5 Things To Look For When Choosing An Orthodontist
As human beings, we place a lot of value on looks. It is not uncommon to see someone seeking professional services to get some help with their appearance. After all, it can have a massive impact on a person’s self-esteem. The majority of people think that orthodontics is just that - a branch of dentistry that helps straighten teeth to look more beautiful. What most people don’t realize is that the aim of orthodontics is far greater than beauty - it aims at helping people lead better lives by helping them do simple tasks like chewing and breathing, more easily. Even a slight discomfort in these activities can affect the quality of life that a person leads. One can only imagine how people who face this discomfort daily, feel like.
This is why choosing an orthodontist is a crucial task and why people look for the best orthodontist available. Well, if you’re one of those people, here are a few things that you can keep in mind that can help you make an informed and mindful decision:
1. What certifications does the orthodontist have?
Chances are, you have come across a few people claiming to "change your life" by providing you with the best orthodontic care. Before taking anyone’s word for it, have a look at their qualifications and check what certifications they have. Even if someone claims to have treated hundreds of patients before, your priority should be to make sure if they are a board-certified orthodontist, having received their certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Certifications provide an assurance that you’re putting your trust in someone who has studied their craft in greater detail and for years - making them worthy of that trust.
2. Do they offer a free consultation?
A free consultation is a great way to not only know about the kind of help your teeth might require, but also, to know the person who will be providing that help. Before you decide to take the services of an orthodontist, make sure that they offer a free consultation. If they do, ask as many questions as you have in mind, during your consultation. This will not only help you get a clear idea of the treatment but also help you be certain of your decision.
3. How good are their online reviews?
Just like reviews matter while purchasing any item, they matter while choosing the services of an orthodontist. Thoroughly reading the reviews of any orthodontic clinic will give you a better idea about the quality of the services that they offer. Chances are, if the majority of the people are pleased with their results, your results might please you as well. Look for reviews on Google, Facebook, and on sites such as HealthGrades and ZocDoc.
4. Is their office clean and organized?
This is one of the things that you can check when you go for your free consultation. A clean and organized clinic shows the quality of the maintenance, but more than anything, it shows how much the clinic places value on proper sanitization. It helps you stay rest assured that you are in good hands.
5. How friendly are the doctors and the staff?
Seeking orthodontic help is not easy. There is always an element of fear involved when you visit a clinic for the first time. However, the attitude of the doctor and the staff plays a huge role in this aspect. If they are good at helping you feel at ease, it shows that they value your emotions and want to make this process as smooth for you as it can be - which is always a good thing.
Looking for a good orthodontist can seem like a daunting task, but there’s always help available for you to make better decisions. Just by keeping these five points in mind, you can trust yourself to choose an orthodontist who will not just help you chew and breathe better, but also help you live better.
It is our goal at Graff Orthodontics to help you start your journey towards a brand new smile. Come put your trust in our caring staff and experienced orthodontists. We offer a fun environment for kids and never compromise on the quality of care. We deliver the utmost in service and aim to meet each patient’s needs with excellence. Call our office today and make an appointment or get a free quote. Call (505)327-4884. We cover Farmington and the Four Corners areas.