Do You Need a Second Opinion about Orthodontic Treatment?

An orthodontist’s treatment for you or your family member is something that will impact the rest of your lives. A smile isn’t something you want to put at risk, so choosing the right healthcare professional is important. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping around, or getting a second opinion, when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

The main reason most patients seek a second opinion is to increase the confidence in the treatment plan and the provider’s ability to successfully carry it out. If your treatment plan is straightforward and the orthodontist comes highly recommended to you by friends or your dentist, you may feel comfortable pursuing treatment without getting a second opinion. Remember to consider all aspects of the practice, such as the staff, environment, cost, appointment times, and emergency policies.

If you choose to obtain multiple opinions, you may be given several different treatment options. This can be confusing, but it just means that you need to do your research and decide which plan and which specialist you feel most confident in. Different orthodontists use different procedures or techniques to address the same issues, and that doesn’t mean that one way is absolutely wrong. You just need to determine which plan fits best with your goals and lifestyle.

If you are uncomfortable with the proposed treatment, ask lots of questions about the reason for it and why other options aren’t recommended. If you are still uncertain, be sure to get another opinion. Also make sure that a provider doesn’t push you toward treatment that you get the feeling is their “only” or “favorite” method. For example, if an orthodontist says that teeth “always” must be extracted as part of every patient’s treatment, that is a reason to get a second opinion.

You should never feel pressured by an orthodontist to begin treatment immediately or rush into anything. Your healthcare is always your decision, so consult orthodontists until you are happy and confident with the plan and the provider.

Schedule your appointment at our Burbank dental office