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How do I Choose the Best Orthodontist?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

When people have to choose an orthodontist, this process can be made easier by following several steps. It’s important that people work with an orthodontist who is properly licensed, and this information can usually be gleaned by checking with a local or state dentistry or orthodontistry board. There are plenty of other considerations once people have a list of names of licensed orthodontists from which to choose.

A number of people look first to their health or dental insurance companies, which may partly cover the cost of orthodontistry. Many of these companies work specifically with a few practitioners, but that doesn’t always limit choice. Some companies will pay a lower percentage of cost if a person chooses to use an orthodontist who is not a contracted provider, and people must decide if bearing the extra expense would be worth it. They may also have the work of submitting bills for compensation by an insurance company and might need to pay more upfront.

An orthodontist examines a patient's teeth.
An orthodontist examines a patient's teeth.

With a list from a health insurance company, people may want to start making inquiries among friends and family to obtain opinions. Even without insurance, people can start asking others for recommendations, and inquire about anything important like whether the orthodontist was available for emergencies, compassionate, and competent. Good people to ask are those who have recently had orthodontic treatment or are currently pursuing it. Parents with pre-teens and teens may be the best source of information, but lots of adults now have corrective work done too. Trusted dentists are also a great source for orthodontistry recommendations.

Most orthodontists will provide before and after pictures for potential patients.
Most orthodontists will provide before and after pictures for potential patients.

Cost is a consideration, and a significant one. Orthodontists may vary in what they will charge and some of them have generous payment plans that can allow people to pay for services over time. These specialists may also be able to offer a patient options on care (like having clear or metal braces) that can reduce cost slightly and make orthodontic care more affordable. Some practitioners even have family discounts if more than one family member gets care at the same time.

One good thing about most orthodontists is that they tend to offer free consultations, and will usually render an opinion about what is needed for correction, what it will cost and how long it will take. It’s not a bad idea to have consultations with several orthodontists before choosing the one that makes a person most comfortable. It isn’t uncommon to hear a few different options or opinions on exactly what is required to correct teeth placement or jaw problems.

Since opinions can vary, it may make sense to do some research on the common orthodontic techniques used to correct certain problems. Either after consults, or in advance, a person investigating an orthodontist can help determine whether advice given sounds most accurate. Occasionally, information on the Internet may be incorrect or false, so look for sites like those offered by dentistry or orthodontistry organizations or boards that may give the most accurate details about how treatment is pursued.

Individuals may have particular concerns when they choose an orthodontist. They might want to work with one that is great with kids, or they may want to see a specialist who works most with adults. Some people are deathly afraid of any type of dental work, and could benefit from finding an orthodontist that is particularly sensitive on this issue and has methods for dealing with it. Most important is patient comfort; if a person doesn’t feel comfortable with an orthodontist, he should look elsewhere for another specialist to provide care.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon114578

We love our orthodontist, Dr. Dawn Wilhite in Mooresville, North Carolina. We have five children. We have had three of them in braces over the past five years. Her office staff is friendly and professional.

They all work with you with your scheduling, and your financial insurance issues. We would highly recommend Dr. Wilhite to anyone looking for an orthodontist in the Mooresville area.

Roger and Ann L.

misserin33

When choosing an orthodontist, it is important that you are comfortable with the doctor and the staff. Since treatment may go on for years, it is very important that you get a feel for the office environment before making a decision. north carolina best orthodontist

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    • An orthodontist examines a patient's teeth.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      An orthodontist examines a patient's teeth.
    • Most orthodontists will provide before and after pictures for potential patients.
      By: nobeastsofierce
      Most orthodontists will provide before and after pictures for potential patients.