Whether it’s you or your child in need of braces to help shape that perfect smile, you want to make sure that you’re making the right decision about your provider. Braces have become more accessible than ever and there are so many options for orthodontic work. It’s not hard to choose braces for your smile, but how do you choose the provider that’s right for you?
Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to trusting a recommendation, there’s often nothing like the dentist that you’ve visited for years. You know your dentist and the services they provide as well as their office, their staff, and more. You trust that they have your best interests at heart and are providing you with a recommendation that will work for you. You will probably find that visiting with the orthodontist they recommend makes you feel comfortable with a new provider–not to mention the fact that the office may be more convenient to you.
The Benefits of Specialization
Orthodontics is a highly specialized area of dentistry. Orthodontists have a more difficult path through school than traditional dentists. They also focus on very different areas: while dentists focus on problems like tooth decay and gum disease, orthodontists look at bite problems, issues with spacing in teeth, and concerns with the formation of the mouth. They’re highly specialized and have a strong understanding of how each issue in the mouth can impact all of the others. Not only that, orthodontists are better prepared to explain which potential concerns require treatment in order to prevent future health problems and which issues are purely cosmetic.
Experience: A Primary Concern
When you’re dealing with your health–including your dental health–you should always work with an experienced provider who is able to bring that past experience to bear on your current orthodontic issues. Not only do they have a deeper understanding of how your current issues will play out over time, an orthodontist will often have a better understanding of how your current prognosis has the potential to impact your long term dental health. That experience is one of the primary reasons it’s often wiser to choose to use an experienced orthodontist to provide braces, Invisalign, and other teeth-moving treatments.
How do You Choose the Right Orthodontist for Your Needs?
Before you get started with treatment, ask some questions. A qualified and experienced orthodontist will have the answers to all of your questions and will feel comfortable answering them. Have they worked with patients with problems like yours in the past? Did they have a successful outcome? Carefully consider the experience and training your chosen orthodontist has in issues like these before choosing them for your orthodontist treatment.
If you need to straighten your teeth, consider interviewing an orthodontist to determine whether or not they can offer treatment that your dentist might not be able to provide. Discuss your needs, your options, and the type of care recommended by the orthodontist.
Dr. Stefanie Dougherty of Dougherty Orthodontics is a highly qualified orthodontist with years of experience and training in her field. Her expert team works hard to make sure you feel comfortable during all phases of your treatment plan and want to make sure you feel like part of the Dougherty family. If you’re ready to choose braces and start your journey to a new smile, contact Dougherty Orthodontics at (636) 825-1000 for your complimentary consultation.