November 16, 2022
Discovering that you need orthodontic treatment to correct alignment of your teeth can be uncomfortable news for anyone. Regardless of your age, the thought of braces, having to invest in the cost, the monthly treatments and the visual appearance can be intimidating.
If the discomfort and appearance of regular braces is something that you are concerned about, you may have already considered Invisalign.
Unlike the metal frames and colored bands of regular braces, Invisalign is clear, remains essentially invisible, and focuses on straightening your teeth discreetly. Invisalign is easy to remove, and is replaced step by step, as your teeth begin to straighten.
Choosing the right orthodontist is critical for the most effective advice, consultation and treatment. If you have decided to choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces, then you need to find the orthodontist near you that is most experienced in the Invisalign process. You also should consider how his previous and current clients feel about the service, and check local ratings to help guide you.
Consider some things to avoid when searching for Invisalign near me:
Avoid choosing an Invisalign provider that does not have top local ratings
While education and training are of critical importance when choosing your orthodontist, just as important is how highly the office is rated by your neighbors. You will be spending quite a bit of time in the dental chair, so make sure you check your Local ratings on Google, as well as other ratings websites such as Yelp. High ratings from previous patients that have had the same treatment is the best signal that you will be happy with your Invisalign process.
Also look for local awards and recognition from the community. For example, at Sommerville Orthodontics, our office is staffed by a Board Certified doctor and has been awarded Boston Magazine’s Top Dentist for two years in a row.
Avoid choosing an orthodontist that does not focus primarily on Invisalign
For the best outcomes with Invisalign, you need to choose a Boston-area orthodontist who specializes in Invisalign.The more experience they have with this process, the more confidence you can have that they will be able to manage any complications that may come about during your treatment process. If you find an orthodontist that offers other invisible aligners, you may not be able to expect the same quality of outcome.
Avoid any orthodontist that does not offer you a free consultation
Sometimes, it may take a visit to more than one provider before you find the one that is right for you, so if an orthodontist is not offering you a free initial consultation, then you should be cautious. Somerville Orthodontics now offers a free and easy Virtual Smile Assessment that takes up a minimum of your time and allows you to understand the process and what needs to be done to achieve your beautiful new smile.
Avoid orthodontists that do not have an informative, up-to-date website
Today, it is imperative for any medical provider to have a professional, up-to-date website explaining the range of services and products they offer. The most modern orthodontic websites offer online scheduling, information about the staff, and links to social media channels where you can get more information before making a treatment decision.
Avoid an orthodontist that refuses to show you before and after pictures of their patients
The top orthodontists are skilled at what they do, and proud to show off their work. You are entrusting a huge amount of time and money, as well as your health to this doctor and staff, so expect to see recent evidence of the results you can expect.
Avoid an orthodontist that only offers Invisalign
Make sure your orthodontist is not only skilled in Invisalign, but in all other treatments as well. In some cases, for example, braces may be the only viable option for fixing your problem. While Invisalign may be what you want, the best orthodontist is one that can evaluate your particular situation and recommend other treatments if he feels that Invisalign is not the best path for you. You also want to make sure that your orthodontist is current on the latest treatments and procedures.
Avoid choosing an orthodontist that does not offer flexible payments in the office
Modern orthodontic treatments are not inexpensive, and your insurance may not cover the whole cost of the treatment you choose with your orthodontist. Unless you have the available cash to pay any balance, you may find yourself delaying treatment or having to choose between conflicting priorities. It is important to choose a provider that makes the financial part of this process as easy as possible. Most top orthodontists offer a flexible payment option to cover any out-of-pocket costs.
Finally
Take your time and do your research. Go on a few free consultations before choosing your provider. Nothing takes the place of a one on one discussion. Also, ask for referrals from family and friends that have had the process you choose.
To ensure that your treatment timeline is as short as possible, choose an orthodontist with technology that fits your lifestyle. For example, here at Somerville Orthodontics, we perform virtual check-ups to keep your treatment on track.
Don’t be afraid to get all the answers you need to make an informed decision.