How to Choose an Orthodontist

Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. You might have an irregular bite that interferes with eating and chewing, or might suffer from symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TJD). You might need to correct teeth that are spaced irregularly or you might wish to perfect your smile.  No matter what kind of treatment you're looking for, you must choose your orthodontist with care. That's because orthodontic treatment can not only be very expensive, but may also continue over a period of weeks and months.

The best way to find a good orthodontist is to ask your general dentist, who will make a recommendation for you. Typically, dentists tend to have a professional relationship with particular orthodontists to who he refers all his patients.  You could ask your friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors, for recommendations.  Orthodontic treatment is very common these days, and these people will likely have suggestions for you.  These people will be more than willing to relate stories of their good and bad experiences with orthodontists. This valuable information can help you separate the good orthodontists from the ones who might have a history of botching treatments, and can help you make a better selection. If you come across a person wearing braces, talk to him or her and find out about his/her orthodontic experience. 

The most highly experienced and skilled orthodontists can be found via the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a prestigious organization that accepts only orthodontic specialists as members. Also approach the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).  The most skilled orthodontics voluntarily opts for board certification in order to fine tune their skills, and gain knowledge.  These two organizations also require orthodontists to continuously update their knowledge, learn about the latest developments in their area of expertise, and stick to ethical standards.

Contacting your dental insurance company is also a good way of finding qualified orthodontists. State boards of dentistry, are also great sources of information. These boards will have a website, and it should be easy to contact them and find an orthodontist.

Ideally, your orthodontist must be located close to your home or office. His/her working hours should coordinate well with whatever free time you have to fix an appointment.  Your orthodontist's timings should be convenient to you, because you don’t want to miss out on important orthodontic sessions because of lack of time.

Before actually choosing an orthodontist, meet at least four or five or them and consult with them independently. Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions.

• What does the orthodontist think about your dental condition?
• What sort of treatment plan does he recommend?
• How much does he charge?
• Is the staff courteous and experienced?
• Would the orthodontist treat you himself or would they he let his less experienced assistants treat you?

Find out answers to all these questions before you make your final decision.
 
Orthodontic care can cost a lot of money. If you need treatment, but cannot afford orthodontic care, consider requesting pro bono treatment, which many experienced orthodontists are happy to offer.  Orthodontic treatment is also available at dental schools, which charge only a small percentage of the standard fees. Experienced practitioners supervise the entire treatment process, ensuring that clients get the best possible care.