Finding The Right Orthodontist - The 4 Steps You Need To Take
When you need to whiten, straighten or otherwise repair your teeth, you need a good orthodontist. A qualified professional isn't hard to find, but it can be a little bit confusing organizing your search. Here are the four steps to finding a great dental practitioner.
Step One - Make A Huge List
First of all,
you're going to want to do an orthodontist search in your area. You'll get a list of names and contact information for all practitioners that are close to your home. There are several different ways that you can find these professionals.
There's always the Yellow Pages, but there's now an even better resource - the internet. There are tons of sights online that help you find dentists in your particular area. Find a site that lets you search by area and start your list with the ones that are close-by. Expand out of your area as far as you're willing to go and include them all on this list.
Step Two - Do A Little Research
Now, you'll start narrowing your orthodontist list down. If they've got websites, have a look at theirs and do a quick scan. See if you can find out about their pricing and whether they're covered by your insurance. You should also look for certifications and education. This will give you an idea of how qualified they are to work on your teeth. Once you've taken some of the names off your list because of their cost, you're going to start calling them.
Step Three - Call And Talk To Them
This step is a better way to find out information, but you need to narrow that list down a bit first. It's difficult to call 20 different clinics and ask them your questions. Narrow it down to about ten and start calling them.
Talk to the orthodontist or their staff and see if they can help you. You'll want to ask them about their payment policy, insurance and availability. See how hard it is to get an appointment at their clinic. You're also calling to set up your free consultation. If they sound good, set up a time for you to come in and talk to them.
Step Four - Visit The Clinic
When you've got just a few orthodontist names on your list, it's time to really check them out. Set up a consultation at their clinic and go have a look. There are a few things you should be looking for. First, the place should be clean and comfortable, and the staff should be friendly.
They should make you feel welcome there. When you talk to the dentist, see what ways they offer for helping you. With all the high tech methods these days for straightening, whitening and repairing teeth, they should have something that will wow you.
Once you've found an orthodontist you like, make your first appointment. If your dentist is easy to communicate with and trained in all the latest technologies, there's nothing they can't do for your teeth.