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Step 1
Check with your insurance provider for a list of orthodontic providers covered by your health insurance. Be aware that not all dental insurance provides orthodontic coverage.
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Step 2
Using that list, check with friends, family and online resources for a recommendation. You can also call your pediatrician or your child's dentist to see whom they most often work with.
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Step 3
Call the orthodontist's office and ask to visit. They may have you make an appointment to meet the orthodontist, or they may just offer to let you swing by to see the office.
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Step 4
Review the office space. Make sure the decor is child-friendly and the equipment is child-sized. See how they manage young children--a reward box, balloons and cartoon decor are all good indicators. Many orthodontic offices also show a movie, have video games and provide other distractions for older kids.
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Step 5
Ask what their plan is to help your child's teeth. Most up-to-date orthodontists prefer to intervene early to prevent any need for extractions and help build stronger root systems for your child's teeth. Typically, they'll have a stage 1 plan (from around 8 to around 11) and a plan for stage 2 (ages 12 and older).
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Step 6
Ask about costs. Since dental insurance doesn't always provide orthodontic coverage, you'll want an orthodontist who offers flexible payment options to maximize your ability pay for their work.
Comments
counselor40 said
on 7/22/2009 Also pick one that is close by. Frequent visits are sometimes necessary for children.