Changing your dental care provider while wearing braces is a common concern, and you can absolutely switch providers mid-treatment. This transition requires careful coordination and planning to ensure treatment continuity, preventing potential delays or complications in achieving your final smile. The process involves administrative, financial, and clinical steps that must be managed smoothly between your current and new practice.
The Difference Between Dentists and Orthodontists
The distinction between a general dentist and an orthodontist is important when seeking a new provider for your braces. A general dentist manages overall oral health, performing cleanings, fillings, and addressing issues like cavities. They complete a four-year dental school program, earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes the initial four-year dental degree and then continues education for an additional two to three years in an accredited residency program. This specialized, full-time training focuses exclusively on the movement of teeth, jaw alignment, and the guidance of facial development. Only a certified orthodontist possesses the expertise required for complex treatment like braces.
The Process of Switching Mid-Treatment
Finding a new provider experienced with transfer cases is the first logistical step in the transition. Not all orthodontic offices readily accept patients mid-treatment, so seeking a provider who specifically mentions this experience is helpful. Schedule an initial consultation with the prospective new orthodontist to discuss your current treatment progress and goals.
Once a new provider is selected, formally request the transfer of your complete orthodontic records from the original office. These records are essential for the new orthodontist to understand your case history, including diagnostic materials such as X-rays, scans of your teeth, and the full treatment plan with progress notes. Your current provider must cooperate in releasing these documents, though they may charge a reasonable administrative fee for copying and transferring the records.
Financial and Contractual Considerations
Addressing the financial contract with your original orthodontist is often the most complex part of the transfer. Your initial contract covers the full estimated cost of treatment, and you must settle your account for services already rendered. Most providers calculate a prorated refund based on the percentage of treatment completed up to the date of transfer.
If you are on a payment plan, the original provider determines the amount owed or the refund due, as this payment plan cannot be transferred to the new practice. You will then enter a new financial agreement with the receiving orthodontist. This agreement typically includes a fee for taking over the case and a new payment plan for the remaining treatment, compensating the new provider for case review and diagnostics.
You must also contact your dental insurance carrier to clarify how the switch impacts your orthodontic lifetime maximum benefit. If you have used a portion of coverage with the first provider, your remaining benefit applies to the new contract. Confirming the new orthodontist is in-network and ensuring the re-filing of claims is completed smoothly helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Clinical Continuity and Treatment Reassessment
The new orthodontist’s first clinical responsibility is to thoroughly review the transferred records and perform a comprehensive re-evaluation of your case. This often involves taking new diagnostic records, such as updated X-rays and scans, to accurately assess your current tooth movement and jaw relationship. This step establishes a baseline for their continuing care, as the new provider may use different materials or treatment mechanics than the previous office.
Based on this assessment, the new orthodontist will formulate a revised treatment plan to complete your case. They may propose slight modifications to the methodology or hardware, which is normal as each specialist has their own clinical approach. This reassessment might cause a temporary pause in active treatment or a slight extension of the overall timeline. The goal is to ensure the transition maintains the progress you have already made and leads to a successful final result.