It is important to find the right orthodontist for your needs and comfort. The quality of your smile and bite is at stake, not to mention the quality of your experience over the course of your treatment. Here are some factors you may want to consider as you research orthodontists. For more information, the American Association of Orthodontists website is an excellent resource for learning about your orthodontic choices.
Qualifications and Education
Is the professional you are considering actually an orthodontist? Not all dental professionals are orthodontists. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed two to three extra years of specialized study and training to treat malocclusions (improper bites). Orthodontists also have an understanding of jaw and facial structures and their growth and development. They understand how the changes they make will impact your overall anatomy. If complications or unforeseen circumstances should arise during treatment, orthodontists are uniquely able to respond effectively and efficiently to them.
Also, are the orthodontic support team and the staff members career employees who have extensive knowledge in providing orthodontic care and service? Always confirm that you are dealing with a certified orthodontist and a team of certified and experienced support staff for your orthodontic needs!
Quality of Diagnostics
There are several ways to go about diagnosing a bite, and some are more thorough than others. Diagnostic casts with proper bite registration, clinical photographs, and clear images, safely captured by digital x-rays and reviewed through computerized cephalometric analysis, provide the right insight into your jaw and facial structure, growth patterns, and best treatment approaches. At Berkeley Orthodontics, we take all these diagnostic records in house to get your orthodontic treatment started correctly and ensure quality and efficiency along the way.
Office Safety and Cleanliness
You should never have to question the safety and cleanliness of your orthodontist’s office or equipment. Government regulations set minimum standards of safety for workers and for equipment sterility, and your orthodontist should aim to exceed them. At Berkeley Orthodontics, we take this seriously and provide the cleanest and safest possible environment for your orthodontic care.
Atmosphere and Service
Visiting your orthodontist should be a pleasant experience! How do you feel when you enter the office? Is everyone in the office friendly and welcoming? Are they committed to your comfort? Are they going to respect your time and communicate proactively? Customer service and a good atmosphere is not only about comfort; it’s about effectiveness. When your orthodontic team supports you in your treatment, you are more likely to be committed to the entire process and stay on top of your responsibilities as a patient (like not missing any appointments, wearing your retainers or elastics, and practicing good oral hygiene)… which means treatment will go as fast as possible with little or no preventable delays.