Advice to Help You Find an Orthodontist

Choosing a new orthodontist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is much easier to find an orthodontist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information for the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of a bad orthodontist, searching for the right provider should start with the following resources.

The place to start a search

Start the search for a quality orthodontist by breaking down the process into stages. There are three key components to getting started:

• Make a list.
• Do the research.
• Conduct an analysis.

Making a list of possibilities

When narrowing down the provider selection, one can start with the listed practices in one’s dental insurance network. Orthodontic services can be expensive. Fortunately, preventative orthodontic care is sometimes a part of covered services. Therefore, it is good to start looking at orthodontists participating in a patient’s insurance plan.

If insurance does not factor into the decision-making, seek recommendations from friends, family members, internet reviews, or medical professionals. The list may be long, depending on how many referrals one receives. However, further research can allow patients to gradually narrow the list to their top options.

Researching potential orthodontists

There are many things to consider when trying to find an orthodontist beyond insurance affiliation and recommendations from family and friends. Look at professional association memberships. A high-quality orthodontist will often be a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, or the American Orthodontic Society. A good orthodontist will select organizations that align with their approach to orthodontics.

Continue looking into the orthodontist by reading patient reviews, any biography or credentials for the dentist, and any articles or available information about the dentist. This information is available online on the provider's website, through social media networks, and on review sites such as Yelp and Google. To verify the provider's legitimacy, look for current registration documentation with the state’s dental board and the American Board of Orthodontics.

Conducting a thorough analysis of the information

Once the research is done, it is time to sort the information. Some people will list orthodontists with convenient locations and flexible office hours as top priorities, while others elevate education and experience credentials. The goal is to find an orthodontist who makes each patient feel comfortable in the office and confident in their services.

How to decide on an orthodontist

One easy way to narrow the list is by weeding out orthodontists who do not instill a feeling of confidence. A good orthodontist will have a well-designed website with a lot of information about their services and staff. The office staff should be pleasant and helpful when answering patient questions. In addition, the orthodontist should carry board certification and professional association memberships. A good dentist will explore multiple treatment options, allowing the patient to decide while offering helpful and professional recommendations.