How to Choose a Family Orthodontist: Everything You Need to Know

One study found that 77% of women believe it’s better to have a receding hairline than a crooked smile. Also, 78% of Americans think that having bad teeth contributes to being unsuccessful in business professions.

If you or your child have concerns about the appearance of your teeth, you’re probably considering visiting a family orthodontist. Finding the best orthodontist in your area will help you avoid the negative self-esteem issues of crooked teeth.

But how do you choose a family orthodontist with so many options out there? Our post will tell you everything you need to know about choosing a family orthodontist.

So, read on to ensure you find the best professional in the orthodontic field to take care of your smile.

Orthodontic Care Experience

Experience in orthodontic care is one of the most important factors when choosing an orthodontist. You want to find a licensed family orthodontist who has plenty of experience in the field.

An experienced orthodontist will have treated a wide variety of orthodontic cases. They’ll know how to handle any complications that may come up. The orthodontist will understand the best treatment methods for your case.

If you’re considering a particular orthodontist, ask about their experience in the field. Find out how many years they’ve been practicing and what kinds of cases they usually see.

It’s also vital to ask whether they have experience in the particular orthodontic treatment you’re interested in.

Orthodontists have plenty of before-and-after photos of their previous patients. These photos can give you a good idea of the orthodontist’s experience in teeth straightening. They’ll help you understand the results you can expect from treatment.

Credentials

All orthodontists must have a degree from an accredited dental school and a license to practice orthodontics. Many orthodontists choose to pursue further training by completing a residency program.

During their residency, orthodontists receive training in various aspects of orthodontics. This extra training can give orthodontists the skills and knowledge to provide better patient care.

You can ask about their credentials. Most orthodontists list their credentials on their websites. Look for orthodontists who are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

The membership shows that the orthodontist is keeping up with the latest orthodontic care advancements. The best professionals will have a seal of orthodontic excellence from the AAO on their website or office.

You should only work with a licensed family orthodontist. You can contact your state’s dental board to find out if an orthodontist is licensed to practice in your state.

Treatment Options

Orthodontists use a variety of different treatment methods to straighten teeth. The best orthodontists will offer a variety of treatment options to their patients. This way, you can choose the orthodontic treatment that’s right for your individual needs.

Some of the most popular orthodontic treatments include:

Traditional braces
Invisalign
Clear braces
Lingual braces
Palatal expanders

When considering an orthodontist, ask about the different treatment options they offer. Find out if they provide the orthodontic treatment you’re interested in.

You should also ask about the orthodontist’s experience with different treatment methods. For example, if you want braces for your kid, make sure the orthodontist has plenty of experience with kid braces.

The best family orthodontist will also use the latest technology and appliances to straighten teeth. The latest orthodontic technology can make orthodontic treatment more effective and efficient.

Examples include digital imaging, 3D printing, and self-ligating braces. You should also ensure that the orthodontist understands how to use these technologies.

Office and Work Hours

The orthodontist’s office can tell you a lot about the quality of care you can expect to receive. When considering an orthodontist, take a look at their office.

Is the office clean and organized? Do the staff members seem friendly and professional? These aspects show that you’ll receive high-quality care at the orthodontist’s office.

You should also consider the orthodontist’s office hours. Find out what days and times the orthodontist is available to see patients.

Make sure their office hours fit your schedule. Suppose you have a busy work schedule. You may want to find an orthodontist who offers early morning or evening appointments.

Location

Another important consideration is the orthodontist’s location. You’ll need to visit the orthodontist’s office for regular appointments. So, you’ll want to choose a family orthodontist who’s located near your home or office.

Take some time to research orthodontists in your area. After finding a few orthodontists you’re interested in, check out their websites. Many orthodontists list their addresses and office hours on their websites.

You can also use Google Maps to get directions to the orthodontist’s office. This can help you determine how long it will take to get to the orthodontist’s office for your appointments.

If you have a child receiving orthodontic treatment, you may want to find an orthodontist located near their school or daycare. This way, you can drop them off at their orthodontist appointment on your way to work.

Read Online Reviews

In today’s digital era, you can learn a lot about an orthodontist by reading online reviews. Orthodontic patients often leave reviews of their experiences on orthodontist websites. You can also find reviews on Google and social media sites.

When reading orthodontist reviews, pay attention to both positive and negative reviews. Negative reviews can be just as helpful as positive reviews. They can help you learn about an orthodontist’s strengths and weaknesses.

You should also pay attention to the orthodontists who have a lot of reviews. These professionals are usually more popular, which means that their patients are more likely to trust them.

You can also check the orthodontist’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is an excellent resource for finding out if an orthodontist is reputable. The website will tell you if the orthodontist has had any complaints filed against them.

Orthodontic Treatment Cost

Orthodontic treatment can be costly. The orthodontist’s fees will depend on the type of orthodontic treatment you’re receiving and the length of your treatment.

You may be able to get orthodontic insurance through your employer. If you have orthodontic insurance, find out which orthodontists in your area accept your insurance.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to pay for orthodontic treatment out of pocket. It would be best to compare the orthodontist’s fees before choosing an orthodontist. Request free quotes from orthodontists in your area to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

You should also find out if the orthodontist offers payment plans. Many orthodontists understand that orthodontic treatment can be expensive. So, they provide financing options to help make orthodontic treatment more affordable.

Ask for Referrals

The options for orthodontists in your area will be endless. That’s why you should use referrals to narrow down the list. If you know someone who has recently gone through orthodontic treatment, ask for a referral.

Your family and friends can give you first-hand information about their orthodontic experiences. They can tell you about the orthodontist’s bedside manner, treatment options, and office hours.

You can ask your family dentist for a referral. Family dentists usually have a good relationship with orthodontists in the area. They can help you find an orthodontist who meets your specific needs.

You can also ask the orthodontist you’re considering to give you the contacts of some of their previous patients. This way, you can get first-hand information about orthodontists from their patients.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your orthodontist options, it’s time to schedule a consultation. Most orthodontists will offer a free consultation. They understand you need to get to know them before you commit to orthodontic treatment.

During the consultation, you’ll get a chance to meet the family orthodontist and their staff. Pay attention to how you’re treated during the consultation. Do the orthodontist and their staff make you feel comfortable?

You should also ask the orthodontist questions about their experience. Ask about orthodontic treatment options and fees. This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about the orthodontist before committing to treatment.

Choose an orthodontist who makes you feel comfortable and who you can trust. After the consultation, you should have a good idea of whether the orthodontist is a good fit for you.

Choose a Family Orthodontist You Can Trust

Orthodontic treatment is a big commitment. You’ll have the best experience in your orthodontic care if you choose an orthodontist who ticks all the boxes for a reliable professional. Follow the tips above to choose a family orthodontist you can trust.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist you can trust in Castle Pines, Colorado, look no further than Castle Pines Orthodontics. Our experienced staff will create a customized treatment plan for you or your family member to keep you smiling beautifully at any age.