An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in treating patients with improper positioning and irregularities of the teeth. This is commonly performed by placing braces on misaligned teeth in order to coax the teeth into proper alignment. In addition to traditional metal braces, however, there are a number of other methods that today’s orthodontists use to create straighter and more beautiful smiles. Due to the variety of treatment options available to those in need of orthodontia, there are a few tips that should be kept in mind when choosing an orthodontist.
The first thing you should consider is the quality of the orthodontist. Although you may not be able to gauge the quality of his or her expertise and care prior to utilizing the orthodontist’s services, you can do some research that can help you determine a bit about the orthodontist’s reputation for excellence. For example, the first thing you should do is ask people you know that have undergone orthodontic treatment to provide you with their own personal recommendations and advice. This is often one of the best ways to find a good orthodontist. If you trust the person’s judgment – and you like the look of their teeth – it will give you a pretty good indication of what you can expect from the orthodontist.
In addition to the orthodontist’s level of expertise, you also want to make sure that you feel well cared for and comfortable with not only the orthodontist, but his or her staff as well. Orthodontic treatment typically spans a few years, with a good deal of regularly scheduled visits required, so you should make sure you feel welcome and comfortable with the overall patient experience. Even if an orthodontist has extensive training, your experience may not be a positive one if you don’t find that he or she treats you well .
Another consideration is the type of orthodontic treatments that are offered. Different orthodontists offer different treatment options to their patients, so it is important to find a professional that will provide you with a number of treatment options – or at least the orthodontic option you are seeking, if you know what that is. For example, many orthodontists now offer options such as Invisalign or other clear aligner systems as an alternative to metal braces for re-aligning teeth. This is an increasingly popular option for adults seeking orthodontic treatment, and the system is also available to teens, although not all orthodontists offer it as an option.
Of course, convenience is a consideration that many people will evaluate when choosing an orthodontist. This type of treatment generally requires regularly scheduled visits, typically as often as every 4 – 6 weeks over the course of 1 – 3 years, so convenience is a big factor in selecting the right professional. This factor can account for anything from where the practice is located to what the dentist’s office hours are.
Finally, a big consideration for most people involves the cost of treatment. Treatment costs can vary considerably from dentist to dentist, and may also vary based on the proposed treatment that each orthodontist recommends for the patient’s specific needs. In some cases, the treatment is not covered by insurance or is only partially covered, so cost becomes a big factor in the decision making process.
For more information about the services we offer related to orthodontics in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
