Orthodontist advice

[Anonymous]

My oldest needs braces but I have a dilemma in terms of which orthodontist to choose.

We live in Bethesda and have been recommended a couple orthodontists in the area who other friends go to and are happy with.

Problem is that a friend of mine is an orthodontist downtown (in the district) and we always assumed we would take our kids to her - many in our friend circle will/do. Now that the time has come, I am concerned that it doesn’t make sense to choose an orthodontist who is further away (it will be at least 20 mins depending on afternoon traffic) plus parking is much harder. The other issue is that she has two offices and splits her time between DC and NOVA, which makes her availability in DC more limited for appointments.

Based on your experience with braces and the volume of appointments, would you pick the closer orthodontist or is it not a big deal to go to my friend?

[Anonymous]

Unless your friend is going to give you preferential appointment times and validate your parking, pick a closer one who comes recommended. You’ll have to go every 5 weeks for 2 years. It’s hard to get after school appointments and that’s when traffic is worse anyway.

[Anonymous]

Closer and one who has more availability. We had several times the braces popped off or the wire needed fixed and we’re seem pretty quickly and usually same day.

[Anonymous]

I totally did not appreciate how many “come by for a quick adjustment” appts there were— someone advised me that it’s fine to pick a pediatrician who is 20-30 mins away but for an orthodontist you should aim for closer and I was happy I did.

[Anonymous]

Closer and with good reviews.

[Anonymous]

Definitely closer. Unless your friend is doing this for free. That is the only way I would consider it. And even then, it might not be worth it.

[Anonymous]

9:29 here. I’ll also add, now that my daughter is older, I send her to appointments alone. She can walk their and home easily, which really helps.

[Anonymous]

Closer and easy parking. Do not go to a building downtown where you have to park in the basement and pay $20 and take an elevator. Just don’t.

[Anonymous]

Closer without a doubt. You have to go a million times. It’s such a time suck!

[Anonymous]

The is all, what should I say to my friend? Not sure she won’t be offended if I explain we needed closer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The is all, what should I say to my friend? Not sure she won’t be offended if I explain we needed closer.

Just tell her that logistics won’t work for your family. It’s true and your friend should certainly understand it. She knows how often a kid gets seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The is all, what should I say to my friend? Not sure she won’t be offended if I explain we needed closer.

I would just say if you lived in DC or Nova you would definitely use her but you heard there are lots of appointments and your kid would miss more school going downtown for every appointment or something.

[Anonymous]

closer closer closer.

in fact - can you find one your kid can walk to?

i am not joking.

orthodontist visits are SO frequent and your teen does not need you to go along.

find a closer orthodontist.

been there 3 times over.

[Anonymous]

If going for Invisalign the appointments are less frequent.

Perhaps your friend will be relieved that you don’t go to her (it’s a bit of pressure & awkward regarding discount).

[Anonymous]

Go to a Bethesda orthodontist for sure. You are going so frequently. I also don't think it makes sense to have this type of business relationship with your friend--what if you are unhappy with the results?