Many people seek orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons, like crooked teeth or an overbite or underbite. While orthodontic treatments like braces do fix these problems, they also contribute to your overall oral health. A proper bite can make it easier to eat and speak, while straight teeth are easier to clean.
Whether you or someone in your family needs braces, you’ll want to find an experienced orthodontist that can offer you the treatment you need. Orthodontic treatments tend to be lengthy, so you want someone who knows what they’re doing and is pleasant to work with. Some adults don’t want to have to deal with braces and would prefer an alternative treatment, like Invisalign. Before choosing an orthodontist, you should do your research to see what kind of treatments they offer. How can you find the best orthodontist in your area? Here are a few tips to help you find a great orthodontist.
1. Compare online reviews.
While there’s only so much you can learn from online reviews, it’s a good place to start to find out which orthodontists are the best in your area. Read through reviews to see what people say about an orthodontist’s professionalism, treatments, and prices. You can also compare how close each one is to your home. Make a list of a few top choices, and plan to visit them.
2. Ask for recommendations.
Do you know someone who’s recently had orthodontic treatment? You could ask your family and friends if they know of any good orthodontists in the area. You can also ask your dentist for recommendations. Of course, you should still visit a few different orthodontists’ offices before deciding on the right one for you.
3. Book a consultation – or a few.
Make an appointment for an initial consultation. You’ll get to see the orthodontist’s office, meet the orthodontist, and discuss your treatment options and how much they will cost. You should take the opportunity to ask any questions you need to. It’s probably best to consult with a few different orthodontists before starting treatment. You might find that they have different ideas of what kind of treatment you need, or that one is more reasonably priced. You’ll also want to look for an office that’s clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff. Once you’ve met a few orthodontists, it will be easier to choose the right one for you.
4. Make sure they’re a specialist.
While some dentists do orthodontic work, you want to choose an orthodontist that has received specialized training in their profession and has the proper education and certifications. A regular dentist hasn’t received specialized training and doesn’t have as much experience in orthodontics. All orthodontists should have taken a few years of specialized education after dental school. Ask each orthodontist that you consult if they’re a specialist and how long their specialty training was. This will give you an idea of their qualifications.
5. If you’re child is getting braces, make sure they have experience with kids.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist for your child, make sure you look for an orthodontist that specializes in pediatric orthodontics. Children have different orthodontic needs and issues. Also, you want to choose an orthodontist who makes your child feel comfortable. Observe how the orthodontist and other staff speak with your child and other children in the office. A warm, friendly atmosphere will make treatment easier for your child.
6. Ask about the cost and payment plans.
Orthodontic treatments are typically expensive, so you need to ask about how much the treatment will cost and what kind of payment plans are available. Some orthodontists might be more expensive than others, so it’s best to compare the prices in your area. If your insurance covers some orthodontic treatment, you should also look for an orthodontist that accepts your insurance. While the cheapest orthodontist may not be the best, it’s a good idea to do your research and compare orthodontists based on price as well as the other factors mentioned above.
Choosing a great orthodontist for your or your child’s treatment is a big decision, so it’s a good idea to carefully weigh your options. Search online for orthodontists near you, and compare what others say about them online. Ask for recommendations as well, and make a list of a few offices you’d like to visit. Book a few consultations and discuss your treatment options with each orthodontist you meet. Take the opportunity to observe the office and meet some of the staff. Research the orthodontist or ask them if they’re a specialist and have received education in the field. For your children, choose an orthodontist that works with kids often and has a friendly, soothing personality. Ask about the financial side, and make sure you can afford to pay for your treatments before starting. Follow these tips and you’ll find the best orthodontist for you.