Unfortunately, the modern diet consists of tons of foods that are destructive to our teeth and overall oral health. Many of the foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis are loaded with added sugars that strip our teeth of their protective enamel which leads to things like cavities and tooth decay.
On the plus side, there’s no shortage of professional and qualified dentists. But what if you have irregular tooth or jaw issues? What if your problem isn’t with cavities or other typical oral health issues?
For your circumstances, we need to talk about choosing orthodontists. They treat things like misaligned teeth, gaps, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and more. Keep reading for our best tips on how to find the best orthodontist for your needs.
1. Location and Availability
First, most orthodontist procedures require multiple visits. Realigning teeth and fixing other issues takes time. Therefore, it may be wise to make sure you consider location and availability when choosing orthodontists.
You don’t necessarily want to make going to the orthodontist an all-day event due to commuting. You also don’t want to wait months at a time to be seen.
2. References and Reviews
Next, talk to your friends, family, and co-workers to find out if they have any suggestions. The oral health issues that call for an orthodontist aren’t uncommon. Odds are someone you know has experience working with one.
Otherwise, get onto Facebook and ask your friends for recommendations. You can also join a community page where people buy, sell, and trade goods, and share information. Ask the community at large about the best local orthodontists.
Additionally, check online for references and reviews from previous patients to see what others have to say about their work.
3. Services Offered
If you have a couple of orthodontists in mind, contact them directly or check out their website to find out what services they offer. You need to make sure they cover the procedure you want.
This is also a good time to ask important questions. If you’re opting to have your teeth straightened, as about the Invisalign timeline and what other options are available.
4. Experience
Another important factor to consider when choosing orthodontists is their experience in dentistry. Find out how long the practice has been open and how long your orthodontist has been licensed. If you have a somewhat irregular issue, make sure they’ve handled cases like yours in the past.
5. Pricing
Finally, we highly recommend comparing orthodontist fees. Depending on your insurance, you may be paying a lot of the bill out of pocket. Shop around to find out more about competitive prices.
However, remember that cheaper isn’t always better. Although a lower cost is more attractive, a cheaper orthodontist may have less experience, deliver below average results, or have negative reviews for their work.
Need More Help Choosing Orthodontists?
We hope we helped you in your process of choosing orthodontists. But if you’re still looking for more information or advice pertaining to your health, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. Our blog was created to help people just like you improve their well-being and make the best decisions for their health.