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5 Tips for Choosing the Best Orthodontist for Your Braces

The key to great braces treatment is finding a good orthodontist. But do you know how to find a good orthodontist? What does an orthodontist do?

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we understand how daunting finding an orthodontist can be. We want to be your orthodontist in Columbia, IL, and Waterloo, IL, but we want you to understand why we should be your top choice. 

Let’s explore what an orthodontist is, what they do, and why Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics should be your top choice!

What Is an Orthodontist vs. Dentist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. It sounds like one of those word puzzles, doesn’t it? But it’s true! An orthodontist starts the same way as a general dentist by completing dental school. 

A dentist can then set up their dental practice. Someone entering the field of orthodontics must continue specialized treatment to become certified. That includes on-the-job training through an orthodontic residency program and additional training in the art and science of moving teeth.

Tip No. 1 — Know That You’re Working With a Certified Orthodontist

Some dentists nowadays offer services that you think are reserved for orthodontic care, including treatment with clear aligners. But for proper braces and clear aligner treatment, look for a certified orthodontist who has completed that additional training and education.

Tip No. 2 — Make Sure Your Dentist and Orthodontist Work Together

You still need your teeth examined and cleaned during braces treatment, so your dentist and orthodontist must work together. If your orthodontist spots a cavity, your dentist will need to take care of it before treatment can continue. 

What Experience Does My Orthodontist Have?

You may think this is an odd question. Surely, every orthodontist has experience. But it’s the TYPE of experience you want to know about. If your young child is the patient, you’ll want to know whether the orthodontist is experienced with treating young children.

Tip No. 3 — Know the Type of Experience Your Orthodontist Has

Just as you want to know about child experience, you’ll also want to know about the orthodontist’s experience treating adults. Nearly a quarter of today’s orthodontic patients are adults. You’ll want to know if your orthodontist is experienced in treating adults. You don’t want to visit a pediatric doctor for adult braces! 

What Treatment Does the Orthodontist Offer? 

Most orthodontists offer treatment with braces and/or clear aligners. What differs is the types of braces and clear aligners they offer. You want to know if yours offers the best type of treatment for you. 

Tip No. 4 — Ask About the Type of Treatment the Orthodontist Offers

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we know every mouth is different. Therefore, we offer several treatment options for our patients. 

We offer braces treatment with metal self-ligating braces that are faster and more comfortable than traditional metal braces. We offer clear braces and lingual braces for those who want braces treatment without their braces being visible easily. 

We offer clear aligners from Invisalign and 3M Clarity for those wanting even more discreet treatment. They are nearly invisible on the teeth but offer similar moving power to braces. Clear aligners have become very popular with our adult patients. 

Make sure your orthodontist not only has several treatment options but also has the treatment options you prefer. 

How Do I Pay for Braces From This Orthodontist?

 

This may be the most important question you ask. There’s no point in going with an orthodontist if you can’t afford his services!

Tip No. 5 — Ask About Financing Options With Your Orthodontist

We want to make your braces or clear aligners affordable, so we offer several financing options for orthodontics. 

Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics offers low down payments and 0% in-house financing with our payment plans. We can extend your payments beyond your treatment time so they’re more affordable. 

We will work with you to determine how much your insurance will cover before we design a payment plan to allow you to pay the rest. 

Your Orthodontist in Waterloo, IL

It’s important you find the right orthodontist for your braces treatment or Invisalign treatment. Your oral health affects your overall health, so you want someone to make your oral health a top priority. 

Schedule an appointment with Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics. We will happily walk you through our services and financing options so you will know what to expect from us. Feel free to ask us any questions about your braces treatment or Invisalign treatment — we’ll be happy to answer!

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