If you’ve been thinking about orthodontics for yourself or a loved one, there’s never been a better time to get started! The first step in any smile journey is finding an orthodontist in your area, but you may not be sure where to begin. We’re here to help! The expert team here at Orthodontic Associates has put together a list of questions you’ll want to ask any potential provider before signing up for treatment. Let’s look at how this will ensure your chosen orthodontist has the education and experience to successfully meet your smile needs!
“What is your orthodontic background?”
You only get one smile—you don’t want to trust it to just anyone. Asking an orthodontist about their background is a great way to understand their education and training better. This is especially important now that many dentists offer orthodontic care alongside regular dental and cosmetic services. While dentists and orthodontists tend to be on the same path until dental school is complete, they go their separate ways upon graduating. An orthodontist like Dr. Miller will then go through several additional years of training and education, which focus on:
- studying the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- an introduction to numerous case studies
- developing specific diagnostic skills
- learning biomechanical techniques to move teeth safely and effectively
The residency programs that aspiring orthodontists must apply to are very competitive and generally accept only the top students in any graduating dental school class. These programs last about 2-3 years and include full-time training on diagnosing and correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. While there are exceptions to every rule, most dentists won’t possess this same level of orthodontic training and expertise.
For example, Dr. Miller completed specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the Georgia School of Orthodontics in 2020. But before that, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Maryland College Park and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Dr. Miller is also Invisalign and Incognito certified and works with 3D Predict aligner company as their Orthodontic Clinical expert.
Not only that, but Dr. Miller is a board-certified orthodontic specialist! This distinction is held by only about 3 out of every 10 orthodontists, so you can be sure you’re putting your smile in the most capable hands when you choose our practice.
“What treatments are available? How will I know which is best for me?”
Orthodontic Associates is proud to offer the latest techniques and technology to patients of all ages. These smile solutions are highly customizable, comfortable, and effective for the best results in the least amount of time possible.
Traditional metal braces are one of our most efficient treatments available, particularly for cases that are more severe or complicated. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much smaller and attractive than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear braces
Ceramic braces function the same way metal braces do but come with the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Both options blend well with your natural smile, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This makes them an especially attractive choice for our older teen and adult patients!
IncognitoTM lingual braces
Incognito™ lingual braces are similar to metal braces, but instead of the brackets being attached to the front surface of your teeth, they’re placed behind them. This offers patients a truly invisible orthodontic experience! Incognito™ braces are created using state-of-the-art robotic technology that bends wires so precisely that they become 100% customized, with each bracket made to conform to the shape of your teeth. With Incognito™, no one will even know you’re wearing braces unless you tell them.
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners to move your teeth into the desired positions. These aligners are made from a unique SmartTrack material that is strong and durable but still made to fit comfortably over your own teeth. Since the aligners are invisible and removable, there’s an extra measure of freedom during treatment that our patients love! There are no food restrictions, and oral hygiene is a lot easier, too, since there are no brackets and wires to navigate around.
“How much does treatment cost? Will you accept my insurance?”
When you schedule a consultation with our Bradenton, New Port Richey, or St. Petersburg office, we’ll break down everything included in your treatment plan so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the process! Every case is different, and the total fee will be based on several factors, such as the severity of your case, the expected treatment time, and the materials required. Our policy is to provide an exact fee quote at your consultation. This fee includes our entire orthodontic program, consisting of diagnostic records, treatment plan, orthodontic appliances, retainers, and follow-up visits.
We believe everyone should have access to the treatment they need for a confident smile. Our office will work with you to determine the best payment plan for your needs. We also offer a range of payment options for every budget! If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, we’re happy to help you with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork.
Find the smile you’ve always wanted at Orthodontic Associates
Now that you know which questions to ask in order to make the best decision for your orthodontic care, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Miller in one of our three Tampa-area offices. We only charge $25 for an evaluation by our board-certified orthodontic specialist, so get in touch today to schedule a free consultation. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier smile!