How to Find a Qualified Orthodontist In Your Area

Does your child need an orthodontist? If so, do you know how to find a qualified orthodontist in your area? You want someone with experience, someone with a good reputation for providing excellent orthodontic care. It may seem like a daunting decision because orthodontic care is important for your child, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you research orthodontists to find the one who will be best for your child.

Word of mouth is one of the best testimonies to an orthodontist. Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, or other parents you know. If a parent recommends an orthodontist because their child has had a good experience there, that’s a very good start. Compile a short list of orthodontists who have been recommended by trusted friends who have had personal experience with them and can truly vouch for their services.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few top recommendations, the next step is to check their credentials. It is important that your child sees an orthodontist, not just a dentist, for an evaluation and treatment. An orthodontist has completed the same basic education and training as a dentist, with additional education and training to receive an orthodontic certification. While many dentists are offering some orthodontic treatment, if your child has complex orthodontic issues it would be in their best interest to receive care from a trained orthodontist.

In addition to recommendations and credentials, look for the following qualities to ensure you are choosing a highly qualified orthodontist who is dedicated to their patients.

• Experience. Find out how many years of experience the orthodontist has in the field. Look beyond how many years their current practice has been in business, because they may have previous experience working for another orthodontic practice. If you’re not sure, call the office and ask or set up a consultation to meet the orthodontist and ask some questions.
• Technology. Look for signs of current technology. The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving, and advancements in technology have made orthodontic care more efficient, more comfortable, and overall more effective than it was in the past. Choose an orthodontist that values technology and keeps up to date with the best equipment and treatments.
• Variety of Treatment Options. There are at least a few different ways to correct many orthodontic issues that patients face. Look for an orthodontist that offers a variety of treatment options so that you and your child can make a decision together about the right course of treatment. A dentist who only provides one type of treatment is not considering the best interest of their patients, just their own preferred methods.
• Two Phase Orthodontics. Current orthodontic philosophy approaches treatment in two phases. It is recommended that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. If treatment is needed at this age, it is considered phase one. The first phase of treatment is typically interceptive, which basically means it prepares the way for further treatment when the child is older. Some children will not need any treatment in their early years, thus skipping phase one. Phase two usually takes place in adolescence and will most likely involve braces or an alternative treatment.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist for your child, Tender Smiles 4 Kids has highly qualified orthodontists on staff. Our practice meets all of the above criteria and more. We would be glad to schedule a consultation with you and your child to answer any questions you may have and assure you of our qualifications.

Contact us at any of our 4 convenient locations to schedule a consultation:

Freehold Office: 732-625-8080
North Brunswick Office: 732-249-1010
Edison Office: 732-549-3773
Roselle Office: 908-245-5556

We look forward to providing your child with top quality orthodontic care.