Invisalign is one of the most popular lines of invisible braces around the world. These clear aligners sit over the teeth and apply the same gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth as more traditional braces. Because of their popularity, more and more orthodontists are starting to offer Invisalign at their offices. However, just because a business mentions it can provide the braces does not mean they are a certified Invisalign orthodontist.
Only individuals who have undergone extensive training and received a certification are able to use Invisalign effectively. Unfortunately, finding a certified Invisalign orthodontist can be hard. But there are a couple of things you can do to simplify your search and find the right provider of orthodontics treatment for you.
Do Your Research
There are no doubt plenty of orthodontists in your area who list Invisalign as one of their potential services on their website. However, if you want to find someone who will be able to give you high quality treatment, you should do your research.
The first characteristic you should look for is a dentist who has the proper education. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who pretend to be orthodontists but do not have the right education or credentials. Anyone you are interested in visiting should make it clear they have been certified by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Any orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists has passed the stringent requirements to join the organization. Among them are having graduated from a qualified dental school and being willing to adhere to certain professional standards and ethics.
One of the simplest ways to find this information is to do a quick online search. The majority of dental professionals list all of their qualifications and certifications on their websites. If your orthodontist is strangely vague about their qualifications and absent from any professional lists, look elsewhere.
Pay Attention to Their Invisalign Credentials
Just as you want to make sure your orthodontist has been cleared by the American Association of Orthodontists, you also want to take a look at their Invisalign credentials. The manufacturer of Invisalign offers its own educational courses and trainings to help educate orthodontists about the benefits and process of using the clear aligners.
When you want to best treatment, you need to pay attention to these Invisalign credentials in addition to general dental education. Usually, an orthodontist will say they have been Invisalign certified. However, if you want an experienced provider, look for someone who admits to being an Invisalign preferred or elite provider.
These individuals have not only received extra training, but also have years of experience with invisible braces and their intricacies. If you want an even greater professional, try to find someone with the title Preferred Elite Provider. This is the highest possible Invisalign rank, meaning you will get someone with maximum experience and skill.
An orthodontist’s Invisalign credentials should be visible on their website when they mention they are skilled with invisible braces.
If the professional you are interested in does not have a website, look elsewhere.
Don’t Go to a Provider Who Only Offers Invisalign
This suggestion might sound confusing at first, but it is focused entirely on your health. You might have decided upon Invisalign, but that doesn’t mean the system is right for you. You want to visit an orthodontist who will assess your oral health and do what is best for your teeth, gums, and jaw. If your orthodontist only has Invisalign as a service and refuses to suggest other methods, then they might be more concerned about making money than your health.
This does not mean orthodontists who suggest Invisalign are out to get you. However, if your orthodontist doesn’t even offer any other options, then they might have a separate motivation for prescribing treatment than your health.
Ask for Before and After Photos
Before receiving any type of care, it is natural to be curious about what you can expect from the treatment. If you are visiting an orthodontist who has expressed an interest in Invisalign, then ask to see some before and after photos.
Seeing physical evidence can help you determine whether or not the individual you are seeing is actually certified and experienced with the aligners. If the orthodontist does not have any pictures on file or refuses to give you any of the evidence mentioned above – such as their credentials – then leave.
Orthodontics treatment requires patience and skill, and you don’t want to see someone who is inexperienced. If the professional does supply photos, take a look at the quality of the smiles.
- Are they straight?
- Does the patient look happy with their results?
- Are there any outstanding orthodontic issues which have not been addressed?
These questions can help you determine if the orthodontist is qualified enough for you.
Consider Broadening Your Search Area
If you are struggling to find a certified Invisalign provider, there are still a couple of things you can do. One of the most important is broadening your search area. While you don’t want to drive several hours to get treatment, you can leave your neighborhood and visit a larger city near you to find a Preferred or Elite Invisalign provider.
One of the positives of orthodontic care is not having to visit the office every week. Instead, appointments are spaced out across several months. As long as you schedule enough time to reach your orthodontist, choosing to broaden your search area can help you find the qualified professional of your dreams.
Conclusion
If you are interested in Invisalign in Philadelphia, it is important to find a qualified professional who will not only offer the right treatment for you, but will also be able to care for your smile throughout the entire process. While finding an Invisalign certified orthodontist might seem tough, these are a couple of simple steps you can follow to narrow down your search, identify professionals, and ensure you receive the best treatment possible.
Don’t take chances when it comes to dental orthodontics. Do your research and you will be pleased with the results.
