move my orthodontic treatment to a new provider?
This means that many of the families that begin an orthodontic treatment move before their treatment has been completed. While getting into orthodontic treatment can be easy, transferring your treatment to a new provider can be a stressful and frustrating process.
Should I switch Orthodontists mid-treatment?
Active families have active schedules and this fact can lead to scheduling conflicts with your orthodontic provider’s schedule. If there are major unresolvable scheduling conflicts with your current braces provider, you may consider switching orthodontists mid-treatment.
Is the orthodontic journey difficult?
The orthodontic journey can be very challenging for some patients. There are a range of emotions that a patient may experience in any given month during treatment and it is important to have a doctor and office staff that is willing to offer support.
Is the trend for orthodontic care slowing down?
So this trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon as new patients begin to move, settle down, and look for orthodontic care. American families are moving at an increasing rate due to a booming economy, job growth and low unemployment.
Can I switch orthodontists after treatment?
The answer is: yes, you can switch your orthodontist during treatment.
What happens when you change orthodontists during treatment?
The Financial Aspect Of Transferring In Your fees should include the consultation, orthodontic records and continuation of treatment fees. You will also be charged a de-bonding fee to remove your current braces. This takes time in the office so you will be charged for this in most cases.
Is it hard to switch orthodontists?
There may come a time during your orthodontic treatment when you need to relocate, and thus continue treatment at a different orthodontic office. Our office sees this situation fairly often since we're in a military community, and changing orthodontists is not as difficult as you may think.
Can you change orthodontists mid treatment?
Most patients remain with the same orthodontist throughout the entirety of their treatment plan, but yes, switching orthodontists during braces or Invisalign is possible!
What happens if you are not happy with your orthodontic treatment?
The consensus was, roughly, if you're unhappy with your orthodontist's work, you should go in and talk to said orthodontist and explain the problem. Most reputable orthodontists will try to fix it.
Can I switch from braces to Invisalign mid-treatment?
Yes, it is possible to switch to Invisalign aligners mid-treatment depending on your individual case. An Invisalign doctor can assess your case and determine if you are eligible. You may have to wait a little longer to switch to allow your braces to further align your teeth if you had a more complex case.
Can you get your braces off earlier than expected?
While it might not be the response you're hoping for, the simple answer to this question is no. However, it is possible to experience slower treatment times if you don't follow your orthodontist's instructions, including proper care of your braces.
Why are my teeth moving so slow with braces?
Your teeth just don't move as fast as expected. Everyone's teeth move at different rates and it's impossible to guess how quickly yours will shift with braces. It could simply be that you need more than the average amount of time in braces.
Can you stop orthodontic treatment?
So, they have a common question in mind about can I get braces off early? Well, the answer is no, as one needs to complete the tenure for treatment. Braces by far, the most effective ways to straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile.
Can I get a retainer from a different orthodontist?
If your orthodontic treatment is completed you can have retainers made by any dentist who does Invisalign or traditional orthodontics.
Can you get a refund on braces?
There are a few things you need to know about moving once you begin orthodontic treatment. First of all, you may be entitled to get a partial refund for your treatment if it is not totally paid off.
How do I know if I should be a good orthodontist?
A Good Orthodontist Communicates Well. Not only will the orthodontist explain every part of the treatment and payment options, but they will also listen to any concerns or questions the patient has. They will make sure to answer the question thoroughly and make sure that everything was covered.
What happens when an orthodontist sells a practice?
When a practice sale does occur you may not be given a heads up and then entire process may feel abrupt. In this situation your selling orthodontist may be bound by a non disclosure agreement and may not be able to discuss plans to sell with current patients while the sale is pending.
How many people move to orthodontics?
A 2019 census.gov article states that in 2018, 10.1 percent of people (about 32.4 million) in the United States moved within the past 12 months. This means that many of the families that begin an orthodontic treatment move before their treatment has been completed. While getting into orthodontic treatment can be easy, ...
How many people are in braces at any given time?
Patients needing to transfer orthodontic treatment mid-treatment is becoming more common. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that close to 5 million people are in braces at any given moment. So this trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon as new patients begin to move, settle down, and look for orthodontic care.
What is the transfer process for orthodontics?
The transfer process involves multiple moving parts that must be coordinated well to streamline the process and get you back on the road to a successful orthodontic treatment. The initial step in this transfer process is making the decision to transfer your treatment.
What is the emotional journey of orthodontics?
The orthodontic journey is filled with emotional highs and lows and requires empathy and understanding from your provider. While your complaints may seem like a pure sympathy play to a busy doctor, the active listening doctor will take your concerns seriously.
What is the hardest part of the transfer process?
Making the decision will be the hardest part of the transfer process. Just like many things in life, the first step is the hardest one. Rest assured that once you make the decision you can really get the ball rolling and the transfer process started.
Can you transfer your orthodontic treatment to another provider?
If your office isn’t meeting your physical or emotional needs and you have discussed this with your current provider with no resolution, then you may consider transferring your treatment to another provider. Your orthodontic provider should be an active listener and sensitive to your physical needs while in the chair. The orthodontic journey is filled with emotional highs and lows and requires empathy and understanding from your provider.
What is the clinical decision of an orthodontist?
The clinical decision should be made by the orthodontist based upon their comfort level with various appliance systems, complexity of treatment, stage of treatment, and confidence in obtaining satisfactory results while meeting the patient’s expectations. It is important to be honest with the patient and with yourself.
Why is the AAO form not completed?
Although the AAO form has a section to enter in the financial status of the patient, often that is not completed due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. In addition, a cordial letter or personal phone call to the new orthodontist introducing the patient to the office is much appreciated.
What is the AAO transfer form?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has a standard transfer form template, which can be downloaded from their website and edited. This template lists the diagnosis, treatment plan, appliances used, mechanics utilized, and many other pertinent facts about the case.
Do orthodontic offices accept transfers?
There are a number of orthodontic practices that do not accept transfer patients. They may feel that the benefits do not outweigh the hassles of dealing with extra administrative work or the challenges of working with a different bracket system. However, most orthodontic offices are not booked to capacity, so there is little incentive to decline transfers based on accessibility or profitability. Offices that do accept transfers find that these patients not only are a singular revenue source, but also offer a wealth of extenuating benefits. Most transfer patients are very grateful that someone is willing to finish their case and are enjoyable to treat (remember that the “hero” is always the person that takes off the appliances, not the one that puts them on). Accepting transfers can not only differentiate your practice, but open up a new referral stream since these patients often have siblings, parents, extended family, and friends who now are all potential future patients.
What to expect before orthodontics?
Before your first appointment officially begins, it’s usually a chat with your orthodontist. You can express your worries and concerns before your orthodontic procedure starts. The entire process of your smile treatment is explained to you
How long does it take to get used to braces?
It will take you about 4-8 weeks to get used to your braces before your first follow-up appointment. These routine adjustments are a lot faster than the orthodontic procedure itself. Dr. Thurman will check the progress of your treatment and replace old bands with new ones. You may also need to change your old archwire for a new set.
How long does a bonding appointment last?
The orthodontic procedure itself is pain-free, but your bonding appointment will last for about two hours. Bring along some music to keep you from getting bored.
Do you need retainers after braces?
To keep your new smile the way it is, you need to make retainers your best friend. Retainers after braces are made to match the exact shape of your teeth to keep them in place. While retainers are removable, it’s advisable that you keep them on to give your newly-aligned teeth time to adjust with the soft tissue and jawbone.
What is an excellent orthodontic finish?
An excellent orthodontic finishing is essential and involves a series of procedures such as a good diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, and implementing the treatment plan. However, the most critical phase corresponds to finish properly or closely to the appliance removal. It is not enough only to say that it was a good finish. Specifically why, or what details are needed to be observed and obtained, and in what order to conclude that a great orthodontic finishing was done. In this article, I intend to discuss and propose procedures considered indispensable for the excellence in orthodontic finish. The goals are results with excellent oral health; facial, dental and smile harmony; functional occlusion; and especially long-term stability. In this matter, it is important to follow a series of procedures that can be summarized in 10 steps: (1) define clearly your goals; (2) have a checklist; (3) improve bracket placement; (4) repositioning of brackets; (5) make adjustments in the archwires; (6) look at the face, teeth and smile, not the appliance; (7) improve the functional occlusion; (8) reshape teeth anatomically; (9) plan the retention; and (10) plan the appliance removal. The conclusions are that following this steps and keeping in mind that in clinical orthodontic practice is necessary to clearly define the objectives, to know the basic and have technical domain; the result will be inevitable: Success.
What are common errors observed at the American Board of Orthodontics clinical examination?
[ 1] conclude that the ABO examiners continue to see problems in cases presentation including lack of attention to finishing details and inappropriate treatment objectives, among other details.
Call For An Appointment With Your Current Orthodontist
The first thing you will want to do as you begin to prepare for your move is to contact your orthodontist’s office and let them know. They will schedule a specific appointment to help you prepare for the change in care.
Ask For Help in Finding A New Orthodontist
If you have not selected your new orthodontist, let your doctor know.
Financing
If you have already prepaid for your treatment with your current orthodontist, you will need to ask them for a refund for the remainder of your treatment plan.
The Transfer Out
The Transfer in
- There are a number of orthodontic practices that do not accept transfer patients. They may feel that the benefits do not outweigh the hassles of dealing with extra administrative work or the challenges of working with a different bracket system. However, most orthodontic offices are not booked to capacity, so there is little incentive to decline tr...
in Our Office…
- We have been on both sides of the transfer process many times and have had our share of interesting cases. Some incoming cases were simple finishes, and in others the treatment plan was drastically altered to involve extractions or orthognathic surgery because the patient was not reaching their desired result. We have declined to treat patients occasionally if any “red flags” ar…
Legal Considerations
- The medicolegal aspects of transfer patients vary by states, but there are a few universal themes to note. It is important to get HIPAA paperwork signed before forwarding your transfer records and the AAO transfer form to the new orthodontic office. In most states, you are allowed to charge a fee to the patient to duplicate and send the transfer records. However, it is often better …