There are countless reasons why Americans correct their smiles. For example, as many as three in five Americans reported being extremely unhappy with their smiles in photos (StudyFinds). This leads countless people to revamp their teeth, investing in bonding, veneers, braces, Invisalign, and more.
Although many dental patients visit an orthodontist’s office for cosmetic reasons, others require braces to correct misaligned bites. No matter what category you fall into, it’s important to work with the best orthodontists in your area, ensuring you receive the proper dental care.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you select the perfect orthodontist for your needs? It might take trial and error and consulting with a few doctors, but this helpful guide should offer assistance as you schedule your next orthodontist appointment.
Table of Contents
Orthodontist vs Dentist: What’s The Difference?
Many patients are confused about which type of doctor to see. Dentists and orthodontists each address different aspects of oral care, making them unique in what they treat.
Dentists typically focus on:
- Teeth
- Gums
- The jaw
- Nerves
- Routine exams
You would typically see a dentist for routine dental cleanings, cavities, and X-rays. In some instances, dentists can work with patients to correct minor issues with their teeth using products such as Invisalign or by applying cosmetic bonding or veneers.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus primarily on correcting any bite-related issues. They also specialize in:
- Occlusion (how teeth contact one another)
- Ways to straighten teeth
Do Orthodontists Handle Braces and Invisalign?
Orthodontists also determine if braces or Invisalign are a good fit for your specific needs, as this is one of their primary roles and not a service all dentists offer or are comfortable with. Although both doctors are devoted to oral care, not all dentists are orthodontists. However, all orthodontists are dentists, so you may see some crossovers from one practice to the next depending on each doctor’s specific training.
Orthodontists have more schooling than dentists, which is how they each their credentials. Dentists focus more on oral health, such as tooth decay and gum health, while orthodontists are dedicated to bite correction and overcrowding.
IBISWorld estimates more than 11,000 US Orthodontist businesses. This means it’s more important than ever to know what to look for when selecting the perfect orthodontist.
1. ProperQualifications
You can always look an orthodontist up on the American Association of Orthodontists website. Additionally, as the prospective orthodontist to see their qualifications.
When working with a licensed orthodontist, they’ll have completed both dental school and an orthodontist program. This is why you should look for credentials from any accredited schools they attended.
Additionally, ask if your orthodontist is a member of any professional organizations. One of these might be the American Association of Orthodontists. If you find an orthodontist whose credentials match what you’re looking for, then they more than likely attended rigorous training programs.
In addition to an orthodontist you trust, it’s also important to work with a trained orthodontist assistant. Don’t hesitate to inquire about their qualifications and experience as well, as they play a big role in your dental journey.
2. Experience
When looking for trusted orthodontists, find doctors with considerable experience in the field. When you work with an experienced orthodontist, they’ll have extensive experience in a variety of areas and will most likely have seen a variety of dental issues.
Don’t be afraid to ask orthodontists about their experience and the type of care they’ve provided other patients. They should be able to direct you to a list of reviews from patients, to help put your mind at ease. You should also ask how many years they’ve been practicing for and what kind of orthodontist cases they’ve handled.
3. Positive Reviews
Did you know that almost 99% of consumers check online reviews before working with a business?Another 85% of consumers trust the reviews they read (GatherUp).
Before going to an orthodontist, check all online reviews. This might be on:
- Google Business
- Dentistry.com
- HealthGrades
- Vitals
- Zoc Doc
- Yelp
Be sure to read customer reviews and also the orthodontist’s response to these reviews. Ensure that, should an unhappy customer post a negative review, the orthodontist is professional with their response. You can even ask a local dentist’s office for orthodontist recommendations.
If you belong to any local social media groups, be sure to ask around to see if anyone has any experience with the orthodontist you’re interested in using.
4. Accepted Insurance or Payment Plans
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 88% of people have dental insurance in the US. Each insurance plan covers certain dentists and orthodontists, so always find out ahead of time if the orthodontist you’re interested in working with takes your insurance.
If you need any type of dental work completed, have them submit a predetermination letter. This prevents any discrepancies between the orthodontist’s billing department and tour insurance company — once a predetermination request is submitted, your insurance company is required to explain what’s covered, and what’s not.
If your orthodontist doesn’t take your insurance (and you still want to work with them) or if they only cover a portion of orthodontics, as with more offices, there are options for repayment.
Consider the following:
Payment Plans In-House
It’s common for many orthodontists to offer in-house payment plans. This helps patients to pay back their orthodontic treatment over time. It’s common for patients to pay an initial downpayment, followed by payment month over month.
These repayment plans aren’t a one-size-fits-all and are created to meet the unique needs of each patient. Some patients might pay a customized amount with repayment options tailored to their financial needs.
Other patients might be afforded zero percent interest repayment plans to help offer the total cost of orthodontics.
How Third-Party Financing Options Work
Not all orthodontist offices offer in-house billing solutions. In this case, patients would need to use a third-party financing option.
These financing options may have interest, of which these rates are variable. They may also be interest-free for a period of time (or indefinitely). Some of these third-party financing options might approve patients for orthodontist treatment on the spot, making it easier to access oral care.
Always read the fine print and be sure to ask about potential penalties for late payments. If there is interest, find out what it is ahead of time before signing on the dotted line. A good deal of orthodontists are devoted to working with patients, working to keep payments affordable.
5. Available Technology and Cutting Edge Techniques
It’s no surprise that orthodontics is an evolving field, with new technology rolling out annually. Unfortunately, not all orthodontist offices are created equal, which means some orthodontists won’t offer new technology.
When choosing an orthodontist office, look for some of the following advancements in the dental field:
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign
- 3-D Imaging With CBCT Scanning
- Digital scanning to improve patient comfort and provide better treatment outcomes
- Faster Orthodontic Treatment with PROPEL
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
- Self-Ligating, Clear, and Invisible Braces
- Customized Smile Design Systems
When orthodontists take the time to update their office’s technology, it shows that they’re devoted to showing patients the best dental care possible.
6. Adult Orthodontist Treatment Options
Every person’s orthodontic requirements are unique and can evolve at any time. This is why it’s important to find an orthodontist who offers an assortment of available treatments. Instead of getting comfortable with an orthodontist, only to find out they have limited treatments available, find someone who offers a variety of options.
If, for example, you need braces but decide to get Invisalign instead, it’s important to work with an orthodontist who’s well-versed in both forms of dental devices. Besides braces and Invisalign, there are other alternatives to traditional braces.
Other options include:
- Lingual braces
- Self-ligating braces
When working with a good orthodontist, they’ll evaluate your specific needs and determine the best type of treatment options for your teeth. If one solution proves ineffective, an experienced orthodontist will pivot and find something else that works.
Besides trial and error, a trained orthodontist will discuss a list of pros and cons for each treatment option so you can make an informed decision with your smile.
7. Communication Skills
If you’ve ever encountered a medical professional who lacks bedside manners, then you know how quickly a routine appointment can become uncomfortable. All practitioners should empathize with patients and the specific issues that brought them to their office in the first place.
The best orthodontists will listen to patients as they explain what bothers them about their teeth/bite and will look for solutions that fit a person’s timeline and budget. If finances are an issue, empathetic orthodontists will help patients find payment plans that cover the full scope of dental work.
When looking for an orthodontist, be sure to work with someone who addresses your concerns, takes them seriously, and is approachable as they explain your treatment plan in easy-to-understand language.
8. Clean, Friendly Office Environment
Just like an orthodontist should be approachable and empathetic, so should their office staff. Everyone from the office manager to the orthodontist assistant should be professional and easy to work with.
Additionally, the office should be clean and organized. There should be sterilization techniques in place to ensure only clean materials are entering your mouth. If you’re unsure about these practices, always ask ahead of time.
9. Is There Emergency Care Available?
You never know when an orthodontic emergency might happen, so working with a practitioner who offers emergency orthodontics is essential. Even if they don’t have emergency hours, you can always find an office that has on-call practitioners available after the office closes.
When meeting with your new orthodontist, be sure to ask them about emergency care and what plan they have in place for urgent concerns.
10. Do They Offer Follow-Up Care?
All orthodontic treatment requires follow-up care, even if it’s just a phone call to see how you’re feeling post-treatment. This helps orthodontists monitor their patient’s progress to ensure everything is going smoothly.
Additionally, these orthodontists should also advise patients on post-treatment care, specifically the use of nighttime retainers following Invisalign, working to keep teeth from shifting.
11. Do They Focus on Patient Satisfaction?
When looking for the best orthodontists, check to see if they’re patient-centric, focusing on patient satisfaction to create an overall enjoyable experience for everyone who enters their office. These orthodontists understand that 36% of Americans are afraid of dental treatment, and take all the necessary precautions to keep them comfortable (Cleveland Clinic).
One way orthodontists focus on patient satisfaction is by patient feedback. When these practitioners actively seek feedback and look to correct any shortcomings, it shows that they’re dedicated to their field and to their patients.
12. Are They Involved With the Community?
Many wonderful orthodontists will participate in community events, working to connect with current and prospective patients. They might partake in local town heritage days, setting up a booth and showing their support while engaging with residents. They may also offer free orthodontist services for disadvantaged families in your community.
Although an orthodontist’s community involvement doesn’t necessarily indicate their overall dentistry, it showcases the type of morals and values they uphold, so keep this in mind when shopping around for a new orthodontist.
13. Comfortability Working With Patients of All Ages
It’s great to have a family orthodontist who’s comfortable working with patients of all ages, especially if there’s an orthodontist emergency and you need someone available who’ve you already vetted and established a rapport with.
Always ask a prospective orthodontist what age groups they’re comfortable treating and how many children and teens they work with, if any. This will help you gauge if your orthodontist is a good fit for your entire family.
Are You Ready to Find The Best Orthodontists?
Now that you know what to look for in the best orthodontists, it’s time to find the perfect practitioner for your needs! Be sure to find someone who takes your insurance (when applicable) and who offers a variety of fair and flexible payment plans. Additionally, look for an orthodontist who’s highly qualified and compassionate, as those traits make all the difference in quality dental care.
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