What to Consider When Choosing an Invisalign Provider in Long Beach CA

Long Beach, CA – There are many options when it comes to choosing a provider for Invisalign treatment. Many dental practices, in addition to orthodontists, are now offering Invisalign. So, how can you be sure you’re choosing the best provider for your care? Dr. Heather Desh of HD Orthodontics has some tips.

You should never trust your smile to just anyone. Your smile, after all, is one of the first things that people notice when they look at you. And, if you’ve spent years hiding a smile you aren’t proud of, you deserve treatment from the best. Dr. Desh recommends looking for the following things when deciding on a provider:

1. Education. While more dentists are offering services like Invisalign in their offices, it is important to note that general dentists are not orthodontists. Both dentists and orthodontists start in the same place – dental school. However, after dental school, an orthodontist completes 2-3 more years of residency training, or specialized training and education in orthodontics. This training provides education and experience in the movement of teeth and growth of jaw bones. For many people, it can be confusing to know whether your dentist has a specialty certification, so we usually recommend looking on the practice website to find information about the doctor’s prior training and credentials, or asking a staff member. Do not assume that just because the doctor offers Invisalign, that he or she is an orthodontist.
2. Experience. An orthodontist does one thing day in and day out – perfects bites and straightens smiles. An orthodontist’s entire day is dedicated to braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic appliances. A dentist, on the other hand, spends the majority of their days focused on oral health and a broader scope of dental issues. That means providing cleanings, fillings, aesthetic dental work (i.e. veneers, crowns, etc) and other treatments that focus on the health of your mouth. While some dentists have experience using Invisalign for correction of mild dental malocclusions, more complex orthodontic malocclusions are best handled by an orthodontic specialist.
3. Board Certification. In addition to the differences in training between a dentist and an orthodontist, another important differentiator is board certification. Dr. Desh recommends looking for a board-certified orthodontist on the American Board of Orthodontics website. Board certification signifies that the orthodontist is committed to excellence and providing the best possible care for their patients.
4. Technology. The orthodontic world sees great improvements in technology, just as the rest of the world does. So be sure the practice you choose opts to stay at the forefront of this technology. Look for things like intraoral scanners, 3D imaging, 3D printing and digital X-rays to make sure your treatment is as efficient and as comfortable as possible.
5. Reviews and Results. Ask friends, family members, community forums as well as your dentist, for recommendations. You can also turn to websites such as Google and Yelp for reviews. We also recommend looking at the provider’s website and social media pages (i.e. Facebook and Instagram) to see if they have before and after photos. If there are no photos available online, don’t be afraid to ask to see photos of actual patients in the office who have received treatment, particularly cases that are similar to your own.
6. Comfort. Experience and education are less important if you aren’t comfortable with the practitioner and staff. You’ll be spending a lot of time together over the course of your treatment, so it’s equally as important to choose a practice where you feel welcomed and valued.
7. Cost. While cost should never be the sole deciding factor, it is a consideration. Speak to the practice about costs associated with treatment and have a clear understanding of what your portion of those costs would be. Ask their financial staff about insurance coverage, as well as what in-house financing options are available to you.

Making the decision to begin orthodontic treatment is the first step. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Take the time to research providers in your area so that you can rest easy knowing your smile is well cared for.

Dr. Heather Desh is a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. She graduated from one of only two Ivy League dental schools, The University of Pennsylvania and completed her orthodontics residency training at Temple University School of Dentistry. Dr. Desh is dedicated to providing exceptional care that puts you in the center. If you’re ready to discover the HD Orthodontics difference, schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 562-283-6590.