Oral health is vital for everybody, but especially for children and adolescents. When small children begin to lose their baby teeth, it’s essential that their permanent teeth have the best health possible.
Adolescent oral health is also crucial. As children reach their adolescent years, their teeth begin to move into new positions. Sometimes this happens in response to wisdom teeth growth and others from genetic factors.
If you notice your child having issues with their teeth, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I find the best orthodontist near me?” Understandably, people want their children to receive the best care available. However, finding that expertise can be tricky.
Fortunately, that’s why we’re here! If you’ve been craving orthodontist tips, you can find them below in our orthodontist guide. Read on to learn how to find the best orthodontist near me!
Ask for Recommendations for the Best Orthodontist Near Me
For years, you’ve trusted your family dentist when he advised you on your child’s oral health. You made sure your child brushed their teeth the way the dentist showed. You listened when he said your kid should cut back on their soda and sweets after they got a cavity.
If your dentist has helped your kid so far, why not trust her expertise again? Ask your dentist for any orthodontist tips she may have. Most of the time, dentists have orthodontists they share patient records with.
As such, most dentists can quickly provide you with a recommendation for an orthodontist clinic. However, your dentist isn’t the only authority in this field.
If your child’s reached the age when they need braces, chances are you know other parents whose children go to orthodontists. If so, check with them to see how their orthodontic care has gone.
Talking with other parents can give you a more personal idea of how the orthodontist is with kids. They can tell you if the orthodontist is good at handling adolescents or about their payment plans. So, ask around to learn how your child’s dental care can go.
Research the Orthodontist Clinic
Once you get a few recommendations, spend some time researching the clinic(s) you hear about. After all, the doctors here will be working on your child’s mouth. Since they’re handling something important, you probably want to know a bit about them.
Nothing is off-limits when it comes to orthodontist clinic research. However, there are a few things you’d probably care about more than others.
For example, the first thing to check is that the orthodontist has the proper certification through the American Association of Orthodontists. Never take your child to a place that doesn’t have this.
Fortunately, you can trust your dentist not to refer you to an uncertified practice. As such, you probably won’t have to worry about going to an unreliable orthodontist clinic.
So, what’s the next thing to research? Once you know the clinic has its baseline certifications, investigate the education and experience of the orthodontists on staff.
How long have these orthodontists been in the business? Are they skilled veterans with a decade of experience, or are they fresh out of dental school?
Lastly, look into the treatments they offer. Do they only provide braces and retainers? What about alternative options like Invisalign?
Cost of an Orthodontist Clinic
Cost is the primary factor of orthodontic treatment that most parents worry about. After all, the best orthodontic care around doesn’t do much good if you can’t afford it!
So, how can you learn about pricing and payment plans? Usually, all you have to do is call your prospective clinics and ask. When you do, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, does this clinic accept your insurance? If so, what would that bring your payments down to?
Second, learn what types of payment plan the clinic provides. Hopefully, they offer a plan that works with your budget.
Third, ensure that the clinic is upfront about its prices. The last thing you want is for them to hit you with surprise bills at the end of an orthodontist appointment.
Finally, while an affordable price matters, remember that you get what you pay for. Don’t sacrifice your child’s oral health for a cheaper rate. Instead, spend time ensuring that you find a specialist who provides quality care that meets your budget.
Check the Facility’s Condition
At this stage, you’ve found out all that you can remotely. Now, it’s time to check out the facility firsthand.
Going to the orthodontist clinic yourself can bring significant peace of mind. Once there, you can decide if this seems like a trustworthy place.
So, what do you need to look for when you visit a clinic for the first time? You may notice several things but focus on answering these questions.
Does the environment look clean? Do you notice any stains or dinginess that make you nervous?
What about the staff? Do they seem friendly? How do they interact with patients and their families?
Finally, examine the equipment they use. Does it seem modern and reliable, or does it look like it belongs in 1973?
If you leave your visit with a pleasant impression of the staff and their operations, you’ve probably learned all you need. From here, you can decide whether you want to book an orthodontist appointment here for your child.
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you’ve wondered, “How can I find the best orthodontist near me?” follow these steps! Before long, you’ll likely find a reliable orthodontist who can meet your child’s health needs.
If you live in Massachusetts, these tips might lead you to us! We at ARCH Orthodontics have several orthodontist clinics around the state. Some of our locations include Bridgewater, Canton, Hyannis, Hyde Park, and others.
We have the experience and expertise to help your child. If we seem like a good fit to you, schedule an appointment with us today!
