How do you find the best orthodontist near me? You know it’s not enough to just look at their website, right? You want to find someone who will give you the smile you deserve and not mess up your teeth in the process! But how do you go about it? How can you be sure that the orthodontist who claims to be the best won’t end up ruining your teeth? Take this quiz to see if you know what to look out for when picking an orthodontist. Answers are below, but don’t cheat!
Why do you need braces in the first place?
The point of braces is to realign your teeth, so if you don’t have any orthodontic issues to begin with, braces might not be necessary. How do you know if your teeth need a little help aligning? The best way to tell is by visiting a dentist or orthodontist for a consultation. If you meet with one and decide on braces, you can expect that it will take about two years (depending on your case) until you have straight teeth again. Additionally, some patients need braces to stay in place while they undergo orthognathic surgery or additional procedures such as jaw contouring or bone grafting.
Who is the best orthodontist near me?
The best orthodontists near me is going to vary based on a number of factors. Most importantly, you need to consider how good of a fit you are with your doctor. A major mistake people make when choosing an orthodontist is picking one because it’s closest or cheapest. This can be a big mistake because, in addition to aesthetic concerns, braces and other types of dental devices can cause problems if they aren’t applied properly. You need to trust your dentist, and that means finding someone who understands your goals and expectations.
So, start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If you have no leads there, search online for best orthodontists near me or something similar. It should only take a few minutes to find some good candidates. Once you have a list of potential doctors, call them up (or visit their websites) and ask about their experience with specific procedures like Invisalign® or clear aligners. When talking to them over the phone or online chat, pay attention to their bedside manner as well as their knowledge level; neither one should be ignored in favor of another.
What can go wrong with braces?
Any orthodontic treatment is going to come with a certain amount of risk. However, if you do everything correctly and work with your orthodontist in a very careful manner, it’s more likely than not that you’ll walk away from treatment relatively unscathed. If you take things too quickly or don’t listen to your orthodontist, however, there are risks. Here are some things that can go wrong during orthodontic treatment: * Injuries due to braces * An improperly fitted brace * Tooth discoloration * Bone loss due to improper alignment of teeth and gums * Permanent tooth damage and/or chipping Bruxism (teeth grinding) * Jaw pain and headaches caused by misalignment of teeth, jaws, and facial muscles
Knowing the risks helps prevent problems
Whether you’re seeing a general dentist or an orthodontist, it’s important to know what to expect from treatment so that you can make a fully informed decision. For example, if you’re having braces applied to straighten your teeth and you don’t have enough space in your mouth for them, then undergoing oral surgery beforehand is a good idea. Similarly, if there are going to be concerns about over-correction of your teeth during any kind of orthodontic procedure, then being aware of that can also help prevent problems later on. So look at all aspects of care before deciding where best to go! Also: When Can You Stop Wearing Braces? And 6 Mistakes To Avoid When Getting Braces.
The bottom line on problems caused by braces
It’s very rare for your teeth to be messed up by braces. Unfortunately, it does happen—and it’s a good idea to know what signs and symptoms you should look out for in case something goes wrong. Most problems are caused by a poor-fitting retainer or crooked wire that gets caught between teeth. Be sure to take care of your mouth while wearing braces so you don’t end up with gingivitis or loose teeth.
