Why an Orthodontist’s Chairside Manner Really Matters

A woman is being examined by a dentist.

Published by Dr. Charles Gemmi

A Board Certified Orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Charles Gemmi has been a practicing orthodontist with Orthodontics Limited since 2000 and is a member of the teaching staff at Einstein Medical Center. Orthodontics Limited is a Diamond+ Provider of Invisalign in Philadelphia and Hatboro, PA.

When we talk about doctors we often refer to what we call their bedside manner: how they relate to their patient on a personal level. This is also an important aspect of the care your orthodontist gives you as well. Besides their skill, experience and price structure, an orthodontist’s chairside manner is an important quality you should consider before choosing an orthodontist.

Here are some reasons why an orthodontist’s chairside manner really matters. An orthodontist who has a positive chairside manner can make the orthodontic experience so much better in many ways by:

Allaying Fears and Offering Comfort

Going to the orthodontist can be a scary and stressful ordeal for some patients, especially in the beginning. If you know you are prone to anxiety when it comes to sitting in the dentist or orthodontist chair, then you need an orthodontist who understands how you are feeling and who tries to allay your fears, and set you at ease by providing a comfortable and welcoming environment.

While you can never truly know someone until you spend a lot of time with them, you can get a good sense of an orthodontist’s chairside manner from your initial consultation. If they are brusque and short with you and spend little time really engaging you to find out your needs, then most likely they will continue to behave that way during treatment. While everyone certainly has an off day every once in a while, it is usually a good indicator of their chairside manner.

Encouraging You to Stick to Treatment

It makes perfect sense really. If you dread going to the orthodontist and feel like your provider really doesn’t care about your well-being then you are less likely to stick to your treatment plan. As soon as there are complications or if you have trouble keeping up with the financial payments, you will likely bail on your treatment or cut it short because you don’t feel like the practice truly cares.

This can be dangerous on a couple of levels. First, if you already have the braces on and don’t go back to have the removed you are going to cause damage to your teeth that can have long-term consequences. It is better to have them removed or to switch over to a new orthodontist who is better match for you. If you have chosen Invisalign, of course, it is easier to stop the treatment on your own.

Second, if you choose to end treatment earlier, you are also putting your oral health at risk. Because remember that with crooked teeth and bite issues it is harder to keep your mouth clean and free from cavities and gum disease that can occur when plaque keeps getting stuck in hard to reach places in your mouth.

If you are truly are unhappy with how your orthodontist treats you, you should research other orthodontists in the area and find out how you can make as seamless of a switch as possible.

Creating the Perfect Individualized Treatment Plan

When you orthodontist spends little time really getting to know you and your needs, physically, emotionally and financially, the plan they create might not actually be the most effective for your particular situations. It is not all cookie cutter so you don’t want an orthodontist to recommend a treatment path just because it is what he or she prefers doing.

An orthodontist with a good bedside manner will really listen to you and take all your needs including preference between visible and invisible braces, financial costs and your particular alignment issues into consideration when creating your individualized treatment plan. This is your best chance for success.

Finding the right orthodontist with a good chairside manner is as difficult as it might seem. Setting up as many free initial consultations as possible before you make your final decision is the best way to ensure that you choose right the first time.

If you are looking for braces in Philadelphia area, consider Orthodontics Limited.

Why choose Orthodontics Limited?

For the best results, you want an orthodontist who is experienced and has proven success in treating different alignment issues. Here is why Orthodontics Limited is one of the top orthodontists in Philadelphia.

  • Individualized attention. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg know what a big difference a straighter smile can make in a person’s life. Not only does it help restore self-confidence, it makes it easier to practice proper oral hygiene so you have a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. The staff at Orthodontics Limited also understand that each person’s situation is different so that is why they take the time to sit down with you and go over your options. They will create the best treatment plan for your particular needs.
  • A team that really cares. At Orthodontics Limited, Drs. Gemmi, Middleberg and Pale really care about you and your oral health. Cost for any orthodontic treatment can be a big factor for many people and some people opt out of it because they consider it a luxury purchase. But crooked teeth is more than an aesthetic issue. Crooked teeth and bite issues can cause tooth decay and gum issues as well as jaw issues later down the line. Maintaining your oral health is important so Orthodontics Limited will work with you to come up with an affordable plan. The staff at Orthodontics Limited is also very compassionate and friendly and will always greet you with a smile giving you comfort and peace of mind a priority during your visits to the office.
  • Experienced staff. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg are certified by the American Board of Orthodontist and only perform orthodontic work every day making them experts are what they do. They are also an Invisalign Top 1% provider, which means they are one of only three dental practices in Pennsylvania to be given this distinction in 2014 and 2015.
  • Updated equipment and technology. If you have ever walked into a dentist’s office and felt like you walked back into the 70s, then you understand the importance of updated equipment and technology. It is hard to have confidence in an orthodontist who hasn’t stayed up-to-date on all the current technology and trends in orthodontics. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg offer all the latest technology in their offices and they always stay current on important trends in their field.

Call Orthodontics Limited today to schedule your free consultation.

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