How to Choose an Orthodontist

Choosing an orthodontist is a big deal. Whether you’re planning to use their services for yourself or your children, knowing what to look for can help. Here, our orthodontic team in Langley discusses how to choose the right orthodontist and what to consider when choosing the right clinic for you.

How to Choose an Orthodontist or Orthodontic Clinic

If you are facing dental issues that require orthodontic treatment, you may find yourself wondering how to choose the right orthodontist. This can be a tough decision, especially if you live in a populated area with many options. Because orthodontic treatment can take a substantial amount of time in some cases, you will want to choose an orthodontist that you or your child is comfortable with.

Choosing an orthodontist can seem overwhelming if you've never done it before. As such, it's a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends, co-workers, or family members who have been through the process. Your dentist is also a great resource for recommendations.

Researching Their Credentials, Experience & Reviews

While all orthodontists receive similar training, they may have different approaches to treatment. Before you decide on an orthodontist, you may want to discuss any formal education and training they have received. Have they completed additional courses in certain types of orthodontic treatment? How long have they been practicing? Many patients feel more comfortable with an orthodontist who has additional training and who has been practicing for an extended amount of time. Even so, this doesn't mean that you wouldn't get attentive care and professional services at a newer practice. Meeting the orthodontist and hearing more about their experience can go a long way when it comes to making your decision.

Patients of orthodontic practices often have no problem sharing an unbiased opinion of the services they've received. When a patient has a negative experience, they are likely to share it through online reviews. This goes for patients who have had exceptional experiences as well. Feel free to reach out to those who have previously been treated at the clinic to hear more about the outcome of their visit.

Some orthodontic practices also share testimonials on their website as well as before and after photos for reference. In some areas, there are organizations that offer ratings and awards to local businesses. These can usually be found by searching the name of the orthodontic practice online, or even posted on the practice's website.

Consultations to Assess the Clinic's Atmosphere & Staff Friendliness

By visiting the orthodontic office, you can get a feel for the atmosphere. You can take mental (or even physical) notes of things like:

• Does the office and staff appear to be tidy and orderly?
• Do the tools used appear to be properly stored and sterilized?
• Does the waiting room seem crowded, indicating scheduling issues?
• Does the staff appear to be professional and pleasant?
• Are they helping patients in a friendly manner?

Each clinic may offer a different style of treatment. You may want to schedule consultations at a few different clinics to get a feel for each office and learn more about their approach to orthodontic care. Some offices may offer unique treatment options or products. You may also want to compare the cost and expected duration of treatment between clinics.

It's very important to feel at ease with your orthodontist. Consider their chairside manner, attentiveness to your concerns, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Visiting several offices increases the likelihood of finding an orthodontist who can fulfill your requirements.

Choosing a Specialist Who Listens to Concerns & Explains Treatment Options Clearly

During your consultation, the orthodontist should be able to answer your questions thoroughly and clearly. If your orthodontist cannot provide an accurate estimate regarding the cost of treatment, the number of visits required, or the most suitable type of care for your needs, you may want to consider scheduling a consultation elsewhere for comparison.

You will want to ensure that you are comfortable and have full confidence in the expertise of your new orthodontist. After all, you will see them frequently and entrust them to perform your orthodontic services with great care and accuracy.

Final Considerations When Choosing an Orthodontist

• Who will be overseeing your orthodontic treatment? The orthodontist or their assistants?
• Is the office located close to your home or work for convenient appointments?
• Do they offer extended office hours before or after work and school?
• What types of insurance does the office accept, and do they offer any type of financing?
• Do the orthodontist and staff aim to create a personalized experience, or will you feel like 'just a number?'

At Langley Orthodontics, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments – including Invisalign and traditional braces – for children, teens and adults of all ages. Our goal is to offer patients of all ages a warm, inclusive, compassionate environment throughout their smile journey.

Please feel free to reach out to us today with any questions you may have about achieving a straight, healthy-looking smile.