Last Update: 25 Jan 2022
There are so many decisions when it comes to getting orthodontic treatment. Not only do you need to decide on what type of treatment to get, you need to pick a provider. Choosing the right provider is essential for the most effective treatment. If you have done some initial research and you are sold on the idea of Invisalign instead of traditional metal braces, then you need to find an orthodontist who is experienced in Invisalign treatment. Don’t be afraid to take some time and really research your options. It is major investment of time and money and you don’t want to take it lightly.
Consider these top things to avoid when searching for “Invisalign near me“:
Avoid Invisalign Providers that are NOT Credentialed
The education and training of an orthodontist can tell a lot about whether or not you can trust him or her to provide you with effective treatment. Make sure you choose an orthodontist that is a member of The American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontists who have this credential come from fully accredited dental schools and follow a strict code of ethics and professionalism.
Avoid Choosing an Orthodontist that is NOT an Invisalign Preferred or Elite Provider
For the best results with Invisalign, you should choose an orthodontist in Philadelphia or Hatboro who is very experienced in this type of treatment. The more experience they have with this system, they better they will be able to handle any complications that might come up during your treatment. Only consider orthodontists that are considered an Invisalign preferred or elite provider.
Avoid Orthodontists Who don’t Offer you a Free Consultation
It is hard to know if an orthodontist is right for you without actually meeting with him or her and getting a feel for the office and staff. How the staff treat you as well as how clean and technologically up-to-date the office is can also play a role in your decision. Sometimes it can take a couple of consultations for you to find the right provider so if an orthodontist is not willing to allow you to come in for a free consultation then all your alarms should be going off? And you should be asking yourself, what could they be hiding and do they really have my best interests at heart?
Avoid Orthodontists who do NOT have a Website
In today’s day and age, it is rare for any company or medical establishment to not have a website. An established website makes it easier for you as a patient to get information and contact the staff. If it is hard to find information about a particular orthodontist in an internet search, then they might be not the best choice for you.
Avoid an Orthodontist who Refuses to Show you Before and After pictures of Patients
Orthodontists skilled at what they do are proud of the results they are able to give their patients and will have no problem showing them to you. You are entrusting your oral health to this person, so he needs to give real evidence of their skill and expertise.
Avoid an Orthodontist who only does Invisalign Treatments
While you of course want someone who is an expert in Invisalign if that is the route you are taking, you should also make sure that your orthodontist is skilled in other techniques as well. You want an orthodontist who can look at the bigger picture and be able to suggest the best option out of all the available techniques. You also want someone who makes a point to stay current on all cutting edge techniques in the field of orthodontic care.
Avoid an Orthodontist who isn’t Active in the Local Dentistry Community
Caring about the greater good and being a team player are important qualities that your Invisalign provider should have. Do they collaborate with general and pediatric dentists to provider better dental care to the local community? You want to pick an Invisalign who is passionate about their vocation and is not just in it for the money.
Avoid an Orthodontist whose Office makes You Feel Uncomfortable
Although the skill of your Invisalign provider is of utmost importance, there are other important things you need to look for. Any office that is not clean and sanitary should of course send off warning flags. And you want the office to be equipped with the most up-to-date technology. You don’t want to walk into the office and feel like you stepped back into the 1970s.
The attitude of the staff and of the dentist himself is also important. Are they welcoming and friendly? Do they put you at ease and try to answer all your questions? This is a big commitment and you don’t want to spend all that time in a place and among people who don’t make you feel comfortable.
Avoid an Orthodontist who does NOT have Flexible Payment Options
Orthodontic treatments are not cheap and not all insurance companies cover it or maybe they only cover half. Unless you are independently wealthy, how you are going to pay for your Invisalign treatment is a concern so it is important to choose a provider that understands this and is willing to work with you on a flexible payment plan. The orthodontist staff should also be willing to help guide you through the process of filing a claim with your insurance company.
These are nine important things to avoid when searching for Invisalign in Hatboro or Philadelphia. The most important thing to do is to take the time for research and to go on a couple of free consultations. You will never really have a good feel for an orthodontist unless you go in and talk with him one on one. Also, it is a good idea to ask for referrals not only from family and friends but from your regular dentist and from the orthodontists you are interested in. If they are as successful as they say they are, they should have no problem offering current and former patients who can speak highly about them.
The bottom line is that this is your decision so don’t be afraid to get the answers you need to make a confident choice in your orthodontic care.
