How to Find the Best Orthodontist Near Me
Where do I find the best orthodontist near me? This question can be both difficult and overwhelming to answer. Whether you want to improve your smile, fix a bite problem, or straighten your teeth, there are many things to consider when choosing an orthodontist in your area. This article will help you identify questions to ask orthodontists so that you can find the right one for you!
Know why you need braces
Before looking for an orthodontist, it’s important to know why you need braces. Do you want straighter teeth? Are your teeth crowded together? Do you have gaps between your teeth? Have you had a previous orthodontic procedure that was unsuccessful or that hasn’t lasted? By fully understanding what you’re hoping for from braces, it will be easier to find an orthodontist who can deliver results. Make sure that you ask plenty of questions so that your expectations are in line with what an orthodontist can do for you and vice versa. And it never hurts to get a second opinion.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
In order to find a great orthodontist, you needn’t put your research on hold for fear of offending someone. If there’s anything about a Raleigh Family Orthodontics practice that concerns you, don’t be afraid to ask questions—in fact, it’s always better if you do. After all, you want to know more about what will happen and how much it will cost before making any decisions. A good orthodontist will have no problem answering your questions and ensuring that they are being forthright with their answers. In most cases, getting braces is a major financial commitment and any time spent helping you understand what’s involved is time well spent.
Ask friends or family members
Friends and family may know a great orthodontist in your area. You can also ask around at your favorite local businesses—most likely, they’ll have heard of their fair share of orthodontists nearby. A quick search on Yelp will also provide you with some suggestions. As a last resort, you can always perform an internet search. The web is filled with reviews and recommendations for nearly any topic or product you could imagine—so it’s no surprise that there are dozens of websites dedicated to helping people find good local dentists, including Yelp, HealthGrades and Angie’s List.
Where are they located?
In order to find a great orthodontist, you need look no further than your local listings. If you have an address, zip code or city in mind, try looking up what is nearby and going from there. When it comes to choosing your orthodontist, location can make all of the difference. Asking friends and family for referrals is also a good way to go; their firsthand experience will be invaluable when it comes time for a consultation. Once you’ve got yourself a short list of potential candidates, schedule an appointment at each location and compare notes on service quality and overall experience. These are factors that will play into price later down the line as well—so don’t forget about them!
What kind of reputation do they have?
When you’re looking for an orthodontist near me, you want one with a great reputation. Finding one should be easy—just look for reviews. The Internet is chock-full of patient reviews about local orthodontists, so take advantage of it by finding out what people have said about their treatment. You can also ask friends and family members if they know any good orthodontists; chances are that if they had a positive experience, they’ll be happy to recommend them to you! Just don’t be too quick to trust these recommendations; after all, everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to dental care.
Are they friendly and professional?
How can you tell if your dentist is competent and caring? When you look at their facilities, what kind of equipment do they have? Do they smile and welcome you into their offices? These are all things to keep in mind when finding an orthodontist. It’s also important that they listen to you carefully and that they make sure you understand everything before agreeing on a treatment plan. If there are any doubts or worries, address them early on, so as not to create a bad relationship between yourself and your doctor. Also consider how long your dentist has been practicing. For example, it’s probably not a good idea to trust your teeth with someone who is still in training!
What type of payment do they accept?
Before you begin your search for an orthodontist, it’s important to decide what type of payment you want. The most common forms of payment are cash, check, credit card and financing through an orthodontic office. Read your contract carefully if you choose financing. Your interest rate and monthly payments could be higher than other types of financing from a bank or other outside source. If possible, it is also a good idea to find out how many terms are allowed for orthodontic treatment and ask about any additional fees that might be charged as well. For example, some offices may charge you extra if you miss a payment or show up late for your appointments.
Is it possible to get a free consultation?
Most orthodontists offer free consultations. This is often a good idea for first-time patients, as it gives them a chance to meet with you and go over your case in more detail, decide whether they think they can help you, and make sure that you feel comfortable with them before you commit to an appointment. It also gives them an opportunity to evaluate your smile and talk about how orthodontic treatment could improve it. The vast majority of orthodontists will be happy to give you a free consultation, so don’t be afraid to ask! If anyone ever tries to charge you for one, run!
Will you see the same doctor each time?
Whether you’re seeing an orthodontist or a dentist, it can be comforting to develop a relationship with your doctor. Some patients prefer not to see rotating doctors—especially when they’re receiving treatment for something as permanent as braces. To find a great doctor, use your network of friends and family for recommendations; you’re more likely to get an honest opinion from them than from strangers on social media or Yelp.
Do they take your insurance?
If your health insurance covers orthodontic treatment, that’s a huge plus—you won’t have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket for braces. Before you start looking for an orthodontist, check with your insurance company to see what types of orthodontic treatments are covered and if there are any in-network specialists. If you’re paying out of pocket, it’s still worth asking about costs up front—most orthodontists have payment plans. If you choose an in-network specialist, they may also be willing to work within your budget. At a minimum, bring along a recent prescription from your dentist so they can match what type of braces are right for you.