Choosing an orthodontic provider is about more than finding a convenient office or comparing the price of braces. Orthodontic treatment can take months or even years, so the orthodontist you choose can have a major influence on your overall experience, treatment plan, and long-term results.
Whether you’re a parent searching for care for your child, a teenager considering braces, or an adult exploring Invisalign®, it’s worth asking the right questions before getting started.
For families in Spring, TX, The Woodlands, and nearby communities, knowing what to look for can make the decision much easier.
At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, we believe patients should feel informed and comfortable before beginning treatment. Here are six questions to ask before choosing an orthodontist.
1. Are You a Trained Orthodontic Specialist?
This should be one of your first questions.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who receives additional education and training focused on moving teeth and aligning the jaws. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends considering an orthodontist’s specialty training when evaluating providers.
Don’t be afraid to ask about:
- Dental education
- Orthodontic specialty training
- Professional credentials
- Board certification
- Professional memberships
- Experience treating patients with concerns similar to yours
A provider’s education and experience can help you understand who will be responsible for planning and monitoring your treatment.
Why this matters
Orthodontic treatment isn’t simply about making teeth look straighter. Your bite, tooth position, jaw relationship, and overall oral health can all influence the treatment plan.
2. What Treatment Options Do I Have?
There isn’t one orthodontic solution that’s perfect for everyone.
Depending on your individual needs, options may include:
| Treatment Option | May Be Suitable For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Braces | Children, teens, adults | Reliable and versatile |
| Clear Braces | Teens and adults | Less noticeable appearance |
| Invisalign® | Many teens and adults | Removable and discreet |
| Invisalign® Teen | Eligible teenagers | Designed with teen needs in mind |
| Spark™ Aligners | Eligible patients | Clear aligner alternative |
| Other Orthodontic Appliances | Specific cases | Depends on diagnosis |
A good orthodontist should explain why a particular treatment is recommended instead of simply presenting you with one option.
The AAO notes that treatment selection should take into account your orthodontic needs, goals, lifestyle, and the provider’s clinical recommendation.
At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, patients can explore several treatment options, including different types of braces and clear aligners.
3. Will You Evaluate My Teeth AND My Bite?
This question is easy to overlook.
You might visit an orthodontic office because you’re unhappy with crooked front teeth. But there’s more to orthodontic treatment than what you see when you smile.
Your orthodontist should evaluate your teeth and bite to understand what’s happening beyond the visible appearance of your smile.
A comprehensive evaluation may involve:
- Examining tooth alignment
- Evaluating your bite
- Reviewing your jaw relationship
- Taking photographs
- Using digital scans
- Taking X-rays when appropriate
- Reviewing your dental and orthodontic history
The AAO emphasizes comprehensive diagnostic records as an important part of understanding a patient’s teeth, jaws, and bite before treatment.
The American Dental Association also explains that orthodontic treatment addresses malocclusion—problems involving tooth or jaw alignment—not simply cosmetic appearance.
4. Who Will Monitor My Treatment?
Don’t only ask who starts your treatment. Ask who will monitor your progress throughout treatment.
Orthodontic treatment involves gradual biological changes. Regular appointments allow your provider to evaluate progress and determine whether adjustments are needed.
Ask:
- How frequently will appointments be scheduled?
- Who will evaluate my progress?
- What happens if my treatment isn’t progressing as expected?
- How are orthodontic emergencies handled?
- Who should I contact if I have a problem between appointments?
The AAO specifically recommends asking about in-person appointments, supervision, emergencies, and communication before beginning orthodontic treatment.
This is particularly important for families who want a consistent relationship with their local orthodontic team.
5. What Will My Treatment Cost?
Don’t wait until after treatment begins to ask about finances.
Your total cost can depend on several factors, including:
- Type of treatment
- Complexity of your orthodontic needs
- Expected treatment duration
- Insurance coverage
- Financing arrangements
- Retainers and post-treatment care
Ask your orthodontist for a clear explanation of what your treatment fee includes.
You can also ask whether the quoted fee covers diagnostic records, regular appointments, adjustments, emergency visits, and retainers.
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t automatically the best option. You’re investing in professional diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring, and long-term care—not simply an orthodontic appliance.
6. Do I Feel Comfortable With the Doctor and Team?
This question may be the most important one—and it’s often ignored.
Orthodontic treatment can involve numerous appointments, questions, adjustments, and lifestyle changes. You should feel comfortable communicating with your provider.
During your consultation, ask yourself:
Did they listen to my concerns?
Did they explain my options clearly?
Did I understand why they recommended a particular treatment?
Did I feel rushed into making a decision?
Can I comfortably ask questions?
The AAO recommends considering the consultation experience, communication, treatment expectations, scheduling, and convenience when evaluating an orthodontic practice.
Why Choose Us?
For families searching for an orthodontist in Spring, TX, choosing a local practice can make ongoing treatment more convenient.
At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, Dr. Blake Sherrick provides personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. According to the practice’s professional biography, Dr. Sherrick earned his DDS from The University of Texas Health Science Center and completed advanced specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Roseman University of Health Sciences. He also earned an MBA and received recognition for clinical excellence and leadership.
The practice offers orthodontic services including braces, early orthodontic treatment, teen orthodontics, adult orthodontics, Invisalign®, Invisalign® Teen, Spark™ Aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic solutions.
Whether you’re bringing your child in for an early evaluation or considering orthodontic treatment for yourself, the goal should be to understand your options and feel confident about your treatment plan.
Trusted U.S. Resources for Orthodontic Information
When researching orthodontic treatment online, stick with reliable professional and government-backed resources.
Useful sources include:
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – orthodontic education and patient resources
- American Dental Association (ADA) – evidence-based oral health information
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) – oral and craniofacial health research and education
These resources can help you distinguish reliable information from online claims that may not apply to your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if I need to see an orthodontist?
Crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, bite problems, difficulty chewing, and certain jaw or tooth alignment concerns may be reasons to seek an orthodontic evaluation. A professional examination is the best way to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
2. Should I choose an orthodontist or a general dentist for braces?
Both dentists and orthodontists can play important roles in oral healthcare. However, orthodontists receive additional specialty training focused specifically on moving teeth and aligning jaws.
3. What should I bring to my first orthodontic consultation?
If available, bring relevant dental records, insurance information, a list of medications, and any questions you have about treatment. The office can tell you what additional information is needed.
4. Should I get a second orthodontic opinion?
It’s reasonable to seek another consultation if you want to compare treatment recommendations or simply feel more comfortable making your decision. The AAO notes that patients may choose to meet with more than one provider before beginning treatment.
5. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
There isn’t one universal price. Cost varies based on the treatment required, complexity, duration, insurance benefits, and the practice. Ask for a detailed explanation of the expected costs before beginning treatment.
Make Your Orthodontic Decision With Confidence
Choosing an orthodontist shouldn’t be a rushed decision. Ask about credentials, treatment options, diagnosis, monitoring, costs, and—perhaps most importantly—whether you feel comfortable with the doctor and team.
For families and individuals in Spring, TX, The Woodlands, and surrounding communities, Auburn Lakes Orthodontics is here to help you understand your options.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Auburn Lakes Orthodontics at +1 281-656-9102 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Blake Sherrick and learn more about your orthodontic treatment options.
Your smile deserves more than a quick decision. Ask the right questions first.