The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) estimates that 50% to 75% of people can benefit from orthodontic treatment
The popularity of braces is at an all-time high. A lot of that has to do with celebrities showing off their brand-new smiles. But having braces isn’t just a matter of vanity, it’s also crucial to having a healthy mouth.
To find the best orthodontist for your child, you need to know what to look for.
Keep reading to learn which qualities are the most important when selecting an orthodontist.
Table of Contents
Choose Someone Who Is Board-Certified
Choosing the best orthodontist for yourself or your child can be a daunting task. To find an orthodontist, you should make sure that they are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO).
They should have earned a certification in the specialty. Being board-certified ensures that the practitioner has completed certain educational requirements. It means that they passed an intensive examination.
Before choosing local orthodontic care providers, you should double-check whether they have a current license to practice. Board certification is the gold standard for orthodontists.
It should be non-negotiable when assessing who to trust with your or your child’s oral care. Doing all the necessary due diligence will help ensure that you make the best decision.
Read Online Reviews
Choosing the best orthodontist can be a daunting process. There are many factors to consider such as credentials, experience, and reputation. One way to easily narrow your search is to read online reviews.
Reviews can provide valuable insights about an orthodontist that you would otherwise not have access to. A thorough review search should include checking out the orthodontist’s website. Through these reviews, you can get a better understanding of:
what services are offered
how friendly the staff is
how professional the orthodontist is
You should also consider asking around in your local community as you may be able to get honest opinions from people who have undergone treatment with a particular orthodontist. Taking the time to research and read online reviews is one of the best ways to find the perfect dental services for you.
What Does the Office Look Like?
When it comes to choosing the best orthodontist for one’s needs, it is important to take a look at the office. First and foremost, the office should look clean, organized, and professional.
There should be a friendly, welcoming staff, and the atmosphere should make the patient feel comfortable. Technology should be up to date, with modern braces and the latest advancements in orthodontic dental care.
The office should also be spacious and organized. It should appear to have plenty of room for the patient to move around, so they don’t feel cramped or overcrowded.
It’s also important to choose an orthodontist whose office has toys and amenities that make the waiting room enjoyable and fun for children and adults alike.
Do They Offer Reasonable Payment Plans?
Choosing the best orthodontist for you and your family will require you to delve into the individual practice’s payment plans. Also, here are questions that you need to confirm before choosing an orthodontic dental care:
Are there discounts or reduced costs for things like military benefits?
Are payments easily processed?
It’s important to investigate the payment plans so that you get the best treatment while still staying within your budget. You should also inquire about any small extras that might be included in the plan such as:
wax
retainers
orthodontic appliances
Orthodontists with payment plans that are not only reasonable but also allow for the payment of extras are ideal. The right payment plan can be an important factor in trusting a particular orthodontist, so make sure to do proper research.
Are They Experienced With Children?
When looking to choose the best orthodontist to care for your child, you should ensure they are experienced with children. Experience is key in any profession. This is especially true when it comes to healthcare professionals.
An orthodontist who understands the dental and emotional needs of children will be much better equipped to give your child the best care possible. It is wise to ask about their experience with children and compare this to their experience with adults.
You should also inquire about the techniques they use and what type of treatments they specialize in. Ask about any additional certifications they have received, and make sure to read any reviews online.
How Convenient Is Their Office From Your Home?
Finding the best orthodontist in an area requires researching various orthodontists and their offices. Once you have narrowed down your search to a select few, it is important to consider how convenient a particular office’s location is from your home.
These are all facts that must be taken into consideration when you are selecting the best orthodontist for your family:
Is it close enough to allow for ease?
Is there a time-efficient trip to and from appointments?
Are there any travel inconveniences?
What public transportation options are available?
Additionally, you may want to check on the office hours and any Saturday or evening appointments that the orthodontist offers. Finding an office that is close by and offers hours that accommodate your needs is an important part of the decision-making process.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
When choosing the best orthodontist, one should consider what treatment options are available. Traditional braces are the most popular treatment option, as they can safely and comfortably realign teeth. Other treatments may include:
clear aligners
ceramic brackets
lingual braces
Clear aligners are a removable option that is nearly invisible when worn. Ceramic brackets are a more aesthetic option, as they blend in with the natural color of teeth.
Lingual braces are an advanced treatment that uses brackets and wires that are placed on the back of the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable to the eye.
Finding the Best Orthodontist for Your Dental Health
Choosing the best orthodontist is a big decision. Researching various orthodontists and their credentials will help ensure that a person’s individual needs are satisfied.
After narrowing down the search, take the time to become informed and comfortable with the orthodontist in order to ensure the best treatment possible.
Did you find this article helpful? You can check out our website for more awesome content like this.
