It’s always a good time to think about improving your smile! According to the American Association of Orthodontists, over 3.9 million American children are getting orthodontic treatment right now, and one-third of all orthodontic patients are adults. The number of orthodontic patients continues to rise as more people recognize the value of a straight smile.
With the increasing popularity of orthodontic care, it can be difficult to know how to pick an orthodontist or how to know if your orthodontist deserves your business. In this guide, discover how to pick an orthodontist and what attributes to look for in your orthodontic care team.
Schedule your free smile assessment today!
How to pick an orthodontist: 5 things to consider
Finding the right orthodontist can feel like a daunting task. Even with a referral from a dentist or a friend, many prospective patients wonder if they will find the best orthodontic care team for their needs.
Here are five things to keep in mind as you search for the right orthodontist!
1. Qualifications
Only a certified orthodontist can help you achieve a head-turning smile. Orthodontists are dental specialists, so they go through additional years of dental schooling to be certified in orthodontics.
Orthodontic experts need a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of dental school, and an additional 2-3 year master’s program in orthodontics. Once they’re trained, they can become a board certified orthodontist by passing an exam to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Not every orthodontist has the same level of education and experience. Dr. Black has over 30 years of experience, more than any other orthodontist in the Asheville area. When you trust us with your smile, you’re going to get the best out of your orthodontic investment.
2. Office environment
Orthodontic care requires a bit more hands-on treatment, so you’ll need to visit the office more often than you would visit the dentist. That’s why you should look for an orthodontic office that is clean, friendly, and comfortable.
At Black Orthodontics, we value your overall patient experience, which goes beyond your treatment. That’s why we’ve created a cheerful and fun atmosphere for our patients! Kids love the fresh baked cookies that are prepared and individually wrapped each morning, and parents love working with our professional and friendly staff in a comfortable environment.
3. Treatments offered
Orthodontic care is not one-size-fits-all, and you need an orthodontist who understands that. That’s why it’s crucial to find an orthodontist who offers many kinds of orthodontic treatment. Whether you need Invisalign®, Damon Braces, or retainers, we are confident that we have a treatment to fit your alignment needs, lifestyle, and budget.
4. Treatment costs
Many people are intimidated by the cost of orthodontic treatment and assume they’ll never be able to afford it. The truth is, some orthodontic practices have financing options to help you pay for treatment.
At Black Orthodontics, we don’t want finances to get in the way of a beautiful smile. That’s why we offer zero-interest flexible payment options and file a wide variety of insurances. We don’t believe in hidden costs – your upfront treatment fee includes all necessary treatment visits, including one year of retainer check-in treatments after initial treatment is over.
5. Reputation
Before you pick an orthodontist, it’s also wise to go check out their online reviews and see what people think about their practice. Testimonials on a practice website may be helpful, but it’s also good to check Yelp or Google reviews to learn more about patients’ experiences.
Your smile is one of your greatest assets, which is why you shouldn’t trust it with just any orthodontist. Selecting an orthodontist with a high level of education, experience, and reputation can help you get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
What happens at an orthodontist consultation?
During your free smile assessment, we’ll start by introducing you to our orthodontic team and showing you around our office. Then, we will have you fill out some paperwork about your dental and medical history.
Dr. Black will start by doing an initial physical exam to get a sense of your bite. Then he will take advanced 3D scans and x-rays of your teeth and jaw. These scans allow him to assess your alignment needs. From there, he will talk with you about your treatment options and strategize a treatment plan with you.
We will then discuss your treatment cost and go through our flexible payment options. Every day, we help our patients find the most affordable option for their budget.
We are committed to giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision about treatment. When you get a free smile assessment with us, we make sure that all your questions about orthodontic treatment are answered. And if you have any queries after your first appointment, our experienced care team is here to answer them!
How to get an orthodontist appointment: call us, message us, or book online!
At Black Orthodontics, we believe that improving your smile also improves your quality of life. With expert orthodontic treatment, you can achieve a happy and healthy smile for life!
If you’re looking for the best orthodontist in Asheville, Dr. Black has over 30 years of experience creating beautiful smiles across Western North Carolina. It’s time to start your smile journey with premium orthodontic treatment at Black Orthodontics. We offer in-person and virtual appointments for your convenience.