When shopping for braces, what should I ask?

There are many questions you should ask before purchasing an orthodontic treatment plan, such as the following:

• Ask about the orthodontist's training, credentials, board certification, and experience in practice

• Test your orthodontist's knowledge about dentistry by asking why treatment plans are different between people

• Ask about what tools and brackets the orthodontist prefers and why

• Ask why braces costs so much, and have him or her break down what the costs are for visits, pictures, X-rays and other diagnostic tools, equipment, staff, and so on. Ask about treatment plans and if you can pay in installments.

• Ask about sanitation and risk of infection. Ask if they have had any infections in their office.

• Ask if they reuse products.

• Ask if the orthodontist is involved in continuing education.

• Ask if the orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

I think the most important questions you can ask are these three:

1. What does the orthodontist propose? (Diagnosis, treatment plan, options, length of treatment, etc.,)
2. If the fee is more or less than another office, why? (Different treatment plans, more or less is included, etc.)
3. Who does your dentist trust to treat his family?