How to Find an Orthodontist Near Me?

Orthodontics is increasingly popular and is no longer just for children. Nowadays, orthodontists are treating more adults, sometimes two generations within the same family simultaneously. However, finding an orthodontist you trust is another matter.

This article explains how to find the best orthodontist near you, and how to conduct research.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist dentist. They have qualified as a general dentist before continuing their education for several years, studying orthodontics.
Once qualified, they are trained to diagnose and prevent problems affecting how your teeth and jaws meet together. An orthodontist can treat existing problems and can identify those that may develop in the future.

If you are concerned about your teeth and feel they aren’t as straight as you’d like or have a child you think may be developing bite irregularities, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for the most advanced and appropriate care.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist identifies abnormalities affecting the way your teeth bite together, including:

• Overbites.
• Underbites.
• Open bites.
• Crossbites.
• Overcrowded or overlapping teeth.
• Teeth that are too far apart.
• Crooked teeth.
• Misaligned jaws.

They can provide a range of orthodontic appliances including those that are fixed and removable.

What Kind of Appliances Can Be Supplied by an Orthodontist?

Fixed Braces

Fixed orthodontic appliances like traditional metal braces are still popular and cost-effective, but newer systems are available. These include clear or ceramic braces that are far less visible and much more discreet but can still provide excellent results.

All fixed dental braces require extra care to keep them clean during treatment. Be prepared to spend more time cleaning around the brackets and wires after each meal. You also need to change your diet slightly. Hard, sticky, and crunchy foods could damage your brackets and wires and are best avoided during treatment.

Removable Braces

Alternatively, a range of clear removable aligner systems is available; the best-known is Invisalign. Instead of fixed brackets and wires, teeth are straightened using clear aligner trays.
These removable trays fit tightly over your teeth, pushing them into the proper positions. Because the aligner trays are removable, the impact on your everyday life is minimal since you take them out for meals and oral care.

Retainers

Retainers are worn once you finish orthodontic treatment, helping to “retain” your teeth in their new positions so they cannot drift back toward their original places. Wearing a retainer is an important part of your treatment and is essential if the results are to last.

A retainer can be fixed or removable, just like braces. You could opt for a thin wire bonded onto your teeth so they cannot move. Alternatively, aligner systems like Invisalign produce clear retainer trays that work similarly, except they don’t move your teeth.

What about Orthodontics for Kids?

If you have a child, it’s a great idea for them to see an orthodontist by age five or six for a proper evaluation. Early orthodontics can often treat many common problems and reduce the need for braces later in their teens.

It works well because your child’s teeth and jaws are still developing at this age, and their jaws are relatively soft. Therefore, an orthodontist can take advantage of growth spurts to guide the growth of their jaws, ensuring there is enough room for their adult teeth to come through straight while optimizing their facial appearance by creating a fuller, more attractive smile.

What Are the Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist?

There are several benefits to seeking orthodontic treatment.

While many people will want to see an orthodontist because they want a nicer and more attractive smile, other reasons can include:

• Biting and chewing are easier.
• Orthodontics can help correct speech problems.
• Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

How to Begin Your Search

You can begin looking for a good orthodontist near you in several ways.

• Ask your family dentist for recommendations. If you see your dentist regularly and they notice any bite abnormalities, they may offer you a referral to an orthodontist who will be someone they know and trust to take care of you locally.
• If family or friends have recently received orthodontic treatment, ask who they saw and if they would recommend them. Try to find out why they liked them and would see them again. If they weren’t happy with their choice, try to discover why.
• Use the search facility on the American Association of Orthodontists website. You should be able to search for an orthodontist locally using your ZIP Code, city, or state.
  Search online using Google or another search engine to bring up a list of practices locally.

Learning More about Each Practice

The next stage is to dig deeper to learn more about any orthodontic practices or orthodontists locally that look hopeful. Below is a list of points to consider.

• Begin by reviewing their website. Make a note of the services they offer. Some practices may be multidisciplinary so that other dental specialists will be on their team. This could be useful if you are looking for other dental services or a new family dentist so you can receive all the dental care you need under one roof.
• Read the orthodontist’s biography to get more of an idea about their training, experience, and personality. Do they belong to local study groups? Do they teach other dentists or continually attend courses to further their skills?
• What about the technologies offered? Has the practice invested in state-of-the-art equipment that could help optimize your orthodontic care?
• Is the practice easy to reach? Is there plenty of parking or is it near to public transport? You want to ensure you can get to the practice easily without arriving feeling stressed and rushed.
• Do they offer good office hours? Try to choose a practice that fits in with your schedule so it is simpler to book appointments.
• Do they accept your dental care plan? Do they offer easy financing for treatments?
• Many practices have photos online so you can see if the office looks comfortable and inviting. If you have orthodontics, you may need to attend regularly for up to 2 years or longer, so it’s important to find somewhere that looks reasonably warm and relaxing.
• Check their reviews online, but it’s worth remembering that someone else’s opinion might be completely different from yours. However, it will give you an insight into whether they generally get good reviews and why.
• Schedule an initial appointment with two or three practices to discover more.

What to Expect When You First Visit Them

When you first visit your orthodontist, you should expect to receive a warm welcome and to be made to feel comfortable. It’s important to see if the orthodontist will listen to you and ask about your concerns. Do they take the time to talk to you and explain any treatments or other issues?

You should feel comfortable asking questions about the treatment and expected costs before signing any contracts. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s worth trying to find another practice, even if that one had great reviews.

Methodically approaching your search for a good orthodontist should help you identify the best practice for you and your family. While all orthodontists are trained to a high standard, finding someone you feel comfortable talking with and regularly visiting is important. It will help ensure your treatment journey is far more pleasant.