Making the decision to seek out orthodontic treatment is not easy. There are many factors you have to consider before taking the leap. You’ll probably take into account the cost of a treatment since insurance companies don’t frequently cover the adult treatment. If that’s a roadblock, you should talk to an actual orthodontist before giving up. Many offer payment plans and discounts to cash payers. The necessity of the treatment is also something you’re likely to think about. Has your dentist suggested meeting with an orthodontist because overcrowding is leading to other issues? Or is this merely a cosmetic concern? Finally, you’ll need to consider the length of time you’ll have to treat and whether or not you’re comfortable with that. You should know, however, that orthodontics has come a long way, and there are even devices that can help speed up how long it takes to straighten your teeth.
After you’ve carefully considered everything and you decide that do in fact want to get treatment, the real work begins. Finding an orthodontist is extremely easy, you’ve got plenty of options. Finding the best orthodontist though is a bit more difficult. You’ll have to take your time and consider your options carefully, and in the end it should work out just fine. If you aren’t really sure where to start this search, we can help. In fact, the rest of this article is dedicated to providing some tips for finding the best orthodontist around.
Talk to Friends and Family – There’s nobody I trust more than my close friends and my family. I look to them for suggestions on just about everything. So talk to the people you know and see how they can help. Perhaps you didn’t even realize someone close to you was treating you with a discreet option like Invisalign or lingual braces. Chances are good that at least ONE person you know has had a great experience with a local orthodontist. See what you can dig up by asking around town.
Ask Your Dentist for a Recommendation – Who would know better about the local orthodontists than a local dentist? The orthodontic treatment goes best with the oversight of a dentist to make sure cavities and other problems don’t develop. If your dentist and orthodontist are working closely and communicating frequently, this is good for you. You’ll still want to maintain regular cleanings during treatment, too.
Check Out Their Services – You might have to call and ask for materials or you could just check their website for this information. Most quality orthodontists are going to be featured online, and they’ll have descriptions of all their services. Look for options, things that go beyond braces. Invisalign, Lingual Braces, Clear Braces, and accelerated treatment are all things I stay on the lookout for. The bottom line is, the more options available the more effective treatment can be.
Head to the Internet - You know what you can find with a quick google search, it’s actually quite amazing. In just a few seconds you have access to tons of reviews and other information. Read around the reviews for different, highly-rated orthodontists and see what you can find. Look for particular examples of great service. Remember to weigh the review score against the number of reviews. It’s easy for someone with 5 reviews to have a 5 overall score – and for all you know the reviews are fake. Trust someone who has a long history and a deeper pool of reviews.
Visit the Office – An orthodontist's office should be clean and clinical, but still remain inviting. You don’t want to treat someone that feels like the inside of a prison. Before signing on with an orthodontist, tour his or her office. Take note of all the equipment around, and interact with the staff as much as possible (but don’t get in their way!). If people are rude or unfriendly, that’s definitely a warning sign. The same can be said for outdated or shoddy-looking equipment.
Interview the Orthodontist- This is the best way to get a feel for someone, just go talk to them. Most orthodontists are more than happy to talk things over with and explain their method of treatment. This would be a great time to ask about education and experience and to figure out any additional services they might offer. All-in-all you want to make sure you get along with your doctor so that treatment goes smoothly.
Hopefully, these tips will set you on the right path to finding the best orthodontist. Good luck!