What first comes to mind when you think of your oral health? A dentist, no doubt!
While dentists are the most popular dental professionals, there are also other specialists, such as orthodontists, who play an important role in the provision of dental care.
If you’ve got crooked or misaligned teeth or any other condition that requires braces, you’ll need to see an orthodontist. But how do you find the best orthodontist for you?
Just because someone is an orthodontist doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right professional for you. Continue reading to learn how to choose the best from the over 10,000 orthodontists in the United States.
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Narrow Down Your Search
The first step to finding the right orthodontist is to narrow down your search to your local area. To do this, get referrals from your local friends and relatives.
If you know someone who has braces, for instance, ask them about their orthodontist. If the person had a good experience with a certain orthodontist, they’ll gladly recommend them to you.
Unable to get a referral? Worry not!
Go online and search “best orthodontist near me” or “best orthodontist in City X” where City X is your city or local town. The search engine will return a page with several top orthodontists or orthodontic offices in your area.
Ultimately, you should have a list of about 3-5 orthodontists.
Check Licensure
In every state, orthodontists are required to obtain an occupational license before joining the practice. You want to make sure that every orthodontist on your list is properly licensed.
All you need to do is call the orthodontist and ask for the license details. Next, cross-check those details with the relevant agency or board in your state.
Don’t just assume that anyone who uses the title “orthodontist” is actually an orthodontist. It’s not uncommon to find fake dental professionals in the country.
Choosing a licensed orthodontist assures you that you’re seeing a professional who has the right academic and professional qualifications.
Consider Professional Reputation
Most people stop at licensure when looking for the best orthodontist. As long as the licensing details check out, they have no problem settling on the professional.
However, licensing alone doesn’t make an orthodontist the right pro for you. Some licensed orthodontists have a reputation for offering unsatisfactory dental care services. This is why it’s essential to evaluate an orthodontist’s reputation before making your pick.
To do this, look up their online reviews. If an orthodontist has been in practice for some time, you will find their reviews on sites such as Yelp. If an orthodontist has lots of negative reviews, stay away.
Also, consider whether your preferred orthodontist is a member of a professional association, such as the American Association of Orthodontists.
Find the Best Orthodontist for You
Finding the best orthodontist might look like an easy task, especially because there are probably only a handful of them in your area. Quite to the contrary, finding the best orthodontist requires you to have the right information. Having read this article, you’re now in a good position to find the best professional for you.
Keep reading our blog for more helpful tips.
