Why You Should Get An Orthodontist Second Opinion
Should I get an orthodontist second opinion? Seeking an expert like an orthodontist is a big moment. You and your new doctor must match. And, the opinion on treatment seems plausible and affordable. Your treatment may involve Invisalign or traditional style wire bracket braces. The result rests on the expert evaluation first set out and followed. That is why you should read on for information about why and how to get that important second opinion. Let’s get going…
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FACT:
As with any medical treatment plan, the doctor is key to success. The braces are a tool for the knowledge of the expert. Always get a second opinion even third and fourth expert evaluations. Ensure you take the following information on your adventure.
Is it Worth Getting a Second Opinion on Braces?
Always seek a second opinion for orthodontic treatment, as not all orthodontists use a similar technique for correcting alignment issues or malocclusions. Technological advances have extended orthodontic treatment options.
What Are Good Types of Treatment to Seek?
There are good types of treatment to ask an orthodontist. Depending on the issues presented, you may need traditional braces. Invisalign treatment may suit your malocclusions better. There are also teen versions of both of these types and lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth for extra secrecy if you wish.
These are all uniform in what they do, the difference is in the provider. An expert will choose the correct method and have a vision of the whole treatment.
When buying a service, you’ll look for the best for the price. When seeking to correct your smile, you need to balance this with skill and experience.
You should shop around. Take into account all the versions given by all the experts. The doctors will base your needs on their experience and knowledge but they will all do the same methods for the examination process.
- An oral health and teeth examination will take place.
- Your best treatment type will be diagnosed after X-rays and assessments.
- The type and cost of the treatment will be explained with images and computer models on screens.
FACT: Never pay for expert evaluations. Never pay until you have a solid knowledge of the expert evaluation and have agreed that is the best course for you or your child.
Why a Second Opinion Anyway?
Respected schools of medicine like Yale have studied and tracked patients in their quest to find an orthodontist. The study found 25% of patients received a second diagnosis, found a differing plan. The remaining received the same diagnosis. Three-quarters of people. A majority for sure.
The individual opinion of an expert will differ across the broad medical spectrum of orthodontists. The same skills are used by all. Skills learned in a long schooling journey. This vigorous training allows the doctor to envision the treatment journey and to know the result.
The differences are a lot too. You may find one expert puts more effort into one small faction when another places emphasis on another area. This will become apparent in the examination. Look for differences like:
- The technology used in the office
- Cost
- Treatment
- Types of Appliances
Is a second opinion for Invisalign Treatment Important?
Invisalign treatment is the go-to treatment for teens and younger patients. There are new and easier ways to check on the quality of the expert and the office team. Invisalign has a grading system open to all on the website. Look for the top players who have achieved Platinum and Diamond levels.
A Second Opinion Gives Other Insights
Price comparison is not the only thing that differs. Choosing orthodontic treatment is a juggle of cost, expertise, and comfort with the ortho. If you find a cheaper provider make sure where the cost savings are. Inexperience may mean the ortho or dentist is new to the type of treatment.
Or, it may mean the price is quoted without the all-important retainer cost factored in. Always ensure the retainer is costed in the agreement.
Replacements within the treatment, things like wires, rubber bands, and aligners may cost more. These costs will differ between experts.
FACT: Aftercare and emergency costs should also be considered
Do Orthodontists Get Annoyed When You Get a Second Opinion?
No. Orthodontic treatment is a business and a medical procedure. It is common to try to find the best course in this industry.
If you find an orthodontist angry at you seeing others, think again if he or she is right for you.
Find an Independent Orthodontist
Independent good orthodontists may cost a little more but you get personal treatment. This ability to concentrate on your needs in-depth is worth the extra cost. An independent ortho will be housed in the same office(s) and ready and knowledgeable about your treatment.
Other corporate offices may change the expert during treatment and will have many patients. The level of care is not as in-depth as with an independent orthodontist.
You may find better and more up-to-date equipment with an independent ortho too. Machines like iTero scanning are well sought after for Invisalign orthodontic patients
Disagreement Over Treatment Options
Ask questions that can help you understand what the ortho is thinking. Sometimes an orthodontics specialist can only use certain skills, so they will use these techniques if it isn’t another suitable option. The best orthodontist is versatile and can tailor a unique treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
Can Orthodontic Treatment go Wrong?
As with any medical procedure, orthodontic treatment can fail. The risk of this is negated by the experience and expertise of the expert orthodontist.
Can I Switch Orthodontist After Treatment?
It’s possible for a patient to switch their orthodontist after treatment. If you are unhappy with the service do see another doctor. Changing experts during treatments is not recommended. Only use this as a last resort.
Get an Expert Evaluation
Gluck Orthodontics is a trusted name in orthodontic care. Dr. Gluck is a board-certified orthodontic specialist (a distinction only one-quarter of all practicing orthodontists today can claim). He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Here at Gluck Orthodontics, we proudly provide our patients with the very latest in orthodontic care plus a little something extra from the friendly staff that we like to call ‘The Gluck Experience.’
To learn more about tongue thrust and oral health, schedule your initial orthodontic consultation, call us at 615-269-5903. Or visit us online or in person.
Why You Should Get An Orthodontist Second Opinion

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.
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