Choosing the right orthodontist for you and your family is crucial since you can’t simply trust anyone with your smile. Working on your dental health and a perfect smile tend to take some time, so finding a doctor who you trust and feel comfortable around is the very first step.
The process of looking for the right orthodontist might seem to be too hard for someone who has never been through it, so the best thing to do is to ask for a recommendation. Ask your family member, a best friend, or the safest and the best option; ask your general dentist.
Read until the end to find out what things you should take into consideration when choosing an orthodontist or any other doctor, in fact.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Orthodontist
The first thing you must consider is education and experience. Once you acquire a list of a few recommended orthodontists, do a little research and find out about their educational background and what specialty training they’ve had.
Also, make sure you check the entire team’s qualifications that will work with you so you can be sure they will take good care of you no matter what.
Check out if the orthodontist you want to visit for consultation is a licensed member of the American Association of Orthodontists. This is a clear sign that they are up-to-date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.
A great orthodontist will always stand behind their work, and they will grant that by backing up their work with a guarantee. Orthodontists should offer a solid guarantee so you can be sure that you come first no matter what. Your satisfaction and health should always be their priority!
The next thing is to always get a second opinion from another orthodontist. Not all orthodontists work the same; some will recommend different treatment styles, which might be a better solution for you, so getting a consultation from more than one dentist is a must.
Always compare the length of recommended treatment time with that treatment’s cost and see what suits you more. Also, if you do not feel comfortable around a certain orthodontist or his staff members, you should visit more dental clinics until you find the one who will meet your needs.
Does the current dental clinic have a 3-D scanner? This scanner uses modern technology to make electronic models of the teeth instead of taking traditional molds. This scanner is very useful when working with Invisalign.
If you consider Invisalign, you must know how much experience your doctor has working with this orthodontic treatment. Does he have 20 Invisalign cases per year or 100 and more? Make sure your doctor is well experienced with Invisalign before making a decision.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The point of consultation is to ask questions about certain procedures and discuss what you want to achieve with specific orthodontic treatment. That is why you are there.
You must understand what type of orthodontic issues you have and the most effective ways to treat them so you will be able to make the best possible decision. The more informed you are, the better.
Ask and find out:
- Who will be overseeing your treatment – the orthodontist or assistants?
- Is the clinic close to your home?
- Do the dental clinics you are considering offer extended office hours so you can make an appointment before or after work or school?
- Do they provide emergency appointments?
- With what types of insurance they work?
- Do they offer affordable payment options?
Wrap Up
Never choose a general dentist or orthodontist for orthodontic treatments.
Choosing an orthodontic specialist is a decision that will make a significant difference in your smile. Orthodontic treatment is a big investment that will enhance your dental health, the function of your teeth, as well as your confidence.
So why risk and choose anyone than a specialist?
