How Our NJ Orthodontist Offices Work
Choosing and visiting an orthodontist can be an overwhelming process. At Cuozzo Orthodontics in NJ, we want every patient and parent to feel comfortable, confident, and most of all, excited about starting the journey to straighter teeth. Our NJ orthodontist offices in Sea Girt and Lincroft are equipped with the latest technology in orthodontics, and our team is as friendly and approachable as we are knowledgeable and professional. Here’s the who’s who of everyone you’ll meet at Cuozzo, with answers to a few common questions and insight into how each office function helps your visits go quickly and smoothly.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist specializes, quite simply, in straightening teeth. Of course, there’s much more to it than that. Orthodontists also deal with jaw and bite issues that can lead to or contribute to the misalignment of teeth, helping patients find the right orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign®.
An orthodontist is different from a dentist and will attend several extra years of schooling past dental school, which are focused on the science of teeth straightening. The additional education includes a residency as an orthodontist-in-training and, upon completion of residency, a clinical and written exam to become a certified orthodontist. Read more about the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist.
What Is a Registered Dental Assistant?
Certified orthodontists aren’t the only clinical staff at Cuozzo. We also have registered dental assistants (RDAs) who have gone through schooling, in-field training, and both national and state board testing to become professionally licensed. Think of the orthodontist and RDA roles similarly to the combination of a dentist and hygienist that you get at a dentist’s office—but remember, orthodontic offices specialize specifically in correcting teeth misalignment, whereas dentist offices may have the capability to provide orthodontics but not necessarily a great deal of experience in doing so since most dental patients come in for routine cleaning and common oral care problems like cavities.
What Does a Registered Dental Assistant Do?
An RDA works chairside to assist a certified orthodontist with things like taking x-rays, preparing teeth for braces, fitting for orthodontic appliances, placing orthodontic archwires, taking impressions, answering questions regarding treatment, and much more. At Cuozzo, our RDAs help streamline our office operations by performing appointments as prescribed by the doctors. Some of our RDAs have additional roles that they perform when they are not on the clinic floor, like clinical inventory and ordering and designing hand-outs for patient education. Like orthodontists, RDAs have continuing education requirements that they must meet to maintain their licenses. Safe to say, RDAs have no trouble keeping busy! We’re thankful for all that they do.
What is a Dental Assistant?
A Dental Assistant (DA) differs from a Registered Dental Assistant, in that they have thorough training within the field, however, they are limited in the chair-side procedures that they can perform. DAs are essential members of the team because they assist the doctors and RDAs with chairside procedures, as well as communicating with patients and their families by providing post-procedural education. DAs are experts in instrument sterilization and office disinfection and are quick to help chairside with retrieving instruments and suctioning during some procedures. Dental Assistants also help take diagnostic records like photographs and digital impressions, and some DAs also hold x-ray licenses. DAs are essential members of our team!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
Aside from reputation, reviews and comfort, perhaps the most important aspect of choosing an orthodontist is confirming how your insurance can potentially reduce the cost of treatment. Our administrative team spends many hours a day answering patients’ questions about insurance and communicating with insurance providers to ensure accurate billing. You may be able to use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) for a portion of orthodontic treatment, or your employer may include orthodontics in your dental plan. Whatever the case may be, our front office staff is here to help navigate the ins and outs of orthodontic insurance coverage. They’ll also make it easy to know when your next appointment is so you can stay on schedule and keep the treatment on track.
How to Set up an Orthodontist Appointment
Scheduling an initial examination at Cuozzo is easy and completely un-scary. The first appointment is primarily a consultation, with painless photos and X-rays so we can see what’s going on with your or your child’s teeth and suggest the right type of treatment. Learn more about what to expect during the first visit. Still, feeling nervous? Meet the team at our NJ orthodontist offices, where you’ll be greeted by smiling faces and passionate professionals, with decades of experience and thousands of success stories. Take the first step and book a consultation today!
