Moving While You Have Braces: What to Do

Life comes at you fast sometimes, and you may end up finding yourself packing up and moving to a new town in the middle of your orthodontic treatment. While the process of moving itself can be quite stressful, it’s important to make sure you’re also prepared to continue orthodontic treatment as soon as your move is complete. By taking some simple steps, you can enjoy a smooth move while you are in orthodontic treatment.

Talk to Your Orthodontist About Your Move

You should let your orthodontist know you will be moving as soon as your plans are set in motion. This way, they will have ample time to take all the proper steps to make sure you can transfer to a new orthodontist without any issues.

Before your move, you should schedule one last checkup with your current orthodontist so they can create an updated progress report. This will involve your orthodontist creating a summary of your treatment so far and recommended next steps. They will also gather records like x-rays and 3D imaging for your next orthodontist to use.

Find a New Orthodontist

While this may seem like a bit of a given, some people can simply overlook this step as they deal with everything else involved in moving. If you know people where you will be moving, ask them for recommendations to get some initial good prospects. Browsing search results and taking a look at online reviews is also a great way to narrow down your list of orthodontist offices.

You can ask your current orthodontist if they know of good orthodontists where you will be moving. Many orthodontists study throughout the country and travel for conferences with the American Association of Orthodontics, so it’s not too much of a longshot for them to know an orthodontist they’d recommend.

Transfer Finances

This step can get lost in the chaos of moving, but it’s important not to skip it. If you already paid for your full treatment ahead of time, your orthodontist will need to refund you for the portion of treatment you aren’t going to complete at their office. If you are financing orthodontic treatment through your orthodontist office, you will need to cancel your payments and start financing with your new orthodontist.

Steps for After You Move

It’s possible you may get yourself relocated and still be searching for an orthodontist. Once you arrive in your new neighborhood, introduce yourself and get to know the people around you. In the process, you may find a good recommendation for a new orthodontist. Be sure to schedule your appointment right away to avoid delays in your treatment. 

If you’re moving to Palm Beach or Charleston, you can trust the team at The Smile Store to get you onboarded quickly and keep your treatment on track. Contact us today to get started!