Do crooked, gapped or crowded teeth run in your family? Orthodontic treatment is highly advantageous for improving alignment for health and aesthetic reasons. But finding an orthodontics provider you trust with your smile’s transformation requires vetting several factors.
As London’s leading orthodontists with decades of experience and thousands of successes, 1A Orthodontics Wandsworth outlines smart orthodontist selection strategies below:
Verify Extensive Orthodontics Background
You want an orthodontist, not just a general dentist offering braces. Orthodontists complete 2-3 years of additional education in occlusion, growth modification and alignment therapy after dental school. Ask your prospective doctor:
- Where did you complete your specialized orthodontic training?
- How long have you exclusively practiced orthodontic care?
- What conditions are you certified to treat vs refer out?
- How many cases have you completed similar to mine?
Make sure any orthodontist you choose has the proven expertise to handle your specific situation, whether simple crowding or complex jaw surgery. Many general dentists today provide clear aligner treatment. But significant bite issues require true specialty orthodontic skill.
Assess Their Correction Philosophy
Doctors vary in their philosophy toward tooth movement velocity, appliance preferences and esthetic vision priorities. When meeting with an orthodontist, ask things like:
- What would my treatment plan involve if I were your patient?
- Do you tend to treat cases faster or more slowly? Why?
- What are the pros and cons of various types of braces in my situation?
- How do you envision my smile outcome – what are your esthetic goals?
Their responses help determine if your treatment philosophies align. There are no absolute right or wrong approaches – finding an orthodontist who hears your concerns, explains options thoroughly andtailors care accordinglyresults inshared treatment vision.
Evaluate Their Bedside Manner
The quality of doctor-patient communication influences everything from understanding treatment plans to maximizing cooperation crucial for orthodontic success. Assess during consultations:
- Do they solicit all my questions, worries and goals while LISTENING attentively?
- Do they explain clinical findings and terminology in understandable language?
- Do they utilize patient education tools to augment discussions?
- Do they detail costs/insurance clearly upfront?
You want an empathetic orthodontist who connects with you and customizes explanations to your needs, not one reciting technical lectures obliviously.
Determine Their Availability
Consistent orthodontic care matters. Evaluate their flexibility and capacity to accommodate your schedule and treatment needs, especially if complex requiring more frequent visits or interdisciplinary care coordination:
- Are appointment times readily available at low-volume hours if my work schedule is busier?
- How soon can they address urgencies like loose wires or irritation?
- If necessary, can they coordinate care with my dentist or other specialists efficiently?
Try gauging staff friendliness on the phone too when scheduling and making first impressions. Critical orthodontic treatment spanning years functions best when provider availability and agreeability makes patients’ lives easier, not harder.
Verify Use of Advanced Technologies
From 3D digital oral scanners to accelerated tooth movement techniques, experienced orthodontists actively adopt the latest evidence-based technologies for more precise, controlled and quicker care. During consultations, find out:
- Do they use digital scans or just traditional physical impressions?
- Do they offer shorter treatment options like propel or spark aligners?
- Are clear aligners made via 3D printing or generic mass production?
- Do they utilize temporary anchorage devices or surgically-facilitated methods if necessary?
Of course new technologies aren’t mandatory in simple cases. But you want an orthodontist who analyzes each case’s unique variables to determine when technologies provide enough added benefit to utilize them.
Read Reviews Closely
Before entrusting your smile to any orthodontist, read reviews about actual patient experiences on both Google and third-party ratings sites like Yelp more closely. Look beyond just star ratings to identify consistent common themes regarding strengths or weaknesses of the orthodontist and their team. No orthodontist satisfies every patient perfectly. But spotting trouble patterns offers insight on who you’ll likely mesh with best.
Here are some additional good points to include when choosing the right orthodontist:
- Ask about their experience with your specific orthodontic problem – do they routinely treat severe overcrowding, complex bite issues, or temporomandibular joint disorders for example? You want someone well-versed in handling your difficulty level.
- Inquire if they are members of major orthodontic professional associations which indicates commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence. Memberships like The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) require adherence to strict quality guidelines.
- Evaluate the practice’s infection control procedures. Are rooms, chairs and tools properly sterilized? Do staff change gloves and wash hands before procedures? Good disinfection practices ensure your safety.
- Consider convenience factors like office proximity to your home or workplace which encourages maintaining adjustment appointments consistently throughout lengthy treatment plans. Shorter commutes support compliance.
- Ask how they handle orthodontic emergencies – Are weekend or after-hours assistance options available if wires poke, brackets fail or pain worsens? Easy access for urgent issues provides peace of mind.
- Check if they offer technologically advanced options like moving teeth faster with Propel orthodontics or having clear aligners enhanced by 3D printing rather than one-size-fits-all trays. Customized precision can optimize results.
- Verify they have safeguards in place if they leave the practice – no patient wants their orthodontist to retire mid-treatment! Reputable clinics plan continuity protocols for other skilled doctors to oversee your care seamlessly.
Choosing your orthodontic provider in London carefully leads to better rapport, tailored care and smiles transformed beautifully as planned. Contact our welcoming 1A Orthodontics Wandsworth, London office anytime to begin your journey toward better oral health and confidence!
