If you’re currently considering an investment in orthodontic care for either yourself or your children, then you might be figuring out just how difficult it can be to find a great orthodontist through basic Google searches.
The orthodontic team you hire will play a major role in terms of your treatment’s overall effectiveness and end aesthetics, so it’s crucial to take these hiring decisions very seriously. We’ve partnered up with Dr. James Karpac, an orthodontist dublin ohio, to develop this list of seven helpful tips for finding a great orthodontist.
So if you’re currently trying to find an orthodontist, check out the below tips to guide you toward the right doctor for you and your unique needs!
Dentist vs. Orthodontist
A lot of people in need of dental work get confused about the differences between dentists and orthodontists, so it’s important to know exactly what orthodontists do and what differentiates them from dentists.
Although many orthodontists are specialized dentists that can support patients with gum, teeth and mouth conditions, they generally help people with correcting jaw and teeth misalignments.
So if you need help straightening your teeth or correcting jaw misalignment, then orthodontists are the right oral health professional for you!
Different Types of Orthodontists
There are some orthodontists that fall within the pediatric field of the industry, so there are some differences between general orthodontists and pediatric orthodontists.
This is why you should always be sure to verify what treatments an orthodontist provides for both children and adult patients. Most orthodontists will support both children and adults, but you’ll want to hire a specialist that has many years of experience supporting all age brackets.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
It’s also a good idea to figure out which type of orthodontic treatment you want to receive, because there are many options available to patients nowadays.
Braces are often the standard option for both children and adults, but there are also many different types of braces to choose between.
Some of the most common orthodontic treatment options include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear braces
- Invisible aligners
A lot of people prefer invisible aligners because they’re a more subtle way to adjust your smile and misalignment. Metal braces are typically a better option for patients who need bite adjustments or need significant jaw re-alignment.
Treatment Costs
It’s no secret how orthodontic treatment tends to be pretty expensive. The average cost of braces is around $5,000-$6,000, so verifying pricing options among different orthodontic practices is always a good idea for your budget.
It’s also possible that you may need to pay even more if you choose invisible aligners or other corrective options. The good news is that you can receive a comprehensive estimate when you visit an orthodontist for an initial consultation appointment, and these appointments can also help you better figure out your insurance coverage as well.
Most orthodontists also provide financing options to make the cost of treatment more affordable, but pricing should be a top priority for parents and individuals looking for orthodontic treatment!
Board-Certified Orthodontic Experts
It’s also important to remember that not every orthodontist is board-certified, and that you should only hire board-certified industry experts. The American Board of Orthodontists offers a voluntary certification course for orthodontic experts to complete, and only some of them choose to take these courses.
Orthodontic experts who’ve become board-certified have subsequently proven that they have the expertise and knowledge to provide you with top-quality orthodontic treatment. This provides patients with the peace of mind that they’ll ultimately need to weed out any sub-par orthodontists throughout their local area.
Check Online Reviews
When you’re in the process of creating a shortlist of orthodontists to choose from, you should also take some time to look through each practice’s online patient reviews. Online reviews can provide invaluable information about what it’s like to work with any specific orthodontist, and you should always take negative reviews very seriously.
In general, you should only work with an orthodontist who has a positive reputation within your local community.
Follow-Up Orthodontic Care
It’s also a good idea to verify whether or not an orthodontist provides follow-up care once braces or invisible aligner treatment has ended.
Retainers are the most common type of follow-up care that orthodontists provide, but follow-up appointments are also important in order to ensure long-term treatment results.
Reach Out to JK Orthodontics When You Need an Orthodontist in Dublin, Ohio!
There are many ways that people can differentiate orthodontists from one another, and the above tips are a good starting point to help you initiate your local search.
One of the most experienced and highly-rated orthodontic experts in the Dublin, Ohio area is Dr. James Karpac of JK Orthodontics, and you can speak directly with Dr. Karpac when you go to the link located at the beginning of this article!