Choosing an orthodontist for you or your children is among the more significant decisions you may make. Addressing five basic considerations will help when asking yourself: "How can I find the best orthodontist near me?"
1. Character
When searching for an orthodontist for the first time, it's important to understand that you are looking to establish a long-term relationship. A typical treatment plan lasts up to two years or longer. If you have more than one child who will need orthodontic care, that affiliation will last even longer.
Identifying orthodontists with strong reputations for their expertise, manner and care is a good place to start. You can do this by searching for online reviews and ratings. Equally important is asking family and friends. If you ask several people and hear the same name in a positive way that's a good indication.
When searching for an orthodontist for the first time, it's important to understand that you are looking to establish a long-term relationship. A typical treatment plan lasts up to two years or longer. If you have more than one child who will need orthodontic care, that affiliation will last even longer.
Identifying orthodontists with strong reputations for their expertise, manner and care is a good place to start. You can do this by searching for online reviews and ratings. Equally important is asking family and friends. If you ask several people and hear the same name in a positive way that's a good indication.
2. Education
This includes not only where the orthodontists received their formal education, but the type of continuing training they get. Finding someone with many years of experience is a good sign of the quality of work that will be done.
This includes not only where the orthodontists received their formal education, but the type of continuing training they get. Finding someone with many years of experience is a good sign of the quality of work that will be done.
3. Experience
With advances in techniques, technology and products, it's equally important for an orthodontist to stay up to date with the latest knowledge and practices. Many do this by staying active in professional organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists.
4. Treatment Options
Orthodontists are able to offer a wide variety of treatment options due to the advances in technology. In addition to traditional metal braces, modern plans using several types of invisible braces are available.
Often, the orthodontal work is just part of the overall treatment plan. Before braces, some patients need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Additionally, for those who may have severe overbite or underbite issues, braces are used to get the teeth aligned before a jaw surgery is performed.
Orthodontists are able to offer a wide variety of treatment options due to the advances in technology. In addition to traditional metal braces, modern plans using several types of invisible braces are available.
Often, the orthodontal work is just part of the overall treatment plan. Before braces, some patients need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Additionally, for those who may have severe overbite or underbite issues, braces are used to get the teeth aligned before a jaw surgery is performed.
5. Finances
The expenses for orthodontic treatment can be costly. It's essential to investigate how the treatment will be financed. Insurance may or may not cover some of the costs. Some orthodontist offices offer financing, discounts or both.
The expenses for orthodontic treatment can be costly. It's essential to investigate how the treatment will be financed. Insurance may or may not cover some of the costs. Some orthodontist offices offer financing, discounts or both.
6. Office Culture
Scheduling office consultations should be one of the first things you do when searching for an orthodontist. This will help you determine if you are comfortable with the doctor and the staff. While you are there, you will be able to see how associates interact with patients, how the instruments are cared for and the overall cleanliness of the office.
Giving careful thought to these considerations will help you in making this extremely important decision.
Scheduling office consultations should be one of the first things you do when searching for an orthodontist. This will help you determine if you are comfortable with the doctor and the staff. While you are there, you will be able to see how associates interact with patients, how the instruments are cared for and the overall cleanliness of the office.
Giving careful thought to these considerations will help you in making this extremely important decision.
Comments