Many times when people begin their journey of finding an orthodontist, it starts with an online search for the best “orthodontist near me.” This is a good place to start to get an idea of how many orthodontists are in your area, and you might be able to eliminate some simply by reading online reviews. However, online reviews shouldn’t be the only thing that shapes your decision when selecting an orthodontist. We’ve discussed some of the important points you should be looking at when choosing an “orthodontist near me.”
What To Look For In An Orthodontist
One of the most important factors to look for when searching for an “orthodontist near me” is how long the facility has been established. This is often more important than the individual orthodontist themselves for various reasons. If the company has been around for many years, then you might feel more confident working with a lesser-experienced orthodontist since there’s likely a very experienced orthodontist supervising them. But of course, the more experience the individual orthodontist has, the higher the likelihood is of you having a great experience wearing braces.
When searching for an “orthodontist near me,” be sure to look at the details of their education and experience rather than just looking to ensure they have both. You will often find general dentist offices that offer orthodontics, but they never went through specialized training to become an orthodontist. What you want to look for is whether the orthodontist is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists. This will tell you how actively engaged they are in new processes and technology and how passionate they are about their job.
Openness And Honesty Can Lead To A Great Experience
Some characteristics you might not be able to find online when searching for an “orthodontist near me” is how open and honest they are with you throughout the process. If it’s your first time getting braces you’ll likely have a lot of questions. If the orthodontist doesn’t seem like they know the answers or don’t answer your questions clearly, it might be a sign that you need to work with a different one.
Your orthodontist should volunteer information without you having to ask so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. This is particularly true if you’re a parent taking your child to get braces. Your orthodontist should earn the trust of your child by being honest with them and being assuring through their actions that they have the best interests of your child in mind.
Take Note Of The Technology Used
Technology is constantly evolving in every industry, and orthodontics is no different. You might have a general opinion about braces and the process involved, but those opinions could be based on past technology. When looking for an “orthodontist near me,” ask about the technology they use and consider doing some research on your own as well. If the orthodontist you’re talking to is stuck with using old procedures from many years ago, you might not be getting the best experience possible.
Observe The Staff Members
It is sometimes easy for an orthodontist to be nice and friendly to patients but treat staff members differently. When you’re in the orthodontist’s office, take a few moments to observe the staff members and their interactions with one another, patients, and the orthodontists themselves. The overall feel of the office environment can make you feel more or less comfortable with choosing an “orthodontist near me.” When you get the general sense that everyone loves their job and respects one another, you can feel more confident that everything will go smoothly for you. This includes everything from the process of getting your braces put on to the billing procedures and everything in between.
When you do an initial search for an “orthodontist near me,” it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the number of results presented. Choosing the right orthodontist is important and requires some time and effort to ensure you make the right decision. Focus on developing a relationship with your orthodontist when you interview them. If it feels like you have to work too hard to relate to them or something doesn’t feel right, then move on to other options. This is a person you will visit regularly during the time you’re wearing braces so you’ll have a much better experience overall if you feel comfortable talking to them. This comfort can lead to trust and having the right mindset when wearing braces.