Orthodontics: Create an Angel Smile 3

How to Choose an Orthodontist

Finding a qualified orthodontist used to be relatively straightforward: your general dentist, probably the one who recommended realignment in the first place, simply gave you a referral. But today, with an increasing variety of straightening procedures available, and with more and more non-specialists offering orthodontic treatments, the choices can be bewildering.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when selecting an orthodontist:

Pre-Consultation Considerations

• Your general dentist's recommendation remains a valuable one. General dentists not only work with orthodontists in coordinating patient care, but also regularly view the results of alignment procedures and can pass their evaluations on to you. If your dentist's children have or had dental braces, ask which orthodontist they used.
• Ask your friends, neighbors and business colleagues whom they recommend. If the treatment is for your child, check with the teachers' and parents' associations at your child's school.
• Contact a local dental school and ask its orthodontics department which local practitioners they recommend.
• Before you set up a consultation with an orthodontist, make sure he or she is a licensed member of the American Association of Orthodontists, an organization requiring adherence to rigorous training and ethical standards. Members of this organization have completed two to three years of full-time postgraduate classes and clinical work. Once members have their own practice, they must remain up-to-date on research and technological advances.

Your Orthodontic Consultation

When you meet an orthodontist for a consultation, we strongly recommend consideration of the following:

• What is the orthodontist's level of experience and how long has he been practicing?
• How extensive is the orthodontist's practice?
• Ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Are the results to your liking?
• How varied and advanced are the treatments offered? Revolutionary new technologies such as temporary mini-implants, computer-charted and robot-adjusted arch-wires that fit behind the teeth (as in the SureSmile system), translucent aligners (such as Invisalign's) and clear brackets and bands allow for less conspicuous appliances that may save on treatment time and reduce discomfort, as well. Also check to see if the orthodontist uses a laser to clear away gum tissue that accumulates while the braces are in place.
• What is the orthodontist's diagnosis and plan of action for your teeth and how clearly has it been explained to you? Did the orthodontist provide information about alternatives? How practical is the treatment plan in light of your personal, business and social needs?
• What is the office ambiance like? Specifically, are you (or your child) comfortable with the orthodontist's chair-side manner? Is the staff friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns? Since orthodontic treatment takes an average of two years, with appointments typically every six to eight weeks, it is important to establish a rapport with all of those who will be providing services. This is particularly important with teens and pre-teens who may feel resentful about having to wear braces in the first place. An orthodontist and staff who establish good rapport are better able to encourage and motivate such clients to stick to a home regimen of scrupulous brushing and flossing, headband- and retainer-wearing, etc.
• Is the orthodontic practice conveniently located close to your home, office or child's school?
• Emergencies are unlikely, but just in case, what provisions does this practice offer?
• What are the financing options? While payment plans are available through a number of dental loan providers, and the experts can advise you on patient financing it endorses, there are alternative options. If your child requires orthodontics and you are facing financial hardship, ask about the possibility of pro bono treatment, which some orthodontists offer. Alternatively, you can save money on fees by having treatment performed at a dental school, which is likely to charge only a small portion of standard orthodontic fees. Your treatment will be overseen by a seasoned practitioner, typically a full professor who has specialized in orthodontics for many years