How to Find a Specialist Orthodontist That Will Take Care of You

Finding the right orthodontist can be tricky, and when it comes to your oral health (or that of your child), it’s never something that should be taken lightly. Given that orthodontic treatments involve a significant investment of both time and money, it is crucial that you have all the facts and are able to make an informed decision. At Orthodontics Limited in center city Philadelphia, PA, you’ll be met by a team of professionals — all of whom will consider your specific needs.

We understand that every patient is different, and that finding a specialist orthodontist whose going to treat you right requires a lot of thought. Not only do you have to think about bedside manner when choosing a specialist  orthodontist, but you’ve got to take their preferred treatment options and associated costs into consideration as well. Payment plans can also vary pretty significantly, so if you’re on a budget or need to find a specialist orthodontist that takes your insurance, this process can be especially stressful. Don’t fret, though! The Orthodontics Limited team is here to help!

Consider Your Options

As you move forward with your journey towards achieving straighter teeth, there are two popular options you’ll want to keep in mind, namely Invisalign and traditional braces. As you may or may not know, Invisalign uses customized, clear plastic aligners that are specifically designed to fit your mouth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners have to be replaced every two weeks — but that’s just part of the process. By focusing on a few teeth at a time, the aligners gradually shift your teeth into the position they should have originally been in.

Traditional braces are made up of metal brackets and wires that will be adjusted during follow-up visits with your orthodontist. Kids, teens, and adults alike can opt for either braces or Invisalign during their initial orthodontist visit. Although there’s no age limit for these treatments, your overall oral health will become more of an issue as you age. Certain conditions, like gum disease, a weakened tooth bone, or missing teeth must be addressed before you seek out orthodontic treatment.

How to Find the Right Orthodontist

Determining which specialist orthodontist is going to fit your specific needs and budget can be difficult, but there are certain steps you can take to make this process a little bit easier:

Search for an Orthodontist on Google

While the internet isn’t always the most reliable place to find information, it’s honestly a really good place to start. Begin by doing a Google search like “Philadelphia orthodontist.” Look for reviews and explore the websites of orthodontists in the Philadelphia area. This will give you an idea of the services they offer, their prices, and their bedside manner (which will likely be discussed by past customers in the customer review section).

You’ll also want to make sure that any orthodontic care specialists you’re interested in seeking services from holds a valid membership with the American Association of Orthodontics. This membership provides an extra level of assurance, so you’ll know, for sure, that your orthodontist is well-informed about the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and treatments. There are plenty of orthodontists in the world, which can be a little overwhelming for some. Conducting a Google search will be a good way to narrow things down a bit.

Ask Your Friends and Family Members For Recommendations

Sometimes, the best way to get the information you need is through word of mouth. You shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to people you trust and ask whether they would recommend a specific orthodontic care specialist that you found online. Your dental provider may also be able to assist you with a referral, and, actually, this would be a good person to talk to about your specific orthodontic needs as well.

Of course, everyone is going to have different preferences, but by asking around and talking with those you trust about their experiences with orthodontists, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the options that are available to you. You can also, of course, set up a consultation with one or several prospective orthodontists and choose the practice that you believe will take the best care of you or your child. We’ll talk about this in a bit more detail next!

Set Up a Consultation

The fact of the matter is, it’s oftentimes quite challenging to gauge the competence and suitability of a new doctor or dentist without actually visiting their practice. We’d recommend scheduling consultations with several specialist orthodontists in the area, as this will help you make absolutely sure that you feel confident about who you decide to entrust with your orthodontic care. Although it may require some time and effort, this process is totally worth it. It can significantly contribute to your decision-making process, and help you make the best choice possible.

While visiting the orthodontist’s office, pay attention to your surroundings.

• Is the environment clean and sterile?
• Is the latest technology being used?
• Do the patients around you seem comfortable?

Observe how the staff and, especially, the orthodontist interacts with you. You should never feel like you’re being rushed, or like they’re not taking the time to understand your needs. Remember, you’ll be spending a whole lot of time with this person, and they’ll be all up in your space while conducting orthodontic treatments. Choose wisely!

Final Thoughts

After you’ve gone to a few, consultations, carefully review all of the information you’ve gathered and take some time to really consider your options. You’re going to want to assess this decision from multiple perspectives — just like you would when choosing a doctor, dentist, personal trainer, or tattoo artist (you name it). You shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to different specialist orthodontists with follow-up questions, and they should be more than willing to provide you with the guidance you need. If you ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable during the consultation or with the proposed treatment plan, trust your gut! Remember, this process will take some time, but it’ll be well worth it.

For more advice, contact Orthodontics Limited today!