Posted on June 11, 2021
Do you need orthodontic treatment? Or, perhaps, your child or another member of your household does? If that’s the case, then you’ll need to know exactly what to look for when selecting a great orthodontist. Read on to discover the six essential questions that you need to ask when contacting an orthodontist. Are you ready to start searching for “orthodontist near me” and finding exactly what you are looking for?
Let’s find out how you can achieve this quickly and easily.
First of all, you need to remember that an orthodontist is not just a generic dentist. In order to become an orthodontist, in fact, people must complete a very specific set of studies and training, so they can specialize in orthodontics.
So, when you make the first contact with an orthodontist, ask to see their qualifications, and do a bit of research into where they were obtained. This should be a formal, reputable, and reliable academic institution. It can help, too, to learn when they completed their studies.
A doctor with decades of experience may inspire more confidence as opposed to someone who graduated only a couple of years ago. Nonetheless, it’s also important that your orthodontist stays on top of all the latest trends and technical advances in their industry. To find this out, ask them if they regularly take any refresher courses or new training.
Sometimes, it can be handy to register with an orthodontist who is also offering general dentistry treatments. This is particularly true if you are looking for a doctor who can treat your whole family. When speaking to your orthodontist, ask them whether they are also a practicing dentist.
This is a fundamental aspect to clarify if you have little ones who may need orthodontic treatments, such as braces. Not all orthodontists are qualified or experienced to treat children. It’s important, then, to establish whether the orthodontist you are talking to can be trusted to deliver the right type of service for your child.
Most orthodontists should offer a standard set of treatment options, which include braces (both regular and clear ones), Invisalign, and TMJ treatment. However, some patients may require more specific treatments, and not every orthodontist will offer them.
If you have a child who needs clear braces, for instance, you will want to check that your orthodontist can fit Invisalign Teen. This is becoming more popular among teenage patients, with an increasing number of orthodontists adapting to the trend by adding it to their treatment list.
Do you suffer from jaw pain? Most orthodontists know how to treat it, but some are more specialized than others. If your main goal is to fix this issue, then be sure to select an orthodontist who has a wealth of experience and expertise in treating TMJ.
When in the process of choosing the right orthodontist for you, it’s vital to touch upon the financial aspect of things. Whether or not you have dental insurance, it’s always wise to check with your orthodontist to learn what type of financial plans and options they have.
Some orthodontists may be more flexible and accommodating than others, which may work in your favor if you are on a bit of a budget. Ask whether they offer any personalized financial plans, and how you can access one.
Last but not least, it might be useful to find out how long the specific orthodontic treatment that you need will last. This can be helpful to work out whether you might need to take any time off work, arrange for childcare, or simply prepare for your future appointments.
While the duration of treatments varies depending on exactly what you are going to need, most orthodontic treatments last between 18 and 24 months. So, you should factor in that, for the next couple of years, you might need to attend regular orthodontic appointments in order to solve your problems.
Are you planning on getting Invisalign? Even though this treatment is still likely to last for two years or so, you can expect to see some initial results after only six months.
Whatever treatment you are going to have, you should also find out how often, roughly, your orthodontist will want to see you. As a general rule, most orthodontists like to see their patients once every four to eight weeks. However, this can change depending on your specific situation, so it’s always best to ask your doctor.
If you have been wondering “How can I find the best orthodontist near me?” then our guide can help. It is essential to ask your orthodontist a series of basic but crucial questions before you book your visit with them.
For example, you’ll want to make sure that they are well-trained and fully qualified. You’ll also need to establish if they offer the treatment that you are looking for, and whether they can cater to the whole family.
Are you located in the Meridian, Star, Nampa, Kuna, or Boise area? Then, why not give Guymon Orthodontist a call today, and schedule your appointment? We look forward to welcoming you and helping you to achieve the best smile of your life.
