Orthodontist – Guide to Choosing the Right One

When you are looking for a dentist to straighten your teeth, you want to find the right one to ensure your smile looks perfect when you are done. For many people, choosing an orthodontist is as simple as making an appointment with the one recommended by their general practice dentist, but sometimes the searching process becomes a bit more in depth. If you are left on your own to search for orthodontists in your area, these tips will help you find the right one.

First, make sure you are actually looking at an orthodontist. Some dentists are allowed to advertise a specialty in orthodontics, but they do not have the full orthodontic training. Make sure that the dentist you are talking to is, in fact, a specialist with the additional two to three years of training. 

If you are unsure, look for a dentist who is a specialist through the American Association of Orthodontists or the American Board of Orthodontics. However, board certification or membership with the AAO is not mandatory to be a good specialist in the field of orthodontics, so the only real way to know about a particular dentist is to ask. Board certification with the ABO shows that the dentist is willing to have his or her clinical knowledge and competency evaluated to industry experts, and these dentists maintain the highest standards of excellence in their field, so it is always a good bet to choose one of these dentists.

If you are starting from scratch in your search for an orthodontist, start by asking other people you know who have had braces or aligners. Ask them what their experience has been and whether or not they world recommend their dentist to friends. However, be cautious if the friend complains that the process hurt too much. Moving your teeth is going to hurt, and this is a normal part of having braces, and that does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the dentist.

As you search, look for a dentist who is careful about explaining treatments to his patients. You really want to understand or have your child understand what is going on and what to expect as far as pain and what can and cannot be eaten. 

If you have dental insurance or a dental discount plan that covers orthodontics, then make sure you consult with them before you schedule any appointments. The discounts you receive by using an in-network provider are significant, so choose one according to your insurance plan if you have coverage.

Finally, consider online and print reviews for each orthodontist you are considering. These can be invaluable as a source of information about all types of medical and dental practitioners, and can give you insight into an office if you do not have contact with many people who have first-hand knowledge of orthodontics in your area. By taking the time to choose carefully, you will enjoy the process of straightening your teeth much more than you would by just choosing a dentist at random.