What’s the best place to get braces in your community? The answer to this question varies depending on the needs of you or your child and the resources available at each location. Both orthodontists and dentists provide dental care, but what are the pros and cons of each? Here are some points to help you decide whether it’s better to get braces from a dentist or an orthodontist near you.
What’s The Difference Between An Orthodontist And A Dentist
The difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is that an orthodontist specializes in correcting the alignment of teeth, while a dentist may perform some corrective treatments. An orthodontist will use braces to straighten teeth, and might also apply a more specialized form of braces called Invisalign (which are clear) if necessary. The two professions can work together to achieve optimal results. If you don’t have dental insurance coverage, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for your orthodontic care.
However, most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of braces near me, which can be an attractive financial option. For people who do not want any metal touching their mouths, there are options such as Invisalign. With these clear braces, aligners are worn over teeth to gradually push them into place over time. Many people find this procedure much less daunting than traditional metal braces.
Orthodontists Vs. Dentists
Braces are used to correct the alignment of teeth and can be fitted by either an orthodontist or a dentist. In some cases, both may work together to provide the best results. An orthodontist will usually fit the braces, but a dentist may be more qualified in dealing with tooth decay, which may affect how long your braces will need to stay on. Dental insurance providers often cover orthodontic treatment, but not always for braces and you’ll want to check with them before committing. If you’re looking for braces near me and find that your dental insurance won’t cover them then there’s likely an orthodontist nearby who can help you.
Finding The Right Doctor (Orthodontist/Dentist)
An orthodontist and a dentist are both professionals who provide dental care. However, they each have different areas of expertise which makes one more qualified than the other to provide care. The orthodontist’s job is to diagnose, prevent, and treat malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). A dentist provides general dental care such as filling cavities and removing plaque.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before deciding on whether you need braces near me from a dentist or an orthodontist:
– What does your insurance cover?
– How much can you afford out-of-pocket?
– Does your insurance company offer discounts if you go with an in-network provider?
Cost & Insurance Concerns
The cost of braces can vary depending on the severity of your teeth alignment and age. The average cost of braces ranges from $5,000-$7,500. The orthodontist will be able to give you a more precise estimate based on your needs, but most often insurance does not cover the full cost of braces. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, make sure that you thoroughly research all your options before making any commitments. You may be able to find a dentist who offers an in-house payment plan that splits the total cost into monthly payments so you don’t have to spend everything at once.
Dentists typically offer this option if you have been with them for a long time and your dental care history has been spotless. But beware: if your teeth become crooked again after getting new braces, there’s no guarantee that they’ll help you out with another payment plan. For example, some dentists may require additional payments if their policy states One set of adjustments free per case. In general, it seems like there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to braces coverage; just know what’s expected of you upfront!