How to Choose the Right Orthodontist

Long Beach, CA – Orthodontic treatment is a big step in your life, and we know that you want to be sure you’ve placed your smile in the hands of the right orthodontist. So, with all of the orthodontists to choose from, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one?

The American Board of Orthodontists offers a great set of guidelines to use to help you find the best care possible. We’ve added some additional thoughts to create this guide to finding the right orthodontist for you.

1. Begin by researching the names of orthodontists in your city. For example if you live in Long Beach, search Long Beach Orthodontist, etc. This will probably bring up a pretty large list, depending on where you live, and we know that can be overwhelming. This is a good time to turn to your village – who do your family, friends, and dentist recommend? 
2. Take the top names you’ve compiled and do a bit of further research. Begin by checking to be sure the names are true orthodontists, and not just dentists who may provide a bit of orthodontic treatment in their offices. This is an important distinction to ensure you receive expert care. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. After graduating dental school, a dentist must complete additional years of training to receive his/her specialty certification in orthodontics. 
3. Check to see if any of the orthodontists on your list are board certified. This means your orthodontist has gone a step even further to demonstrate that they are dedicated to the highest ideals of orthodontic treatment. Only 20% of orthodontists are board certified, and while board certification is voluntary, it shows the orthodontist is committed to providing exceptional care.
4. Schedule consultations. The best way to determine if you’ve found the right orthodontist for you is to meet the orthodontist and his or her staff. Initial consultations are complimentary, so you don’t have to worry about cost when scheduling a meet and greet. Visiting the office in person is important to ensure that you feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued as a potential patient. Sometimes, a practice may have everything perfect on paper, but when you visit, if just isn’t a great fit. That’s okay – you should be looking not only for a well-trained orthodontist who can provide expert care, but for one who will ensure you are comfortable every step of the way. You should feel comfortable with each member of your orthodontic team. 
5. Don’t let costs sway you. Orthodontic treatment may vary some in cost, but we urge you not to choose an orthodontist based on the lowest price alone. If one orthodontist offers a treatment plan at a significantly lower cost than other orthodontists you’ve spoken with, you may want to stop and ask why that may be. Do they use inferior products? Are their results sub-par? Do they not have the experience and knowledge the other orthodontists might? You also want to evaluate the environment of the orthodontic office—if they are seeing a high volume of patients, customer service may be compromised and treatment offered at a reduced fee. For all of these reasons listed, be sure you are choosing the most well-trained orthodontist first, rather than looking at cost alone. There are many options to help assist you in the cost of orthodontic treatment, so don’t let cost dictate your orthodontic choices. 

For most patients, their relationship with their orthodontist is going to last on average 18-24 months. You’ll visit the orthodontist every few weeks, so you want to be sure you’ve chosen someone who is not only well-trained, but who makes you feel like a valued member of their orthodontic family. At HD Orthodontics, we work incredibly hard to establish lasting relationships with every patient we treat. We know there are many options when it comes to orthodontists, but we hope our care speaks for itself. Discover the HD Orthodontics difference today!