Are you worried about the appearance of your smile? Perhaps you’ve noticed a few crooked teeth or gaps you want to close. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one worried about the appearance of your teeth.
In fact, about half of the adults in America feel insecure about their smiles. Another 61% wish they could do something about their teeth.
With orthodontic work, you can! An experienced orthodontist can straighten your smile, helping you accomplish your goals.
Not sure how to choose between orthodontic practices in the area? Here are seven tips that can help. With these tips, you can find the best dental professional in town.
Start your search using these seven simple tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
First, talk to your friends, coworkers, and family members. Ask if any of them have requested dental work over the years. Talk to anyone you know with adult braces, too.
About 20% of people with braces today are adults. You might know someone who’s started Invisalign treatment, too. If you do, ask them about the practice they visit.
You can learn more about their experience by asking:
- Is the team professional and friendly?
- Were they knowledgeable?
- Were you satisfied with the results of your treatment?
- Would you recommend I choose a different practice?
- Did you experience any problems while you were there?
Gathering referrals from people you trust will help you find orthodontic practices you can trust, too.
If your network can’t help, that’s okay. Start searching online instead.
Once you have a list of practices in the area, you can use the rest of these tips to choose one.
2. Consider Training and Education
Before starting orthodontic treatment, it’s important to find a qualified professional you can trust. Learn more about each orthodontist’s education and training. You’ll want to make sure they have the right credentials to offer treatment.
Visit each practice’s website and check their “About Us” page. You can also visit each orthodontist’s Healthgrades.com professional. While you’re there, determine where they went to school.
Look for professionals who graduated from accredited institutions.
You might want to determine when they graduated as well.
Medicine and orthodontic work has changed a lot over the years. For example, braces aren’t as complex as they once were. Look for a professional who prioritizes continuing their education.
These orthodontists will remain up-to-date with new practices, procedures, and treatments. They’ll likely utilize newer techniques and technologies at their practices, too. Choosing more innovative treatment options could speed up your treatment timeline.
Someone who uses out-of-date techniques, however, might not offer the best services.
Make sure each orthodontist on your list is licensed. Otherwise, scratch them off.
3. Look for Years of Experience
Once you determine the professionals on your list are educated and trained, look at their experience. After all, many professionals learn by doing. Determine how long each orthodontist has practiced.
Consider how long they’ve owned their own orthodontic practice, too.
Try to find a long-established business. These businesses have worked out any operational issues over the years. Chances are, these teams know how to offer the best customer service for their patients, too.
An orthodontist with years of hands-on experience in the industry will leverage that experience. They help you develop a customized treatment plan. They’ll also know how to spot any issues you could develop over time.
An experienced professional will have an easier time answering any questions you have, too.
Someone who recently graduated, on the other hand, is more likely to make costly mistakes. You’ll have peace of mind choosing someone with years of hands-on experience.
4. Consider Your Dental Needs
As you visit each orthodontic practice’s website, make sure to check their Services page. Determine what type of dental work you’re interested in. For example, you might want to choose traditional metal braces.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more discreet treatment option that doesn’t involve metal wires and brackets. Consider finding a practice that offers Invisalign treatment instead. Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to accomplish your orthodontic goals.
Consider the types of braces and treatment options each practice offers. Make sure their services align with your dental needs.
5. Read Reviews
Take the time to learn from people who were once in your shoes. Reading reviews will help you learn more about each orthodontic practice. You can visit the practice’s Yelp, Google My Business, and BBB listings.
Read a handful of reviews on each site. What complaints do people have? Did someone at the practice respond to make it right?
You might find one or two small, negative comments. That’s normal.
If there’s an abundance of negative reviews, however, scratch that practice off your list. Choose a practice that’s earned the respect of locals over the years. You can feel more confident choosing a practice others trust.
Make sure the orthodontist doesn’t have a medical malpractice claim filed against them, too.
6. Look Nearby
As you continue researching the orthodontic practices on your list, take the time to pull up Google Maps.
Consider where each practice is located. You might prefer a location near your home, work, or school. Choose a practice that’s nearby.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Consider scheduling a consultation appointment with two or three of the options on your list. Before the appointment, look around. Make sure the practice is clean and organized.
Make sure the staff is friendly and inviting, too.
Then, talk to the orthodontist about your dental needs. What services would they recommend? How can they help you accomplish your goals?
Consider your comfort, too. Choose someone you can trust.
Before leaving, determine how much the dental work will cost. Determine if the practice falls within your insurance plan, too.
Then, compare your notes. Don’t choose the cheapest practice on your list. Instead, choose a practice you can trust with your orthodontic work.
Straighter Smiles: 7 Tips for Hiring the Best Orthodontist in Town
Finding the best orthodontist in town doesn’t have to feel like a hassle. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. Then, schedule an appointment to start your orthodontic work.
With help from an experienced orthodontic team, you’ll have a straight, stunning smile in no time.
Eager to get started? We can’t wait to see you.
Schedule your first free exam with our team today.