Which Orthodontist To Choose | How To Find A Good Orthodontist

Finding the right orthodontist to help you with your dental issues requires knowing your options. Here are factors to consider when choosing an orthodontist.

Are you planning on looking into braces or Invisalign, but you don't know where to start? It's important that you choose an orthodontist that's on your side with the experience to back them up.

You don't want new oral health issues to arise because you chose an orthodontist based on how cheap they can straighten your teeth. This is because they may not be taking into account your muscles, jawbone, palate, and more. Poorly done orthodontia can even exacerbate symptoms of TMJ, leading to discomfort and frequent migraines. 



With this in mind, read on to learn the top five factors when it comes to choosing an orthodontist in the Owings Mills, MD area! 

1. References and Reviews

Your first step is to conduct a simple Google search for orthodontists within your local area. Pay attention to the overall rating for the orthodontist and whether it's overwhelmingly positive or negative–this can give you an overall impression of the quality you can expect.



However, it's important not to discount orthodontists with average reviews either. 

If there are some negative reviews on their business page, see if the orthodontist responded to them. Gage whether they responded in a professional and kind manner, and whether they seemed willing to address the issues the reviewer had. This will give you a good idea of the customer service you can expect! 

2. Comparing Orthodontist Fees

Once you have a handful of orthodontists that you're interested in, your next step is to get quotes. It's also important that the orthodontist you choose has a range of payment options. If you have dental insurance, make sure that they're in-network before you book your first appointment. 



Financing is also a great option in order to make large payments more manageable. For instance, you can receive financing under CareCredit through a simple soft credit check. You also won't have to pay interest if you pay off in full within the months that you agree to, such as in six months or as long as 24. 

Next, it's important that you make sure the orthodontist you choose is using the latest technology. This means that you'll have a more comfortable experience overall, and you may find that your treatment times are lower compared to orthodontists who are still using older technologies.

Here are a few advanced technologies you can enjoy today: 

Propel for Orthodontics

This speeds up the bone remodeling process. You'll be able to cut your treatment times down by 50% regardless if you're wearing traditional braces or Invisalign. 

iTero Digital Impressions

Getting impressions made of your teeth can be one of the worst experiences going to the dentist. You're made to sit in the chair for minutes at a time with goop in your mouth. iTero Digital Impressions makes this process obsolete with high-resolution digital images. 

Nitrous Oxide



Did you know that 36% of people experience anxiety at the dentist? This can be debilitating and keep people away from getting the procedures they need for straight, healthy teeth. Nitrous oxide helps people feel relaxed and pain-free at the orthodontist. Even better, it wears off quickly and allows patients to drive home on their own the same day.

It's also important that you take into account convenience when it's time to choose an orthodontist. Remember that once you start getting treatments, you'll need to return to the orthodontist regularly in order to adjust your braces or receive new Invisalign trays. This means that it's important that the orthodontist is located a comfortable distance away from your home. 

You'll also want to ensure that scheduling with them is convenient. If you're scheduling for yourself, make sure that they have after-work hours. You'll also want to ask them in advance how far out you need to book in order to get the appointment time you need.



If you find that they're fully booked most of the time, in the future this may mean missed or late appointments because you're forced to juggle around your schedule! 

5. Comfortable Atmosphere

It's important that the orthodontist you choose treats you like an individual. When you go for your first appointment, pay attention to the questions they ask you and whether they listen for answers or continue talking. Do you feel as if they're open to answering your questions, or do they seem in a hurry and want to get the appointment "over with" as soon as possible? 

Beyond this, you'll also want to pay attention to the office itself. Is there a comfortable and clean waiting area that's family-friendly? Once they take you into the back, does the environment appear clean and orderly, or does it seem chaotic and hectic? It's important that you choose an orthodontist that has well-established procedures in place in order to take care of each patient in a timely manner. 



It's also important that the environment is kept clean and functional on a daily basis. 

Choosing an Orthodontist: Plan Ahead for a Great Experience

When it comes to choosing an orthodontist, it's important that you take your time to plan ahead so you can have the best experience possible. Reputable orthodontists will treat you as an individual and take time to answer all your questions and address your concerns. They'll also be able to offer a schedule that works for you and payment options that work with your budget.

Remember to pay attention to online reviews in order to get an overall impression of the experience you can expect. You'll also want to look up online or ask them in person about the technologies they're using and whether they try to be on the leading edge. 



Ready to stop looking for options for orthodontists and work with a reputable one that you can trust? Request an appointment with us today!