Did you know that there are 201,117 active orthodontists in the United States? That comes out to approximately 61 orthodontists per 100,000 people. In North Carolina alone, there are 5,631 orthodontists. With so many professionals to choose from, it can be tough to find the right orthodontist to take care of your children's teeth. How can you find the one that will provide the best services for the rates you need? Read on to learn some tips that can help you find the best kids orthodontist in North Carolina.
Read Patient Reviews and Get Referrals
One way to get an idea of whether an orthodontist is worth considering is to read patient reviews. There are many forums for parents and review sites where you can read about patients' experiences.
There are usually one or two negative reviews, but if you see the majority are positive, you can be more confident the person is a professional and knows how to work with children.
You should also ask around your friends and family groups for recommendations and referrals to local orthodontists. If you speak with someone you trust and they recommend a particular kid's orthodontist, you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Location of the Kids' Orthodontist
When taking children to get any kind of medical treatment, you do not want the trip to be long. Look for an orthodontist who is locally based and whom you can easily reach. This can also be important in emergency situations.
Many treatments, like braces, will require your child to visit the orthodontist at least twice a month, and you do not want to spend hours in a car.
Services Offered
You have to have an idea of the kind of orthodontic services your child requires. Whether it is just a checkup or a severe alignment issue, you need to make certain you can get the right services.
For braces, there are many different types available, including the traditional and clear options, as well as Damon system braces. If you want to have a choice of all of the options available, check whether the practice can offer them.
You can often see the services the orthodontist offers by visiting their website, but you should always speak in person to make sure they can provide the care your child needs.
Look for Experience
An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist with two years of added professional training in the straightening of teeth and in dentofacial orthopedics. The one you choose for your child has to be at the top of their field.
Look for members of the American Association of Orthodontists and state organizations like the North Carolina Association of Orthodontists. Ask for dentistry qualifications, such as Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine titles.
The right orthodontist will have years of experience in this branch of dentistry and will have training working with infants, children, teenagers, and adults. If you have children with special needs, it is important to find someone who has pertinent experience.
Visit the Location
Go with your child to look at the location and meet the orthodontist, their technicians, and other employees.
Look for signs of cleanliness and watch how the orthodontist works. Do they sterilize equipment after every patient? Do they seem friendly when working with children?
You want to see how your child responds to the environment, as well. Going to any doctor's office is stressful for a child, but there should be a welcoming environment and kind treatment from all of the staff.
The practice must have state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Each year, new oral health technology appears, and the orthodontist you choose must keep up with progress. Look for everything from 3D scanners to wands that can take digital impressions of your child's teeth.
Evaluate Communication
You need to be able to speak with the orthodontist and get clear answers to your questions. Part of the training, especially for kids' orthodontists, is to communicate in a manner that children will understand.
They need to welcome questions, too, and know how to answer them with patience and clarity. It is a good idea to ask them how they are going to care for your child's teeth. They should have a strategy that can provide the best results.
You also want to be able to get in touch with staff easily in case of an emergency. The kind of orthodontist practice you choose for your child should return calls quickly.
Emergency Appointments
Clarify the policies for emergency appointments before you decide on the orthodontist. If your child needs braces, you will have instances of broken brackets and poking wires, as well as many other issues that may require an emergency appointment.
Many orthodontic practices offer free emergency appointments for issues like these.
Flexible Payment Options
Paying for dental and orthodontic treatments can be expensive, and you want to be as flexible as possible in how you pay.
The right orthodontist will work with you to find the payment options that work best, including interest-free payment plans. They will help you maximize your insurance benefits to get the most out of your coverage, and they will provide upfront and transparent costs.
During the first consultation, you want to ask questions about the typical costs of the services your child requires and get an idea of how the payment process works.
Turn to the Experts
If you have ever asked yourself, "How do I find a kids orthodontist near me?" we can help. Turn to us at Carolina Braces for experience and dedication. Contact our office today to make your child's free consultation!
