What Questions to Ask During Orthodontic Consultations in Frisco, TX
When considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the consultation phase is an essential step. It’s your opportunity to ask questions, learn about the practice, and ensure you’re making an informed decision. At Elate Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to have clarity and confidence before starting treatment. Here’s a guide to what questions you should ask during orthodontic consultations, evaluations, and checkups in Frisco, TX.
Key Questions to Ask During an Orthodontic Consultation
1. What Treatment Options Are Available?
Ask about the types of treatments offered, including traditional braces, clear braces, and aligners like Invisalign or Angel Aligners. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle. For a deeper dive into this topic, explore our Braces vs. Invisalign guide for teens in Frisco, TX.
2. What Are the Expected Costs?
Cost transparency is crucial. Discuss the total cost of treatment, insurance coverage, and payment plans. Ask whether the office is in-network with your insurance provider, as being out-of-network can mean losing out on significant in-network discounts. At Elate Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer affordable financing options and in-house plans that make orthodontics accessible for every family in Frisco.
3. How Long Will Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the doctor’s skills and the technology they use. An office’s busyness might indicate success, but it could also mean they struggle to complete cases on time. Our advanced technology and expertise allow many of our treatments to finish sooner than expected, giving you or your child a confident smile quickly.
4. Who Owns This Practice?
Ownership of the practice is a critical question. Many orthodontic offices in Frisco and nearby areas are owned by private equity (PE) firms or large corporations, not the doctors themselves. While corporate ownership isn’t inherently bad, it often signals that the doctors are transitioning out of the practice, which may result in less consistency, higher staff turnover, and unexpected changes.
Take the example of Benham Orthodontics, a once locally trusted practice that closed overnight under corporate ownership, leaving patients without updates for weeks. At Elate Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a family-owned practice. Dr. Kevin Baharvand and Dr. Julia Kang personally oversee every location, ensuring a consistent, personalized experience.
5. What Are the Doctor’s Credentials and Experience?
Inquire about the orthodontist’s qualifications, certifications, and experience. Dr. Baharvand and Dr. Kang bring exceptional expertise and a passion for patient care to Frisco, making them leaders in the field.
6. What Technology Does the Practice Use?
Modern technology can enhance the effectiveness and comfort of orthodontic treatments. Elate Orthodontics uses the latest advancements, from digital scanning to advanced braces systems, ensuring the highest quality care.
Questions to Ask During Orthodontic Evaluations and Checkups
7. How Is Progress Monitored?
Regular checkups are essential to track progress and make adjustments. Ask how frequently you’ll need to visit and what each appointment entails.
8. What Happens If Issues Arise?
It’s important to know how the practice handles unexpected problems, like broken brackets or discomfort with aligners. At Elate Orthodontics, our friendly team is always available to provide quick and effective solutions.
9. What Is the Office Environment Like?
A welcoming environment can make all the difference. Visit the office, meet the staff, and see if it feels like the right fit. Our Frisco location reflects our family-oriented approach, with minimal wait times and a supportive atmosphere.
10. How Are Retainers Handled After Treatment?
Retainers are a vital part of maintaining your smile after braces or aligners. Ask about retainer options, care instructions, and costs. At Elate Orthodontics, we offer a Retainer Assurance Program to ensure your smile stays perfect for years to come. Learn more about this step in our guide on Vivera Retainers in Frisco, TX.
Comparing Family-Owned Practices vs. PE-Owned Practices
Here’s a comparison highlighting why choosing Elate Orthodontics, a family-owned practice, offers unique advantages:
| Feature | Elate Orthodontics (Family-Owned) | PE-Owned or Large Corporate Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership & Stability | Owned and operated by Dr. Kevin Baharvand and Dr. Julia Kang, ensuring long-term stability. | Often part of a short-term exit strategy; ownership and leadership can change frequently. |
| Doctor Presence | Doctors are actively involved in daily operations and patient care. | Doctors may reduce their involvement after selling to PE firms or corporations. |
| Personalized Care | Patients are treated like family, with individualized attention and customized treatment plans. | Often focused on volume, leading to a less personalized experience. |
| Staff Turnover | Low turnover with a consistent, experienced team dedicated to patient satisfaction. | Higher staff turnover due to corporate policies and profit-driven management. |
| Community Connection | Actively engaged with local schools, charities, and events in Frisco, The Colony, and Prosper. | Limited local engagement, as decisions are often made at a corporate level. |
| Treatment Flexibility | Offers flexible financing options, Medicaid programs, and in-network insurance coverage. | Financing and treatment plans may be standardized, with limited flexibility. |
| Technology & Innovation | Utilizes the latest technology to ensure efficient and high-quality treatments. | Technology updates may be slower, depending on corporate budgeting. |
| Patient Relationships | Builds long-term relationships, knowing patients and their families by name. | Relationships may be less personal due to high patient volumes and rotating staff. |
| Adaptability | Decisions are made quickly and locally to meet patient needs. | Decisions are often delayed due to corporate hierarchy and approval processes. |
| Reputation | A trusted, family-oriented practice with a focus on community and quality. | Reputation may vary, and closures like the example of Benham Orthodontics can occur. |
Why Choose a Family-Owned Practice?
At Elate Orthodontics, we treat patients like family because we are a family. Unlike corporate-owned practices, our mission prioritizes long-term patient relationships, not profits. With three convenient locations in Frisco, The Colony, and Prosper, we’re deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Benefits of Choosing Elate Orthodontics:
- Personalized Care: Dr. Baharvand and Dr. Kang know their patients by name, ensuring a tailored experience.
- Community Engagement: We actively participate in local events, schools, and charities.
- Consistency: Being family-owned means lower staff turnover and a stable, caring environment.
- Flexible Financing: We’re in-network with most insurance plans and offer Medicaid programs and in-house financing to make orthodontics affordable.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey Today
Choosing the right orthodontist is about more than just treatment options; it’s about trust, transparency, and quality care. We invite you to schedule a consultation at our Frisco office to experience the Elate difference.
For more information on treatments, financing, and our unique approach, explore these helpful resources:
Your smile deserves the best care in Frisco—let Elate Orthodontics be part of your journey to a brighter, healthier smile.