Choosing an Invisalign doctor site can be as complicated as choosing which brand of car to buy, and just as confusing. You want to feel confident in your choice, but you don’t want to waste money on someone who isn’t qualified or experienced enough to help you get the results you’re looking for. Finding the right dentist for your Invisalign treatment can make all the difference in how fast and easy your journey will be, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time before choosing someone to work with.
Communicate with your doctor
Being clear about your expectations before you even meet with a doctor is key when it comes to getting Invisalign treatment. It’s important to ask yourself if you’re looking for cosmetic results (straight teeth) or functional ones (the ability to chew and smile without pain). A purely cosmetic treatment might not be covered by insurance, while functional therapy can cost up to $8,000. Most patients who need both types of therapy seek out a multi-specialty dentist with training in both fields rather than just seeking out an Invisalign specialist. If you aren’t sure what kind of doctor is right for you, consider asking your dentist or local American Dental Association chapter for suggestions on where to start looking.
Take advantage of technology
In some cases, you may be able to use technology to find an Invisalign doctor in your area. For example, try Googling Invisalign providers + city name. This search should bring up a list of results that includes dentists and other professionals who can fit you with a custom-made treatment plan. You may also want to check out reviews of local dentists at Yelp or Angie’s List. One or two negative reviews won’t necessarily mean they’re not good doctors—everyone has critics—but if there are a lot of complaints (for example, more than one or two each) it could indicate that something isn’t right.
Location matters
Some customers want to ensure they get to a dentist who specializes in their type of orthodontic treatment; for example, if you need Invisalign, you’ll probably want to find an invisalign doctor site (or invisible braces practitioner) that specializes in that treatment method. As with any other medical practice, specialists charge more but usually offer more benefits. However, while specialists may be quicker at producing results and provide extra support services like regular check-ins with a staff member to keep you on track during your treatment, general practitioners are likely more cost-effective as they have lower overhead.
Experience makes a difference
Experience is one of many factors that determine quality. You want an invisalign doctor with experience in both cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. The more experience a dentist has treating patients with Invisalign, for example, using newer techniques and software like 3D animation technology, the better your chances of getting great results. Also, if you’re looking for something simple—like invisible braces to correct minor malocclusions—you don’t want to bring your business to a specialist who only handles complex cases! It’s best to find an experienced generalist who knows how all of Invisalign works and can recommend appropriate treatment options when things aren’t clear-cut.
Reputation counts
If you want to know whether or not your invisalign doctor is right for you, it’s important to research their reputation. You’ll want to look at how long they’ve been in business, how much experience they have, and what their overall focus is. For example, if you need an orthodontist that focuses on teeth whitening , consider another office. If a dentist has been in business for a long time and has a track record of satisfied customers , chances are good that you’ll be happy with your results too!
Keep up with continuing education
One of your friends might have gone through braces in high school and be able to point you to a great orthodontist. You could also ask around at work and see if there are colleagues who can recommend someone or who have had good experiences with a particular doctor. Of course, word-of-mouth isn’t always reliable, so we recommend searching online for reviews of doctors near you. The best place to start is by looking up a doctor’s website—it’ll often be highly visible on Google search results and will give you a chance to suss out their qualifications and methods before setting up an appointment.
Check credentials
The first thing you should do is make sure your doctor has enough experience. Make sure he or she is board-certified and has been in practice for at least three years. The American Board of Orthodontics offers a great deal of information regarding orthodontists, including certification history and postgraduate education. If your candidate doesn’t have a clear history on his or her profile, be wary of how much practice he or she really has under their belt.
Consult with friends and family
Before choosing a dentist for your teeth, consult with your friends and family to get their feedback. What do they think of their dentist? If you know other people with Invisalign, what do they say about theirs? What are some things you should look for in a doctor who provides Invisalign services? The insights from these people can help you narrow down your search and ultimately choose an excellent dentist.
