Choosing the right orthodontist for you and your family isn’t an easy decision, especially if you’re not familiar with orthodontic treatment. How do you know which orthodontist is best for you and your family? What type of credentials or qualifications should you look for in an orthodontist?
We’re here to help! Here are 5 factors to consider when evaluating an orthodontist’s credibility:
How to Find a Good Orthodontist
- Research local orthodontists near you.
The first step to finding an orthodontist is conducting a quick Google search. Type “orthodontist near me” into the search bar and see who turns up. (Of course if you’re located in the St. Petersburg or Seminole area, we encourage you to visit us at Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics! Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst are your local orthodontists, bringing smiles to life at an affordable price.)
If you’re not in our area, ask trusted friends and family members if they have any orthodontist recommendations near you! Once you have a list of local orthodontists, the next step is to assess their credentials and experience.
- Assess the orthodontist’s memberships, certifications and/or awards.Â
How long has the orthodontist been practicing? Have they won any awards or written any publications? Which professional memberships or affiliations are they a part of?Â
An orthodontist who participates in professional organizations, has had work published in dentistry and/or orthodontics, and who has years of experience to back their technique is a good, qualified orthodontist.
Both Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst are active members of 7 professional associations. We provide the expert quality of care you deserve!
- Does the orthodontist provide the treatment option you’re looking for?
You’ll want to ensure that the orthodontist you choose offers the type of treatment you prefer! You deserve a modern treatment option that helps you feel confident throughout your treatment experience.Â
We offer a number of modern treatment options, including traditional braces, Damon® self-ligating braces (metal and clear) and Invisalign® clear aligners! As Top 1% Invisalign Diamond providers, we’re proud to have treated more Invisalign cases in the past 15 years than any other Invisalign providers in Pinellas and Manatee Counties!
You decide which treatment suits your style best and we customize a treatment plan to get you there.
- Do they offer a complimentary consultation?Â
Visiting the orthodontist for a complimentary consultation can tell you everything you need to know about their quality of care.
It’s a good idea to choose an orthodontist who offers free exams; this means the orthodontist is confident in his or her skills and in the patient experience they provide. Offering complimentary exams also shows that the orthodontist wants you to make the best decision for your smile, not rush you into a payment plan!Â
Our new patient consultations are 100% complimentary, and they include a full exam, a digital panoramic x-ray, diagnostic photos, and a consultation with our experienced orthodontist! We invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation with us.Â
- Do they offer Same Day Braces?
Once you decide to start orthodontic treatment, you shouldn’t have to wait any longer to get started. When you visit a Same Day Orthodontist, you can leave your very first appointment with braces on your teeth or your Invisalign scans taken!
Our orthodontists are experienced Same Day Orthodontists near you. You can have your orthodontic exam completed and get braces, or have digital impressions taken for your custom Invisalign aligners to be designed – all on your very first visit.
Find an AAO Orthodontist
If an orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, this means they completed additional training programs in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics after dental school.Â
An orthodontist’s membership in the AAO also reassures you that the orthodontist is certified, because the AAO only admits qualified orthodontists. Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst are proud members of the AAO!
When to See an Orthodontist
According to the AAO, children should receive their first orthodontic screening by the age of 7. Before the baby teeth are shedding and the adult teeth are emerging, our orthodontists can detect conditions that are soon to become problematic if left untreated.
At Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics, we will never suggest orthodontic treatment if it isn’t necessary or beneficial to your quality of life. Our patients can rest assured that we’ll only suggest what we believe is best for your smile, based on your orthodontic condition, your lifestyle, your needs, and your smile goals.Â
Before you visit us for your complimentary consultation, you can look out for the following signs that indicate a need for orthodontic treatment.
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Jaw pain, clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth
- Top teeth overlap the bottom teeth, or bottom teeth overlap the top teeth
- Pain in your jaw muscles when you wake up (due to clenching)
- Lack of confidence in your smile
If you or your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, and you’re wondering how to find a great orthodontist in Seminole or St. Petersburg, FL, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can treat the most complex cases!
Dr. Insoft, Dr. Hurst and our experienced team are here to guide you every step of the way. Request your complimentary consultation with us and we’ll take care of the rest.
