Imagine having straight teeth; a stunning smile that turns heads in the best way. You wouldn’t have to worry about crooked teeth affecting your dental care. If you’re worried about crooked teeth, you’re not alone.
In two years, about 60,000 American adults requested orthodontic care. Before beginning orthodontic treatment, it’s important to find an experienced professional.
Not sure how to find local orthodontists in Seattle, WA? Read on for the tips you need to start your search!
Talk to Friends
To build a list of Seattle orthodontists, turn to friends, neighbors, and family members. Talk to anyone who started orthodontic treatment in the past two years. Draft a list of questions you want to ask about their patient experience.
For example:
- Is the orthodontist experienced?
- Are they knowledgeable?
- What treatments do they offer?
- Are you satisfied with the results?
- Is the staff friendly?
- Where are they located?
- Did you experience problems during treatment?
If the patient encounters problems with the orthodontist or staff, learn more. Did the team try to find a solution? Look for professionals who care about their patients.
Talking to friends can help you build a list of practices to research further. If you can’t find a personal referral, start your search online.
Google “orthodontists near me” and look for practices in your general area. Read online patient reviews for each practice. You can find reviews on Google Business, Healthgrades.com, and Yelp.
Look for a practice that already has a glowing, established reputation. These teams will work harder to maintain that reputation. They’ll offer a higher standard of patient care.
Finding a practice with a glowing reputation will give you peace of mind. Prioritize practices with a minimum of four out of five stars.
Check Their Credentials
Look for an orthodontist who is actually a specialist, not a dentist who does orthodontics. Confirm that they graduated from an accredited orthodontic program. They should belong to the American Association of Orthodontists.
You can visit the American Board of Orthodontists website to confirm they’re board-certified. The orthodontist should provide proof of their education and credentials. If they hesitate to provide proof, continue your search.
Determine when each orthodontist graduated. Ask if they continued their education afterward.
Professionals who prioritize continuing education remain informed. They’re up-to-date regarding:
- Technologies
- Procedures
- Best practices
Confirm that each orthodontist on your list is licensed and insured. If they lack the proper credentials, remove them from your list.
Gauge Orthodontic Care Experience
Determine when each orthodontic practice opened in Seattle.
There are nearly 16,000 orthodontic practices across the US. The industry is continuously growing. Try to avoid orthodontists who are new to the industry.
Instead, look for a professional with years of hands-on experience. These orthodontists can leverage their experience and expertise to your benefit. They’ll have a better understanding of the orthodontic problems you’re facing.
An established practice likely operates like a well-oiled machine. These teams have worked out operational kinks over time.
You won’t have to worry about billing issues or delays. A newer practice may still need time to adjust. You may experience problems with payments or scheduling.
Consider the Office Environment
Schedule a consultation appointment at each orthodontic practice. Have a list of questions prepared beforehand.
Consider the practice’s location. Choose a practice near your home or work. Look for locations within a 30-minute drive.
You’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments during your treatment. Choose a practice that’s conveniently located.
Consider the practice’s environment. Some practices take comfort more seriously than others. Choose a practice that makes you feel safe.
Make sure the practice is clean. All instruments should be sterile and individually wrapped.
Explore Their Services
Ask each orthodontist about the services they offer. Some specialize in one treatment option. Others offer a selection.
Look for an office that offers the orthodontic care you prefer. These may include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Not every option is suitable for every patient. The orthodontist should recommend options based on your needs.
Discuss an Orthodontic Treatment Plan
Ask each professional about the orthodontic treatment plan they recommend. Have them walk you through every step of the process. If they struggle to explain the treatment, remove them from your list.
The orthodontist should recommend more than one option. They should help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment.
For example, Invisalign treatment is ideal for patients who want a discreet treatment option. Invisalign aligners are made from clear, smooth plastic. Friends and coworkers won’t recognize your aligners are in place when you speak or smile.
You can remove the aligners to chew, brush, and floss. However, you’ll need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. Failing to put the aligners back in can delay your orthodontic treatment plan.
Traditional metal braces are ideal if you have more severe orthodontic issues. They’re better for patients who lack the discipline to put their aligners back in.
Make sure their experience aligns with your needs. How often do they treat patients with the orthodontic problem you’re experiencing?
The orthodontist shouldn’t use a cookie-cutter approach when offering orthodontic treatment. Instead, they should assess your smile and consider your goals. They should adjust your orthodontic treatment plan accordingly.
Compare Costs
Ask each practice for an itemized list of their services. Compare costs between three local practices. Confirm that none are overcharging for the same treatment.
Prices can vary based on the orthodontist’s experience or the orthodontic treatment plan you select.
Determine if the practice accepts payment plans based on your needs. Some practices accept:
- Family discounts
- Low monthly payments
- Dental insurance coverage
Determine if your dental insurance covers orthodontic work. Confirm that the orthodontist falls under your network before treatment.
Find the Best Local Orthodontists Today
Don’t neglect to do your due diligence when looking for local orthodontists. Instead, use these tips to vet your options in Seattle. With these tips, you can find the best practice based on the orthodontic care you need.
Our team at North Seattle Orthodontics has served the Seattle area for over 20 years. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care in a relaxed environment.
Get the best orthodontic care from a team you can trust. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.