If you’re in need of a braces dentist, then picking out an orthodontist at random is definitely not something you’ll want to do. The last thing you need is someone with a poor reputation digging around in your mouth, after all. This means that identifying a great orthodontist in your area is extremely important if you want to get the attention and treatment you need. Not to mention that just knowing that you’re in good hands can go a long way toward establishing peace of mind. The following are a few tips that you should use in order to find a great orthodontist in your area:
orthodontist

1. Get a Recommendation from People You Know

To get a list of potential orthodontists in your area, speak with people you know about the orthodontists they use. Talk to your family, friends, neighbors, and even your coworkers. Odds are, somebody you know has an orthodontist that they can’t recommend enough. Some may even recommend you stay away from certain orthodontists that they had bad experiences with, which will help you narrow down your list.

2. Check Online Reviews

There are a lot of online review sites that allow patients to write up reviews of their orthodontists. Check sites like Yelp, ZocDoc, RateMDs, and more. Don’t be scared away by one or two negative reviews if an orthodontist has dozens of positive ones—some reviewers may not have been the best patients, after all. Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a good idea of the pros and cons of each orthodontist.

3. Make Sure They Belong to the AAO

The AAO, or the American Association of Orthodontists, requires its licensed members to adhere to rigorous training and ethical standards. In order to become a licensed member of the AAO, an orthodontist must have completed two to three years of full-time postgrad classes and clinical work, so you’ll want an orthodontist that belongs to the AAO.

4. Review Their Website

If an orthodontist can’t be bothered to set up a good website, then you may want to find someone else. Their website reflects their professionalism. There’s also a lot of helpful information that you can find on an orthodontist’s website. For example, you can see what kinds of treatments they offer and what kind of equipment they use.

A good orthodontist’s website will also mention any accolades or awards they may have received, or any other associations they belong to—all of which will be a good indicator of their quality. Last but not least, if they have a testimonial page, give that a look to see what else their patients have to say about them.

5. Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation so that you can speak directly with the orthodontist. Having a conversation will allow you to get a better idea of what they can do for you. It will also give you a chance to judge their practice space. Remember, just because a practice has a good reputation doesn’t necessarily mean that they are right for you. If you don’t get along with the orthodontist or don’t feel comfortable in the environment of their practice, you may want to go elsewhere—even if they have a positive reputation.

These are a few tips that you should use to find a good braces dentist in your area. If you follow these tips, there’s no doubt that you’ll discover that Carlyle Orthodontics is one of your best options. To speak with a braces dentist, contact Carlyle Orthodontics today.