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Consumer Alert: Considering At-Home Treatment?

more than smiles

Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
May 18, 2020

 

Questions to Consider When Researching Direct-To-Consumer Orthodontic Companies

Some online orthodontic companies make their treatment sound so easy. Perhaps you take a selfie and/or an impression of your teeth or get your teeth scanned. Next, you receive aligners in the mail and after so many months – straight teeth! Right? What else is there to think about?

The Sherman & Balhoff Prairieville Office.

 

The Sherman & Balhoff Prairieville Office.

Before you decide to proceed with a direct-to-consumer orthodontic company, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) believes there are a number of factors and questions you may want to consider. For example, in some instances direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies do not involve the in-person evaluation and/or in-person supervision of your orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist. An in-person evaluation and in-person supervision throughout treatment can be very important, because there is more to creating a healthy, beautiful smile than moving the visible portions of your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material, which if not done correctly could lead to potentially irreversible and expensive damage such as tooth and gum loss, changed bites, and other issues. For an example of a consumer who claims to have had an issue with her orthodontic treatment, click here to view a news story. 

Consider this question: What other transforming medical treatment would you undergo without an in-person, pre-treatment evaluation or ongoing in-person supervision from a medical professional.


FREE Consultation From Sherman & Balhoff

Ask Questions, Get Answers

If you are researching orthodontic treatment, here are a few questions you may want to consider:

  1. As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?

    • YES

      • Does the treatment and fee include x-rays of your teeth and jaws?

      • Does the treatment and fee include a clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and the relationship of your teeth to the skeletal structures?

      • Does the treatment and fee include taking photographs of your face, facial profile, mouth, and teeth?

      • Does the treatment and fee include taking digital scans or other impressions of your teeth?

    • NO – are you comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records? If you still want comprehensive diagnostic records taken, are you all right going to another dental professional to take them? If yes, what will that cost?

  2. As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office during your treatment?

    • YES

      • How many?

      • What occurs during these in-person visits?

      • Is there a licensed dentist or orthodontist in the office to supervise the visits?

    • NO – are you comfortable with orthodontic treatment that does not involve any in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist?

  3. If a dentist or orthodontist is involved with your treatment, do you know the name of the dentist or orthodontist who will be specifically involved with your case (for example, is it available on the company’s website or elsewhere)?

    • YES

      • What are his or her education and credentials?

      • In what state is he or she licensed?

      • In what state does he or she practice?

      • What do other patients being treated by him or her have to say?

    • NO – are you comfortable not being able to research your dentist’s or orthodontist’s background, credentials, patient reviews, etc. before you begin treatment?

  4. Is only one treatment type offered (such as invisible aligners or a certain appliance)?

    • YES – how do you know that is the best treatment option for you, given your unique situation and oral condition, compared to other treatment models (such as braces)?

    • NO – how is the decision being made for the best treatment model for you, and who is making that decision?

  5. How do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?

    • Who is making that decision and how is it being determined?

    • If the decision maker is a dentist or orthodontist not associated with your treatment, who pays for that assessment?

  6. What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?

  7. Who can you speak with at the online orthodontic company about your orthodontic treatment?

    • What is his or her education, background, qualifications and/or experience with orthodontics?

  8. Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment?

    • Is it you?

    • If it is a doctor not associated with your treatment, who pays for those check-ups?

  9. If an issue arises during your treatment, how will it be handled and who will be responsible for handling it?

  10. If a doctor is involved with your orthodontic treatment, how can you contact him or her over the course of your treatment? How can you contact him or her if an emergency arises?

  11. If an emergency arises, does the company have a dentist or orthodontist in your area that you can see in-person? If not, who would cover the costs associated with seeing a dentist or orthodontist in your area?

  12. If you are injured or have another dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, how is it handled (litigation, arbitration, etc.)? State dental boards have their own complaint processes for patients who have had issues with orthodontic treatment. Contact information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.

  13. If you are injured or have a dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, what rights do you have against the person or company involved with your orthodontic treatment?

    • Are you asked to sign any forms that seek to release them from liability?

  14. Does the treatment model comply with the dental laws in your state?

    • To check your state’s dental laws, click https://www.aaoinfo.org/state-laws-and-regulations

    • Information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.

Your Health Care Decisions Are Very Important Personal Decisions.

We are Louisiana’s #1 Provider of Invisalign

 

We are Louisiana’s #1 Provider of Invisalign

The AAO is a professional association of orthodontists dedicated to, among other things, “improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, the importance of overall oral healthcare, and advocating for the public interest.” Your health and well-being are extremely important.

Remember that orthodontic treatment is not a product or device – orthodontic treatment is a professional, medical service. When your care is personally supervised by an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you are assured that your orthodontist spent years in a post-doctoral residency program focused on providing orthodontic treatment to patients.

Before making any decision about orthodontic treatment, consider doing some research and having a consultation with our office.


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patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Jessica W.
I have had braces done by Dr. Sherman and it was the best experience ever. Dr. Sherman and his staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. You will NOT be disappointed in your results if you choose to have your braces done here. Several of my friends have gone here based on my referral and have also been pleased with their outcome. Now with several locations it makes making appointment a lot easier to fit around a busy family schedule. They have the friendliest office staff, especially Ashley Mannino. She is so friendly and is always wearing a smile!
Thank you Dr. Sherman and Staff!
Rachelle C.
Sherman & Balhoff have a great practice and an exceptional team working for them!! I had the pleasure of working with Poppy to start orthodontic treatment for my son and myself. Poppy is extremely knowledgeable, professional and friendly and made the entire process so enjoyable. I was greeted by Sydney at my first appointment who went above and beyond to make sure I felt like family. I started my treatment the same day as my consultation appointment and can’t wait to see the final results! 😁
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Poppy and Sydney. Our team is dedicated to making every visit enjoyable. We look forward to seeing your smile transform!
Valenssia B.
I was a bit nervous to get adult braces, and the team helped by making me feel very comfortable. Customer service and professionalism has been exceptional. Looking forward to the rest of my journey.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team made you feel comfortable during your journey with adult braces. We look forward to supporting you every step of the way!
Chuck S.
Drs. Sherman and Balhoff straightened my kids' teeth, and now I'm getting Invisalign for my teeth that are once again on the move. Dr. Kiebach's work only lasted so long. Definitely recommend to anyone considering braces or Invisalign. They are very friendly and have a welcoming office.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Chuck! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids are enjoying your orthodontic journey with us. Your recommendation means a lot, and we look forward to seeing you again!
Jennifer T.
We love all the doctors and staff here. Experienced and friendly staff. They are always accommodating also.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jennifer! We appreciate your kind words about our experienced and friendly team. It's our pleasure to accommodate your needs and help you achieve your smile goals. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Kaitlyn M.
After my 13 year old retainer snapped in half, I needed a quick solution. However, my original orthodontist retired which caused a huge problem. Who was going to fix it? I called around my hometown… no one would take outside patients. My sweet dentist did his best to glue the retainer back on temporarily, but considering this wasn’t his specialty, he failed to do it properly. My wire was now one wrong move away from slicing my lip open. As a last resort, I called Sherman and Balhoff panicking that no one would fix my retainer, and explained it was causing me pain. They booked me for the next day. Not even 24 hrs after giving them the call, my retainer was fixed. Shoutout to Roxanne who fixed it perfectly and made sure my bite wasn’t off and nothing was sticking me. This team is truly amazing. I would’ve still been panicking had it not been for them. 10/10 all around!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kaitlyn! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to quickly resolve your retainer issue. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your kind words!
darrione C.
I brought my daughter here for a consult for braces; he definitely earned our trust as a patient. He’s trustworthy, caring, and a man of God. He shows so much compassion, even for my son, who wasn’t there to see him. I am very pleased and definitely recommend this orthodontist.May God continue to bless your business! Dr.Balhoff thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your daughter felt comfortable and cared for during your visit. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Heather E.
Ashley Mannino has been a huge help to our family throughout the years!!! Blessed to have her!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Heather! We're thrilled to hear that Ashley has made such a positive impact on your family. Your support means a lot to us!
Kaitlyn S.
My son just got his braces at the Prairieville location. Very friendly staff, Rachel did a great job explaining the financial aspects of the treatment. Roxanne and Dr. Sherman did a great job at making him feel comfortable while getting his braces put on. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kaitlyn! We're thrilled to hear that your son felt comfortable during his treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent care and support. We appreciate your trust in us!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!
Spunky E.
I only been in for first appointment and so far it has been great. The facility is great and the staff is all fantastic!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!

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You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Prairieville

Central

Baton Rouge

Addis

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

Addis

Addis

Prairieville

Prairieville

Central

Central
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Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

  • (225) 769-1276

Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
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