Now that you’ve decided to pursue orthodontic treatment, you’re on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. But first things first—you’ve got to find a qualified provider you trust with your smile! With so many orthodontists out there, you may not be sure where to begin. That’s where we come in! Here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, we want every patient to feel confident in their care from the first visit to the last. That starts with learning more about our team of experienced orthodontists! There are several factors to consider before trusting someone with your smile, so let’s take a closer look at what you should ask before choosing an orthodontist.
“What is your orthodontic background?”
You only get one smile, so it’s essential to find an orthodontist with the skills, experience, and knowledge to treat your specific needs. That begins with learning more about their orthodontic background! This is especially important now that some dentists offer certain types of orthodontic care alongside their regular services. Although they may advertise clear aligners or other smile solutions, these are generally not the main focus of their practice. An orthodontic practice like ours, on the other hand, has one primary focus: delivering the best orthodontic care possible by using the latest technology and the most innovative treatments!
This distinction matters. Why? To put it simply, an orthodontist is a dentist who has also undertaken several additional years of specialized training and education in:
- the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- a variety of case studies
- specific diagnostic skills
- biomechanical techniques to move the teeth in a healthy way
Orthodontic residency programs are very competitive and usually accept only the top students in any graduating dental school class. These programs last around 2-3 years and include full-time training focusing on the safe and effective correction of orthodontic issues. While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, most general dentists won’t possess the level of training and education that an orthodontist receives.
Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics has a team of five exceptional orthodontists to keep Central Florida smiling! Drs. Dietrich, Kelso, Anthony, Ellis and Dixon have dozens of years of combined experience treating every orthodontic need. Drs. Dietrich, Kelso, and Anthony are also board-certified, a credential only 33% of orthodontists obtain. When you trust your smile to our expert team, you can be sure your orthodontic care is in the most capable hands!
“What treatment options do you offer? Which do you recommend for me?”
Orthodontic offices vary in the treatments they choose to offer. All of our locations use the same state-of-the-art technology to give patients the most effective treatment with highly personalized results. We offer the following options for the best orthodontic experience possible.
Metal braces are one of the most popular treatment options and are available for patients of all ages. Today’s braces are much more comfortable than they used to be, and you can even customize them with fun-colored elastics! These orthodontic staples deliver excellent results and can be especially helpful in more severe or complicated cases.
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!
In-Ovation self-ligating braces
The In-Ovation system uses self-ligating brackets with spring-loaded doors, so there’s no need for ties and bands. They don’t require tightening, so they’re virtually painless, and your teeth can move freely without the added pressure of ties holding the archwires in place. This allows the system to work faster while also making it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy! In-Ovation comes in three styles that look great and are comfortable to wear:
In-Ovation R is smaller and has a lower profile than other self-ligating brackets. With no elastic or metal ties, you’ll experience less irritation, less plaque build-up, and less difficulty keeping your teeth clean.
In-Ovation C is a translucent ceramic bracket that offers fast and comfortable treatment in an attractive “clear” package.
In-Ovation L MTM offers a superb alternative to tray aligners for patients requiring movements of 6mm or less. L MTM self-ligating “quick clips” are completely invisible and work within a few short months to give you a perfectly balanced smile.
Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of removable trays to gradually shift teeth into the desired positions. These aligners are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because the aligners are removable, Invisalign gives patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Invisalign clear aligners are often just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed.
“How much will treatment cost? Does your practice accept insurance?”
At Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, the total cost of treatment is based on several factors, including how severe your case is, the estimated treatment time, and the orthodontic appliances required. We’re always transparent about what’s included in your treatment plan, so you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees!
During your consultation with us, our treatment coordinator will present you with the treatment total and outline the payment options available to you. This includes no-interest in-office financing if needed. We also offer CareCredit and Springstone financing options with a $0 down payment and low monthly payments to make treatment more affordable. They also tend to come with a lower interest rate than traditional loans. Some are even interest-free if you qualify! These choices help you achieve a beautiful smile without breaking the bank.
Our practice also accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork.
“How often will I have follow-up visits? How long will treatment take?”
Regularly scheduled follow-up visits are a part of every treatment plan. Depending on your specific needs, we’ll usually want to see you every 4-8 weeks or so.
During these appointments, one of our doctors will check that your teeth are moving in a healthy way and that everything is progressing as it should be. If you’re wearing braces, your orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments and replace the wire. They may choose to replace your elastics as well. These checkups are an essential part of your orthodontic journey, so you should always do your best to keep these appointments.
Because every smile is unique, the total treatment time will vary from case to case. In general, however, most patients will wear braces for 12-36 months and Invisalign clear aligners for 12-24 months. Since you’ll be seeing your orthodontist regularly during this time, it’s important to choose a doctor and practice you feel comfortable with!
Trust your smile to the experts at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics
And there you have it! Now you know the basic questions to ask in order to make the best decision for your orthodontic care. If you’re ready to put your best smile forward with our expert team, get in touch today and schedule your FREE consultation!