Crooked teeth can be an embarrassment and something that can really affect your confidence. Some people constantly find themselves covering their mouths during pictures and critiquing the ones in which they didn’t. Some people will practice speaking without opening their mouths too wide, so they can hide their teeth. If you’re tired of taking all these extra precautions in order to limit attention to your teeth, then maybe its time to do something about it? So you’ve made the decision, you want to get braces. If you live in Philly, most people start by searching Google for an “Orthodontist in Philadelphia“.
Then the question begins…How do you choose the right orthodontist? No matter where you’re from, from Boston to Philadelphia, you’ll need to take the same precautions for finding the right orthodontist.
Ask for advice
Try asking someone you know for advice. Whether a family member, friend, or coworker, if they’ve had a positive experience they’ll be sure to recommend their orthodontist. It makes a big difference to see the work the dentist has done and you can judge it by their pearly whites. Your friend or family member can also give you an idea of pricing.
While most dentists may not have the special training in order to be orthodontists themselves, most are likely to have worked with one at some point. Your dentist would surely prefer to work with and recommend the best that they can find, making this is a great way to find an orthodontist who delivers high quality. Even better, ask them which orthodontist worked on their own children’s teeth.
Are they accredited?
Once you’ve had a couple referrals, its time to do some homework. Thanks to the Internet, you can find out a lot about the Orthodontist without having to step into an office. Make sure to find out about their educational background, where they went to school and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they’ve had. You can easily find out the accreditation of these programs and also what they specialize in. If you live near a great school, this can be doubly easy. For example, residents of Philadelphia have the luck of being next to two great Orthodontic programs including UPenn’s and Temple University’s. Also check with the American Association of Orthodontics; make sure he or she is a licensed member of the association. This ensures that they remain up-to-date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures. It’s also a great place to find an Orthodontist in your area if your referrals weren’t promising. You can check out a list of accredited orthodontists on their website.
Is this doctor the right fit?
When you’re trying to find an orthodontist, keep in mind that you will be committed to that one for years. Don’t be afraid to look around. Most first consultations are free so it does little to affect your wallet. We know nobody likes going to the dentist, but the right orthodontist can completely change your experience from a negative one to a positive one. You’ll want an orthodontist that meets your individual needs so check out their chair-side manner. Make sure that you feel like they’re really paying attention to your concerns. How does the staff measure up? Are they friendly and informative? You’ll want an environment that is not only clean, but also inviting. Otherwise you’ll have two things to dread with each procedure. By checking with multiple orthodontists you will not only be able to choose one that heightens the experience but it’s also a great way to compare techniques, cost, and experience.
Do they use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques?
With modern orthodontics you can leave that metal gear behind. Make sure the orthodontist is using the most recent innovations concerning orthodontics. This will ensure that you’re getting the best for your teeth and having the most comfortable experience. This is especially true if you are planning on using Invisalign. Invisalign ensures that getting straight teeth won’t affect your social life. With Invisalign, you’re braces will be almost invisible. It’s an option to consider if you’re an adult or teen. If you’re going the metal route, make sure Dr. Gemmi and Dr. Middleberg uses accelerated orthodontics, that will improve your comfort and speed of moving the teeth. The right equipment can shorten the time and appointments of your procedure. If you’re orthodontist isn’t certified in the latest orthodontic trends, you might be exposed to more pain and for a longer period of time than really necessary.
How flexible is Dr. Gemmi and Dr. Middleberg?
Be sure to check out office hours. Many orthodontic practices have limited office hours. Some orthodontists even only offer appointments at one of their many locations on a particular day of the week. If you’re working, you might have to take a day off in order to bring yourself or your teen in. Depending on your situation, this might not be the most convenient for you. You’ll need to make sure that the Orthodontist will be able to fit your schedule. If you’re a last minute person, you might even want to find an Orthodontist who is able to schedule your appointments on the same day. Consider the orthodontist’s availability when choosing the right provider, though don’t use this as your sole basis for choosing Dr. Gemmi and Dr. Middleberg.
Common Questions:
When you meet with each dentist, make sure to prepare a list of questions before hand. Here are some great questions to ask them to make sure you get the full scope of the situation:
- What is their recommended treatment? Each orthodontist might have a different way for approaching the situation.
- What are complications that might arise after the treatment? It’s important to know what you should expect in case your need to prepare for it.
- How long will the process take and how frequent are the visits?
- What are the office hours?
- How long has the orthodontist been in practice? Experience is key in finding an orthodontist that will do the right work.
- How much does the treatment cost? Orthodontic procedures can vary by thousands so its important to get a price that is fair. Some orthodontists even offer a payment plan.
- Do they specialize in one kind of treatment over another?
If you still can’t decide? We highly recommend that you choose an orthodontist that has top 1% elite status with Invisalign and is 2014 Top Dentist according to Philly Mag.
