Though about four million people younger than age 18 wear braces, many patients neglect to visit an orthodontist to discuss treatment. If you’ve put it off, you might feel unsatisfied with the appearance of your smile. You’re not alone; many people who want to straighten their teeth are worried about beginning treatment.
Visiting your orthodontist in Middleburg can help you determine the best way to improve your smile. Make sure to avoid these 10 mistakes before and during your appointment, though. Otherwise, you might not receive the care you need.
Read on to prepare for your appointment today.
1. Not Prioritizing Experience
One of the biggest mistakes you can make before beginning orthodontic treatment is choosing the first orthodontist you find. There are almost 91,200 people employed in the US orthodontist industry. Some professionals have more hands-on dental experience than others, though.
You’re more likely to receive a higher standard of care from an experienced orthodontist.
Determine how long each orthodontist has worked in the industry by visiting their website or Healthgrades.com listing. When looking into their history, try to determine when they opened their practice. These orthodontists have experience treating patients and as business owners.
Visiting an established orthodontist’s practice is less likely to lead to issues regarding scheduling, insurance coverage, or billing. Instead, you can receive a higher standard of care from a professional, experienced team.
As you begin narrowing down your options for Middleburg or Cleveland orthodontics, consider the type of treatment you’re interested in. For example, you might consider:
- Clear aligners (such as Invisalign)
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
Look for an orthodontist who has experience offering the type of treatment you’re searching for. These professional orthodontists will have an easier time asking your questions about the treatment process. They can also make sure you avoid mistakes while receiving treatment that can cause delays.
2. Neglecting Credentials
Review each orthodontist’s credentials ahead of time. Consider:
- Where they went to school
- What degree they earned
- If they have a specialty
- If they continued their education
- What recent courses they’ve completed
An orthodontist with the necessary credentials won’t make mistakes when offering orthodontic treatment. They can also assess your orthodontic health to determine the best recommendations based on your needs. These orthodontists are more likely to customize your treatment plan.
3. Never Reading Reviews
Make sure you’re finding a Cleveland orthodontist other patients in the area love and trust. Read online reviews by visiting each practice’s:
- Better Business Bureau listing
- Website
- Google Business listing
Don’t rush to choose an orthodontist who has a five-star rating. Instead, read reviews from each site. Consider why locals love each orthodontist and practice.
For example, maybe the orthodontist offers extended hours to business professionals. Maybe they’re great at customizing treatment plans. Perhaps the practice is family-friendly, comfortable, and inviting.
When reading reviews, consider your needs, preferences, and concerns.
If you notice the same problems repeat between negative reviews, remove that practice from your list.
4. Choosing Based on Location
Some patients instantly choose an orthodontic practice because it’s near their home or office. A nearby practice won’t necessarily offer the services you’re looking for. The staff might lack the experience and expertise that ensures the best possible care, too.
Look at a few practices near your home, work, or child’s school. Try to narrow down your options from that list. Don’t choose a practice solely because it’s close, though.
5. Not Checking Services
Make sure to review the orthodontic services each practice offers before making your decision. If you don’t know what type of orthodontic treatment suits your needs, schedule a consultation appointment. Ask each orthodontist why they recommend that course of treatment.
Ask each orthodontist about the technology they use at their practice. Confirm the practice isn’t using outdated technology or equipment. If they’re using cutting-edge technology, confirm someone has the training to use it properly.
Try to find a practice that offers a range of services. If your entire family needs treatment, you won’t have to visit multiple practices.
6. Waiting to Start Treatment
Don’t wait to begin orthodontic treatment. If you have children, talk to their dentist to determine if they need treatment. It’s easier to begin treatment while they’re younger (and their jaws are still developing).
If you have crooked teeth, starting treatment right away can improve your oral health.
6. Never Meeting in Person
Schedule an in-person consultation with three local orthodontists before making a decision. Visiting them in person will help you gather information that’s not online.
Prepare a list of questions to ask ahead of time. Meeting them in person will help you determine if you’re comfortable with their demeanor.
7. Choosing Cheap Options
Ask more than one practice about the price of their orthodontic treatments. Determine if they accept your insurance as well.
Don’t choose the cheapest orthodontist in Middleburg. Instead, choose a professional orthodontist who will help you accomplish your goals.
8. Ignoring Dental Hygiene
Don’t ignore your oral health between appointments. Otherwise, food could get trapped between your metal braces or aligners. Your oral health could become more compromised, leading to decay or gum disease.
9. Not Following Instructions
Make sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. For example, if you begin Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to clean your aligners. You’ll also need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to avoid delays.
If your orthodontist restricts certain foods, don’t eat them. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods could damage your traditional metal braces.
10. Skipping Appointments
Keep up with your follow-up appointments. Follow-ups will ensure your treatment is on track.
If you begin treatment with metal braces, your orthodontist will need to tighten them. If you choose Invisalign, your orthodontist will provide new aligners every few weeks.
Visit an Orthodontist in Middleburg Today
Don’t let crooked teeth affect your appearance or oral health. Instead, visit an orthodontist in Middleburg right away. Avoid these mistakes before and during appointments to ensure you receive the care you need.
With help from your orthodontist, you can maintain straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
Ready to begin treatment? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.