Whether your child has a gap between his front teeth or you’ve finally decided to get rid of your crooked smile, the first step toward getting the results you want is selecting the perfect orthodontist. You need to find an orthodontist who meets your needs and with whom you can develop a rapport as well.
When looking at potential candidates, keep these things in mind:
Experience – As you weed through the myriads of orthodontists in your area, evaluate the training skills of anyone you put on your short list. For example, look for someone certified in Invisalign or who offers In-Ovation C braces, if clear braces are the option you most want to pursue.
Personality – Orthodontic treatment lasts, on average, from six to 18 months. If you are going to invest that much time, and a great deal of money, you want to find someone who gels well with you or your child, depending on who is the patient.
References – A great place to find an orthodontist is by asking family or friends who they recommend. Before making a decision, you can also ask for the names of one or two satisfied patients. Meeting people who had a positive experience with the orthodontist you have selected can help solidify your decision.
Environment – Another factor to consider is the atmosphere. Does the practice offering leading edge technology? Did you feel comfortable with the staff? Was the office clean and well kept?
Location – Don’t knock the importance of convenience in making your choice. If you have to schedule visits on your lunch hour or shuttle your child back and forth from school, picking an orthodontist close to these spots will save you time and frustration.
