Choosing an orthodontist can be a daunting task. There may be several orthodontists in your area, but it isn’t a given that they will be the best fit for you. Here are our tips in figuring out how to choose an orthodontist.
CHOOSE AN ORTHODONTIST, NOT A DENTIST
There’s a difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist that offers orthodontics. You’ll want to choose an orthodontist because they can offer high-quality care and treatment compared to a general dentist. A board-certified orthodontist is trained specially in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. The specialty training usually adds 2-3 years of education outside of dental school.
ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. They can help provide the first-hand experience on what an orthodontist is really like when receiving treatment from them. If you already have a general dentist, you can also ask them for recommendations for orthodontists in your area. If your inner circle doesn’t have any recommendations, you can take a look at online reviews. This can give you an insight into other people’s experiences with an orthodontist.
MEET WITH THE ORTHODONTIST FOR A CONSULTATION
After your research, you may end up with a shortlist of suitable orthodontists. How do you narrow it down to one? One way is to visit the orthodontist’s office. This can help you determine if you like the orthodontist and the office environment. Many orthodontists offer consultations. This can be a great time to determine the right orthodontist team that you want to work with during your treatment. You will also want to choose an orthodontist who offers a variety of treatment options. For example, not all offices offer both traditional braces and clear aligners.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
You may also need to take into account the financial policies of the office. Whether you are using insurance or paying out of pocket, the flexibility of the office could determine whether braces will fit your budget. By the way, Laredo Orthodontics provides a cash discount, accepts credit cards, FSAs, HSAs and insurance, works with CareCredit® and offers in-house financing. It doesn’t get much more flexible than that!
BRACES AT LAREDO ORTHODONTICS
At Laredo Orthodontics, we specialize in treating misaligned teeth and jaws. We offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign® clear aligners. We pride ourselves on our positive patient reviews. Many of our patients are younger siblings of prior patients. We love providing straighter smiles to an entire family or friend network! If you would like to discuss orthodontics for you or a family member, please contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss your options with you.
