Orthodontists are specialists in the dental field who work with adults and children to correct problems with teeth and their alignment. There are some crucial things one must keep in mind when it comes to finding the best orthodontist for you and your family.
Below are eight essential factors to consider:
1) Check Their Experience
Orthodontists who have a lot of experience with different braces and treatments can provide you with the best possible care. They will also be competent to answer any questions you may have about your treatment. It is also advisable to check their academic background to ensure they are qualified to treat your orthodontic needs.
In addition, experienced orthodontists tend to have the latest equipment and treatments available at their disposal. This will ensure that you get the most effective care possible. Some orthodontists will likely have a team of specialists (such as prosthodontists) if you need any additional care.
2) Are they Certified by ABO
When looking for an orthodontist, it is important to check their certifications. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only organization that certifies orthodontists in the United States. Board-certified orthodontists have completed an additional two-year training program beyond dental school. They also need to pass a rigorous exam. Board certification shows that an orthodontist is a specialist in the field and has met the highest standards.
Bear in mind that the board certification is purely voluntary. Those who are board-certified are called Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
3) Check the Acceptability of Dental Insurance
There are quite a few dental insurance programs available in Palo Alto, including Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) out-of-network, Indemnity, etc. Check first whether or not the dentist takes your dental insurance. If your insurance is accepted, you'll likely have to pay a lower out-of-pocket cost for your braces or treatment.
Some offices may have a staff member responsible for handling insurance claims, while others may require you to speak with the billing department. If you are unsure whom to contact, just ask the receptionist. Once you have determined whether or not the orthodontist accepts your insurance, you need to find out what services are covered. (Many fail to do this!)
4) Ask for Patients' Before-and-After Photos
Before-and-After photos are often used to assess the quality of service provided by orthodontists. Many orthodontists keep these photos on file so that potential patients can see the results of treatments provided by him/her.
This is because such pictures provide a visual representation of how a patient's teeth have changed since starting treatment. These photos make it possible to determine whether the orthodontist has successfully achieved the desired results and whether he met the patient's goals.
And it will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to use the orthodontist's services.
5) Inquire About the Dental Equipment They Use
When you go in for your orthodontic consultation, ask your orthodontist what dental equipment they use. It's important to know because it can give you an idea of their level of professionalism. High-quality dental equipment is important for providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
For example, a cone-beam CT scanner allows 3D imaging of your teeth and jaws. This is important for planning treatment and ensuring that everything is perfect before starting.
Also, the latest orthodontic devices have precision engineering, ergonomic design, and intuitive operation. These features make the equipment more comfortable and easier to use, which leads to better results for the patient. So if you're looking for an orthodontist, be sure to ask about their dental equipment. You'll be glad you did.
6) Convenient Location
When looking for an orthodontist, it is important to consider convenience. Established orthodontists usually have offices in bustling locations, such as shopping malls. This makes it easy for you to get to your appointments without taking time off work.
Also, it will save you time and the hassle in the long run. Orthodontists with offices near you will be more likely to have convenient hours. This is important if you work or have other obligations during the day.
7) Easy Payment Plans
Orthodontists often offer payment plans to help patients afford the cost of braces/treatments. Some orthodontists offer interest-free payment plans that allow patients to spread the cost of braces over a while.
For example, CareCredit is a popular payment plan that many orthodontists accept in North America. It offers interest-free financing for up to 12 months. This makes it easy for you to get the care you need without breaking the bank. Ask the orthodontist you intend to get treatment from about the payment plans available at his office.
8) Online Reviews
Looking for the right orthodontist can be a daunting task. You want someone competent and experienced but also someone you feel comfortable with. One way to assess this is to check online reviews.
Orthodontists often have websites where you can read about their practice, reviews (only good ones, though), their philosophy, and see before-and-after photos of their patients. But don't stop there! Check independent review websites like Yelp or Angie's List and narrow down the results by Palo Alto to see what others are saying about your “favorite” orthodontist.
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