Switching your orthodontist during treatment can sound quite daunting. You’ve gotten to know your orthodontist and your orthodontic team. You’ve gotten in the routine of parking in (relatively) the same spot, and checking-in for your appointment is basically muscle memory at this point.
Now life is throwing a wrench in your groove, and you’re faced with the need to switch your orthodontist during treatment. Is it possible?
The answer is: yes, you can switch your orthodontist during treatment. Life happens! People move. Families relocate. Orthodontic transfers occur all the time.
How to Ensure a Smooth Transfer
Switching orthodontists mid-treatment can pose a minor challenge. Each orthodontist has a different technique for treating patients, so the approach your new orthodontist takes to your treatment may differ from the approach you’re familiar with.
Covering all of your bases, from informing your old orthodontist to preparing your new orthodontist, is critical to ensure a smooth transfer process during treatment.
- Inform your orthodontist: Let your orthodontist know as soon as you find out that you have to relocate to a new orthodontist. The sooner your orthodontist knows, the sooner he or she is able to prepare necessary information for your new orthodontist. If you paid-in-full for treatment, the financial coordinator may have to configure a plan to provide you with a refund. It’s important to allow your orthodontist enough time to prepare for your transfer.
- Use AAO resources: To make the transition easier, the AAO (American Academy of Orthodontists) offers a transfer form for patients in active treatment! This transfer form ensures that your previous orthodontist and new orthodontist are on the same page with the status of your treatment, including any appliances in use, financial information, records for transfer, and specifics of your current treatment plan.
- Conduct your own research: Be sure to research your new orthodontic practice to see the treatment options they offer. Do they provide the same types of braces or Invisalign® as your old orthodontist? The same appliances? Ask these questions at your initial consultation. And most importantly, does your new orthodontist accept transfer patients? If the practice doesn’t accept transfer patients, it’s time to find one that does!
Are you looking to transfer to a new orthodontist in Longwood or Lake Mary? We are proud to be your family orthodontist near Orlando, FL. We will help you throughout the entire process to enable a smooth transfer.
Dr. Wiewiora, Dr. Dunn and our orthodontic team strive to keep our patients as informed and comfortable as possible throughout the treatment process. If you’re ready to schedule your free orthodontic exam with us, we can’t wait to meet you!
