Choosing a new orthodontist is difficult. You want one who will offer you excellent service and impressive results at an affordable price. Let’s look at some factors you need to consider, so you don’t end up in the wrong hands.
Ask Your Dentist
The best person to ask for referrals when it comes to orthodontists is your dentist, especially if they are an oral surgeon. Dentists usually form relationships with orthodontists, therefore if you are lucky they probably have a buddy who can assist you. Some dentists even work with orthodontists.
The good thing about getting a recommendation from the dentist is that you are 100% certain that the orthodontist’s qualifications are legit. If you can trust their qualifications, then the entire process will probably be less stressful.
Before or after you visit your new orthodontist, ensure that you take good care of your teeth. It’s not that difficult. If you use fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, and brush and floss your teeth regularly, that alone will lower the risk of tooth decay by up to 40%. Sometimes it’s the simple lifestyle choices that make all the difference.
Consider their Payment Options
While orthodontic treatments are costly, that shouldn’t get in the way of you feeling happy and confident with your smile. You can find an orthodontist with manageable payment plans and options.
You can ask your potential orthodontist if they offer payment plans, family discounts, or dental insurance coverage. If they have such options, then you might be in luck. You can also draft a shortlist of orthodontists and compare their prices, you are bound to find one who will meet your budget and lifestyle.
Check Out Their Website
Nowadays a significant chunk of information can be found online. Fortunately, many people now own smartphones, hence a lot of information can be accessed even on the go. Currently, about 48% of people looking for services/goods access search engines on mobile devices.
Before you get in touch with an orthodontist, visit their website first. You might even make an appointment online.
Checking out websites can help you narrow down your choices to a few options. Most reliable orthodontists will put up their credentials, education, and memberships on the websites. This will help you select someone who you can trust.
Pay Attention to How You Feel
While visiting an orthodontist is not particularly enjoyable, you should not go somewhere where you are uncomfortable. If the orthodontist and his/her staff make you feel out of place, or uneasy, you better go look elsewhere.
You should also consider the general appearance of their practice. It should be clean, organized, and they should run on time. It also helps if the staff is helpful and polite. If they make you feel at home, then that is a good sign, and you can start inquiring about other things.
Make It Clear What You Want
It’s important when looking for an orthodontist that you be clear about what you want to have done. Some orthodontists are specifically good in one area and if you spell out exactly what you need, they might tell you if it’s their area of specialty.
Most orthodontists can do braces quite well. If your teeth are crooked or protruding, then they’ll probably be able to help you. Braces are not only for kids, and you shouldn’t be shy about having them. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 4 million Americans today are wearing braces. They will help you improve your smile and be more confident.
Once you have narrowed down your options, ask a lot of questions to find out if you and the chosen orthodontist are a perfect match. Lastly, go ahead and check out their real-life online reviews, you’ll be surprised at the amount of information you can gather from there.
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