There are now over 87,000 professionals and 12,000 businesses in the US orthodontics industry. If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Middleburg, OH, you need a plan. Otherwise, you might find an orthodontist who lacks experience or the services you need.
Here are a few tips you can use when choosing an orthodontist. With this helpful guide, you can find a knowledgeable professional before seeking dental care.
Read on to learn how to find an orthodontist you can trust today!
Talk to Friends
Simplify your search by speaking with people who were once in your position. Talk to friends, family members, and coworkers who have lived in Middleburg for a few years. Ask if they can recommend a local orthodontist.
If you can, speak with anyone who received orthodontic dental care first. Try to speak with anyone who requested the procedure (braces, Invisalign, etc.) you’re considering, too.
Have a list of questions you want to ask prepared ahead of time. Asking questions about their experience with each orthodontist can help you gather information from firsthand accounts. The information they provide likely isn’t available online.
For example, you might consider asking:
- Where is the practice located
- Is the orthodontist experienced
- What treatment did you request
- What did the treatment process entail
- Are you satisfied with the outcome of the procedure
- Did you experience problems with the orthodontist
- How much did the procedure cost
Learning more about the procedure you’re interested in can help you maintain realistic expectations. Asking questions about the orthodontist can also help you determine who to trust or avoid.
If friends and family members can’t offer recommendations, begin searching for a local orthodontist online instead. Once you build a list of options, use these tips to narrow down your choices.
Read Online Reviews
After searching for an orthodontist in Middleburg, OH online, take the time to read patient reviews. You can find reviews on:
- Healthgrades.com
- Google Business listings
- The Better Business Bureau website
- The orthodontist’s website
Read a handful of reviews from each source to gauge the orthodontist’s reputation. Find a professional who has already earned the trust and respect of their patients. You’ll feel more confident choosing an orthodontist others have trusted in the past.
If you find a medical malpractice suit filed against the orthodontist, remove them from your list.
Pay attention to the complaints you find as well. For example, perhaps patients struggled to schedule an appointment because the practice was overbooked. Maybe the orthodontist rushed the patient out the door instead.
If the complaints indicate the orthodontist isn’t professional (or lacks a good bedside manner), keep searching.
Check Credentials
Before choosing a family orthodontist, make sure they have the necessary credentials to offer dental care. First, determine where they completed their education and training. If they didn’t graduate from an accredited institution, remove them from your list.
Pay attention to when they graduated as well. The top orthodontists remain informed about new technologies, treatments, and procedures. These orthodontists continue their education over time, even after graduating.
Keeping track of new advancements in their field allows these professionals to offer top-of-the-line treatments. If they don’t remain informed of new developments, however, they could use outdated practices.
Instead, choose an orthodontist who strives to offer the highest level of care.
Prioritize Experience
You can also learn more about each orthodontist by looking into their professional history. Determine how long they’ve worked in the industry after completing their education and training. Find a professional with years of hands-on industry experience offering orthodontic care.
Consider how long each orthodontic practice has operated in Middleburg, too. Find an established business with a professional, capable team.
Otherwise, a new practice might still experience operational issues. For example, you might encounter problems with scheduling and billing. These teams might struggle to work efficiently or effectively together, too.
Consider how much experience each orthodontist has offering the services you need, too.
For example, perhaps they’re new to offering Invisalign treatment. The orthodontist might struggle to properly use the necessary equipment. Their lack of experience could impact your treatment plan or experience as a patient.
Consider Your Needs
About 20% of people with braces are adults. However, there are now multiple types of braces available, allowing you to customize your treatment plan.
For example, Invisalign treatment can offer more discretion. If you have more extensive orthodontic issues, you might need traditional metal braces instead.
Consider your orthodontic needs before choosing an orthodontist. Then, review their services. Make sure they offer the course of treatment you’re considering.
During your consultation appointment, ask the orthodontist to review the pros and cons of each treatment option. They shouldn’t push you in one direction or another. Instead, they should help you make an informed choice based on your needs.
Schedule a Consultation
During your appointment, pay attention to how the orthodontist speaks and treats you. Are they knowledgeable, professional, and easy to understand? Do they prioritize your needs as a patient?
Look around the practice, too. For example, maybe the waiting room is full, causing long wait times. Perhaps the exam rooms are messy and unorganized.
Find a nearby orthodontist’s office that is well-kept, organized, and sterile. Look for a team that knows how to function together to provide the highest standard of care, too.
Ask About Insurance and Financing
Before leaving each office, ask the practice how much their services cost. Get three estimates from local offices to determine the average price for the dental work you’re considering.
Ask each office if they offer any financing options as well.
Don’t make any final decisions based on expenses, though. Instead, review your notes. Choose a professional, experienced orthodontist you can trust with your dental care.
Find the Best Orthodontist in Middleburg, OH Today
Finding the best orthodontist in Middleburg, OH can feel stressful without a plan. Use these simple tips to narrow down your choices. Choosing the right orthodontist can ensure a better outcome for your procedure.
Ready to see your new, stunning smile? We can’t wait to help.
Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation appointment!