Parent and Patient Guide to Selecting an Orthodontist – How to Choose an Orthodontist
Picking an Orthodontist for you and your family is among life's biggest decisions. Your smile and overall oral health will be enhanced forever if you take the time to research, study and discover more about orthodontics and the lifetime of advantages for you and your loved ones.
This guide is designed to assist you in learning the differences between orthodontics performed by an ORTHODONTIC Specialist, versus a General or Family Dentist. We will likewise educate you on exactly what dental concerns you need to ask the orthodontist whom you are considering for your family's care.
We will describe the different treatment choices today such as metal braces with colors, metal braces that 'self-ligate", clear braces, behind the teeth braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. ™.
Let's begin.
1. Exactly what is the difference in between an Orthodontist and a General Dentist when it concerns moving teeth and positioning braces or Invisalign ™?
An Orthodontist is a dentist first who then enters a residency program for an additional 2 to 3 years to specialize only in Orthodontics. A General Dentist may do some orthodontics or Invisalign ™ since they have taken a weekend course or several weekend workshops or online training. They are licensed to perform all kinds of dentistry, however mostly their proficiency is in corrective dentistry like crowns, bridges, fillings, cleanings and implants.
Since all an Orthodontic expert does is braces, they have the most experience and therefore are the most proficient of all dental practitioners to deliver remarkable orthodontic treatment outcomes.
2. How can I tell if the dentist I am seeing is an Orthodontic Specialist or a general/family dentist?
This is easy, as many offices will prominently display their business name, a logo, service card or letterhead that plainly mentions that they are SPECIALISTS in Orthodontics. Other things to try to find are the American Association of Orthodontics Logo and the American Board of Orthodontics Logo (only Orthodontic Specialists can be members of these associations.) Naturally, you can simply ask the receptionist, office manager or perhaps the doctor for verification.
3. Does the Orthodontist I am consulting with have experience with Early Interceptive Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children be seen at age 7 for an Orthodontic Evaluation. If your child has formally been referred to see an orthodontist at an early age by your dentist and even pediatrician, ensure the orthodontist you choose is experienced in treating patients who still have some baby teeth and do not yet have all their adult teeth.
50% of the time, Orthodontists do not start treatment until a patient has all of their adult teeth. If your child has crowded teeth, a narrow upper jaw, serious mouth breathing, a thumb or finger routine or over or underbite, all these problems need to and can be resolved early while she or he is still growing. Be sure to choose an Orthodontist who is proficient in early orthodontic treatment.
4. Does the practice have the most up-to-date orthodontic technology in their office?
In a modern, up-to-date and progressive ortho office, chances are that doctor is investing the time and money necessary to constantly upgrade and keep her or his practice and staff at the leading edge of modern-day orthodontics. Having a paperless office and digital x-rays helps for improved interaction with other dental specialists and physicians and enables you, the parent or patient, to access your info simply and efficiently and often remotely, offering greater convenience in managing your care and account.
Likewise crucial, is to make sure the Orthodontist you are seeing is utilizing the most up-to-date technology in patient care and treatment. The newer wires and braces can speed up treatment go and in some cases with less discomfort than with traditional treatment. The days of, “metal mouth,” and "tin grin," are in the past with smaller metal braces and clear, ceramic braces. The modern design of today’s braces can provide better treatment results and fewer visits to the Orthodontist office.
5. If you are seeking clear aligner treatment, is the Orthodontist experienced with this treatment modality to manage your case?
Your Orthodontist determines if you are a good candidate for successful clear aligner treatment such as Invisalign ™. The success of your results is dependent on your cooperation wearing the clear aligner trays for nearly 24 hours a day. The other critical factor to success with clear aligner orthodontic treatment is having an Orthodontist who takes the time to examine, diagnose and set up your case using appropriate software applications.
Many people believe that clear aligner treatments such as Invisalign ™ and ClearCorrect do all the work, however the truth is, they supply the software imaging and the manufacturing process. A qualified, licensed and experienced Orthodontist is needed to professionally manage and deliver a quality outcome.
6. Are there hidden costs or does the Orthodontist provide a comprehensive price that covers all of your visits, appliances, x-rays, pictures, retainers as well as retainer checks after treatment is finished?
Many Orthodontists will use a comprehensive cost that covers everything discussed above. Ensure before you sign any documentation, that there are no hidden fees for retainers, x-rays, photos or for extra clear aligners. If the practice does have separate fees for x-rays, photos or retainers, it ought to be clearly stated what those charges are from the beginning.
7. Does the practice offer interest-free, budget friendly, in-house payment plans?
A lot of Orthodontists will offer several funding alternatives consisting of an internal program as well as 3rd party funding. Orthodontics is probably the best long-term investment in dentistry today.
Most Orthodontists will work within your monthly budget plan to get payments that are budget-friendly and cost-effective for your family. Orthodontics is an investment in you and your child's future. Research studies have repeatedly shown the advantages both from a financial viewpoint (much better employment opportunities) in addition to increased self-esteem and self-confidence are tangible benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile.
Once you finish your treatment and have your stunning new smile, your retainers, which you use mainly in the evening, if worn daily are intended to and in most cases, can keep your teeth straight throughout your lifetime. Orthodontic treatment is one of the rare services that can provide life-long benefits. Patients who do not wear their retainers will experience tooth movement and possible relapse. So keep in mind to remember to wear your retainers. They are your insurance coverage policy on your brand-new smile.
There are primarily 4 types of braces to consider for treatment. Not every patient or bite problem is treatable with each type of braces. Your Orthodontist’s diagnosis will help determine the best and most appropriate treatment for you or your child.
METAL BRACES: These are the conventional braces that most people think of when they think about braces. They are commonly seen with brilliantly colored elastics that hold the main archwire to the metal brackets. Typically, these are popular with children under the age of 12.
Some metal braces have no ties and are referred to as, "self-ligating." As the name suggests, the wire is kept in place with a tiny metal door that is part of the bracket that is glued to the tooth. The door closes and keeps the archwire in place. During most visits, your Orthodontist will open the door and exchange the archwire for a new one. There are several "brand" names for these kinds of braces such as SPEED, Empower, Damon and In-Ovation, among others. They all work the exact same and in some cases, can accelerate treatment by 3 to 6 months.
CLEAR BRACES: These are generally constructed out of ceramic and can be "self-ligating" or need ties that are typically clear instead of vibrantly colored. Patients choose these types of braces when they want a less visible look. They work like the metal braces but sometimes cost a little more depending on the practice.
BRACES BEHIND THE TEETH BRACES: These are known as lingual braces (Incognito is one brand name). Very few Orthodontists offer lingual braces due to the, expense, time and expertise required in providing this treatment.
CLEAR ALIGNERS: These are clear, removable braces, aligners or trays that are used nearly 24 hours a day. They are only removed to eat and brush your teeth. They have the benefit of being removable, so it is simple to clean your teeth and eat whatever you want. They are also very comfortable to the lips, cheeks and tongue. The only downside is if you do not wear them the required time, you will not get the outcomes you see on the computer imaging that your Orthodontist prescribed for you. They are about the exact same cost as metal braces, but can be more expensive depending on the bite problem needing corrected.
