Did you know that up to 80% of adults in the United State have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe? Although dental anxiety is well-known, not many talk about orthodontic anxiety.
Orthodontic treatments can take longer and be more demanding than dental treatments. To make you feel more comfortable in an orthodontist’s chair, it’s important to choose the best orthodontist.
Keep reading to learn what to look for in an orthodontist professional and office.
Education and Experience
To find the best orthodontist, you’ll have to learn a bit about their background. A trained orthodontist does not always equate to an orthodontist who is the right fit for you.
Check how long an orthodontist has been servicing patients and how much training they have. The more years in the industry and more training, the better equipped an orthodontist will be.
Convenience
You’ll want to choose a local orthodontist for convenience since orthodontic treatment can be more demanding than dental treatments.
You visit the dentist’s office twice a year, but you might need to go to an orthodontist monthly to continue treatment or monitor progress. Choose an office near your home that is convenient to visit regularly.
If you have a busy schedule, choose an orthodontist office that offers flexible hours after work and on weekends.
Office Environment
When getting an orthodontic procedure, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. Pay close attention to the environment of an office.
Look for cleanliness, wrapped and sterilized instruments, and a neat waiting room. The office should also be staffed with friendly and helpful people.
To check the office environment before sticking with an orthodontist, schedule a consultation. A lot of orthodontist offices like Premier Orthodontics offer free consultations.
Appointment Availability
An orthodontist with a good patient reputation is a good thing, but you don’t want to deal with an orthodontist that constantly overbooks services.
During your visit to the office, take a look at the waiting room to decide if it looks a little too crowded. Your time is just as important as their time so you shouldn’t be waiting too long for an appointment.
Orthodontists often offer a schedule online with a clear view of bookings. When you have an orthodontic emergency, you want to ensure you’ll be able to get in.
Services Offered
Before becoming a committed patient, learn about the types of treatment offered at an orthodontist’s office. If you need a specific treatment, you’ll want to ensure that the orthodontist you are looking into has that treatment.
If you need braces, keep in mind that there are different types of braces on the market. Whatever service you need, make sure it is offered before making an appointment or wasting time at a consultation.
Choosing the Best Orthodontist for Your Needs
Choosing an orthodontist should take time. Don’t choose the first person you find because you might regret your decision after undergoing treatment.
Take the time to research education and experience. Find an orthodontist close to your home that offers flexible and available appointments. Take office environment and services offered into major consideration.
When you use this guide as a reference, you’ll find the best orthodontist for your needs. For more helpful articles like this, check out the other posts on our blog.
