An orthodontist diagnoses overbites, occlusions, misaligned teeth and jaws, and overcrowded mouths. After the diagnosis, the orthodontist tries to solve any issues they discover by using treatments like dental braces.
Ask for Recommendations
Selecting an orthodontist for you or your child’s dental needs may seem like an intimidating task if you’ve never done it before, so a good idea is to ask for a recommendation from someone who has… They’ll probably be more than happy to share their first-hand experience. Your general dentist is also a great resource to get a recommendation.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve made up a list of a few orthodontists, take your time to do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or speciality training they’ve had. Before you set up a consultation with an orthodontist, make sure they are licensed to practice dentistry under the law. This ensures that they remain up-to-date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.
Get a Consultation From More Than One Company
Orthodontists have different treatment styles, so getting a consultation from more than one office is a great idea. Some may offer specific orthodontic treatment options that others may not. Consider factors like the length of recommended treatment time and the cost of that treatment. It’s also important you feel comfortable with your orthodontist. Do you feel like they’re really paying attention to your concerns? Is the staff friendly and helpful? By visiting more than one office, you’re more likely to find an orthodontist who can meet your individual needs while staying within your budget.
When you do go for a consultation, you’ll want to ask questions such as:
- What is your orthodontic experience like?
- What treatment options are available?
- How long will treatment take?
- What’s the cost of treatment?
- Do you accept dental insurance?
Read Reviews & Visit Websites
When learning about orthodontist specialists in your area, the first things you’ll want to review are patient testimonials. A good orthodontist will have testimonials on his/her website. You’ll also likely find patient reviews on websites such as Yelp and Google Reviews. By reading through reviews, you’ll get a good idea of what each orthodontist is like, along with what patients liked and disliked about the services they received.
You’ll also want to browse each local orthodontist’s website. Online, you’ll likely find office pictures along with information about the services that the orthodontist provides. Pay close attention to this information, as it will be quite useful when narrowing down your options.