How to Find a Great Orthdontist

With more than four million Americans currently wearing braces, and the average person wearing braces for at least two years, orthodontists have never been so needed. The right orthodontist can correct overbites, straighten your teeth, and ultimately leave you feeling more confident about your smile.

But how do you go about choosing the best local orthodontist?

Top three tips to find a great orthodontist:

1. Education and Credentials

As you search for an orthodontist, you want to find one that has had all the necessary training. University-trained orthodontists are board-certified and offer more advanced treatments than dentists.

If a local orthodontist is indeed board-certified, then that indicates they are serious about their trade and have taken the initiative to demonstrate their commitment to their craft.

2. Equipment

Another thing you need to be on the lookout for is the equipment that an orthodontist’s office uses. Are they up to date on the latest technology?

If the office uses digital x-rays, this is a good sign. Digital x-rays take better scans of teeth and use half the radiation of film x-rays. If the office uses a 3-D scanner, this is also a good sign. This scanner can make electronic molds of a person’s teeth for orthodontic records, which are an upgrade over traditional molds.

Why is technology important? An office with up-to-date technology is affirming its commitment to offer the best possible care for its patients. Likewise, going to an orthodontist with the latest in technology is going to give you the best possible outlook on your teeth.

3. Treatments

Another thing you want to look at is what kind of treatments an orthodontist offers. It’s a safe bet that most orthodontists will offer treatment for traditional braces. But these can sometimes be invasive and might require frequent follow-up appointments. There are also advances such as removable aligners and lingual braces, which are less invasive and look better aesthetically.

Ideally, you want to find an orthodontist that will examine your teeth and discuss every option available to you. Some of your options may come down to finances, others may come down to the condition of your teeth and what needs to be corrected.

Whether you’re in need of adult braces for yourself or you need to set your kids up with a family orthodontist, get in touch with the staff at Nowlin Orthodontics. With offices in South Tulsa as well as Glenpool, Nowlin Orthodontics is all about transforming smiles while offering a high level of service and care to patients. For quality care from a board-certified orthodontist, call 918-369-6100 to set up a consultation.