Today, if we have a question about anything from how to take care of a plant to how to make a healthy dinner, there is one place everyone turns: Google. So, when beginning the hunt for the right orthodontist to help you transform your smile, it’s natural to start by typing “orthodontist near me” into the search bar. However, after looking through pages and pages of search results, you may be wondering what exactly it is that you are looking for. To make the research process significantly less anxiety-inducing, here are a few tips to help!
#1. Credentials Are Important
One of the best places to start is by limiting your search results to solely orthodontists. After all, while some dentists provide both traditional braces and Invisalign, orthodontists undergo an additional two to three years of extensive training to earn the title. A board-certified orthodontist is especially ideal since those professionals have gone above and beyond to expand their clinical expertise and hone their craft.
#2. Convenience Should Be Considered As Well
Whether you are considering metal braces or a more discreet alternative, orthodontic treatment requires significantly more appointments than standard preventive care. To ensure you can commit to attending your follow-up appointments, consider picking a location that is close to your house, your office, or your child’s school. That way, your visits won’t be a source of stress!
#3. Read On and Off-Site Reviews
Naturally, reviews that are available on a practice’s website are going to be extremely favorable. So, while those are still important, consider reading off-site ones as well. While some negative feedback is natural, a disproportionate amount of dissatisfied patients is a red flag.
#4. Schedule an Initial Consultation
The internet has made the research process much more seamless, but there is only so much you can do online. To get a true feel for the doctor, the team, and the practice, you have to experience it for yourself. By scheduling an initial consultation, you will get a sense of the cleanliness of the office, how they treat their patients (and each other!), and how comfortable you feel there.
#5. Ask About Payment Options
When selecting an orthodontist, you want your entire experience to be as stress-free as possible – even when it comes time to pay! With this in mind, feel free to ask about the cost of treatment and the financial options available. That way, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
Searching for an orthodontist in McMurray can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, the above tips can prevent that from happening, so you find the right orthodontist for you as quickly as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Cartwright earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, and he has been helping patients achieve their smile goals ever since! Today, he is a board-certified orthodontist and is proud to serve patients in both McMurray and Bethel Park. From your first appointment, his extensive experience and genuine passion for his craft will be evident, making trusting him with your smile the obvious choice. To learn more about Dr. Cartwright or to schedule an appointment, visit his website.