How to choose an orthodontist

Picking the right orthodontist isn’t always an easy decision. Even within the same family, each patient has their own unique needs, and it might be difficult to find an orthodontist that can meet all the necessary requirements. Still, only you can decide whether an orthodontic practice is right for you or your family, so it’s important to know how to choose the right orthodontist for you.

By understanding what to look for in an orthodontist, you can find one that fits your situation, no matter what treatment you might require. That way, you won’t have to scramble every time you, your teen, or the kids need a checkup! Schedule your first appointment with the experts at Hess Orthodontics.

Wondering what to look for in an orthodontist? There are a few key factors in choosing a good orthodontist that will set you up for long-term, quality care.

What to look for in an orthodontist

Let’s dig deeper into a few of these important elements:

Expertise and experience

While you may think it goes without saying that an orthodontist should be qualified, you should always make sure to check that your chosen orthodontist has the necessary education for the services you need.

A qualified orthodontist will have gone through an undergraduate program and dental school, as well as an additional graduate program in orthodontics. They will also need certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, which requires that all potential candidates pass an orthodontics exam to ensure a standard of treatment and care.

With the practicing team of certified doctors at Hess Orthodontics, you don’t need to worry about receiving good care for your smile. Trained professionals can help you through the process at every step of the way, so that even if it’s your first orthodontist appointment, you’re in trusted hands.

The amazing doctors at Hess Orthodontics set us apart from other orthodontists. Learn more about Dr. Michael Hess, Dr. Paiyal Popat, Dr. Matt Baker, Dr. Laura Rey and Dr. Megan Menashe now.

Convenient locations

Even though the location may not be the make-or-break factor in choosing a good orthodontist, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Location matters a bit more with an orthodontic practice than a standard dental practice.

Standard dentists may recommend you make an appointment twice a year to keep your teeth clean, but orthodontists may need their patients to visit more frequently, especially if they’re wearing braces or Invisalign®. This means you’ll need to find an orthodontist who offers the treatment you need and who’s also located close to you. If you have a busy schedule, it’s worth a little extra time and effort to make that find.

With locations in Riverview, Lithia, Apollo Beach, Parrish, Sarasota, and Winter Haven, Hess Orthodontics can help you find high-quality orthodontic care in West Coastal & Central Florida. Find your nearest Hess Orthodontics branch and get started with a complimentary consultation.

Available treatments

Not all orthodontists offer the same treatments across the board. Before you choose your orthodontist, you’ll want to know if they offer the procedures or treatments you need. If you’re in need of a retainer, for example, you don’t want to book a consultation only to find that the practice you’ve chosen mainly works with Invisalign, or that they don’t offer long-term support for patients with retainers.

Most orthodontists will advertise their available services on their website, so always make sure to research your orthodontic practice online. If possible, call their offices to see if there are questions that can be answered prior to a consultation. Once you know that services are a part of what to look for in an orthodontist, you’ll start to narrow down your search.

Hess Orthodontics offers many sophisticated treatment options to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Learn about our innovative treatment options now!

Manageable insurance and cost

Insurance coverage is another important factor in knowing what to look for in an orthodontist. As much as experience, location, and services matter, whether an orthodontist is covered by your dental insurance can be a dealbreaker for finding the right fit.

Start your search for an orthodontist by checking with your dental insurance provider to see what orthodontists in your area are covered by your plan. You can always ask your current dentist for a recommendation, as they’ll know what to look for in an orthodontist in addition to recommending one that will likely be covered by your insurance. That way, you don’t have to find the perfect orthodontist only to find they’re too expensive.

Positive reviews

Trust that other customers in the area know what to look for in an orthodontist. An established and experienced orthodontist will have either a great word-of-mouth reputation, a number of glowing online reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Facebook or possibly both. Look for online ratings and reviews of an orthodontic practice before picking one. If possible, try to avoid orthodontists who have a number of online “red flags,” such as poor online reviews, a mismanaged website, or no reviews at all.

While these reviews by no means guarantee quality care, they can often be a great sign that the orthodontist you’ve selected is consistent and well-trusted. If you can, try to find reviews that relate to the procedure or services you’re looking for. That way you can be sure you’re receiving quality treatment.

Book your free consultation with Hess Orthodontics today

Knowing what to look for in an orthodontist comes down to a mix of cost, services, location, and quality. However, not every orthodontist is right for every patient. Learn how to choose a good orthodontist and understand your priorities when it comes to your smile and care. That way, you’ll find the right orthodontist in no time.

Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or retainers, Hess Orthodontics offers high-quality care to any available patient in the West Coastal Florida area. With reputable orthodontists, trained nurses, and state-of-the-art facilities, Hess Orthodontics can help you find the right plan for your perfect smile!

Schedule a complimentary smile consultation at one of our six offices across Florida through our easy online form today. For questions unrelated to scheduling your first consultation, contact the Hess Orthodontics offices today. Check out our blog.