What to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist

A successful orthodontic treatment experience isn’t just about receiving professional and gentle care. You also need to trust that your doctor has your best interests in mind and at heart. When you become a patient at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, you become part of our family. A family that has been growing for over 50 years! As a practice, we have successfully treated thousands of patients and know what separates a good orthodontic experience from a great one.

To help you begin your orthodontic journey, we’ve put together this list of questions to ask before committing to a provider for treatment.

Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?

When searching for a provider for yourself or your child, you want to have confidence that you are in the right hands. An orthodontist is a dentist who has gone through extra years of schooling to be specialized in the field of tooth movement, jaw growth, and orthopedic (bone) correction while learning the latest techniques and how to practice to the highest level of care.

You might also be surprised to find out that just because your dentist offers orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean they are specially trained in orthodontics. Many general dentists also provide braces treatment and clear aligner therapy in addition to standard dental services such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures. While an orthodontist, on the other hand, specializes only in providing orthodontic services.

After a dentist has completed their undergraduate pre-dental education, they must attend a graduate school specifically for dentistry and pass a certification exam before becoming a practicing dentist. The same goes for orthodontists, except they must attend an extremely competitive orthodontic residency program after their general dentistry certification. These programs typically last another 2 to 3 years and include full-time training meaning the orthodontist has:

• Studied the growth and maturation of teeth and jaw
• Been introduced to numerous case studies and the latest literature
• Developed diagnostic skills to appropriately treatment plan each case
• Learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
• Studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients

While there are some exceptions, most dentists simply will not possess this level of in-depth orthodontic training and experience. If you are looking for foundational oral health maintenance, trust your dentist. But, if you need specialized orthodontic care, you can trust that Dr. Jay, Dr. Steve Sr., Dr. Brian, Dr. Steve Jr., and Dr. Tim are committed to excellence in your orthodontic care. They have proven themselves by achieving the highest level of intensive experience. You want an expert orthodontist like our doctors to create your new smile–not aligners you order through the mail.

Who benefits from orthodontic treatment?

At RTO, we adhere to the American Association of Orthodontics’ recommendation that every child be seen around the age of 7 for their first visit. In the majority of cases, we do not start treatment this early, but as trained specialists in jaw growth and tooth eruption, our doctors can make sure that your child is on the right track.

Orthodontics isn’t only for children and teens, today more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for their own needs. These include worn teeth due to deep bites, crowding, periodontal disease prevention, esthetics, and more. With a variety of treatment options, our patients can work with our team to decide what treatment works best for them, their goals, and their lifestyle.

What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?

By pairing state-of-the-art technology with our thorough understanding of facial growth and tooth movement, our doctors at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics can successfully treat many dental issues based on your unique needs and goals using metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance. Though past incarnations have been bulky, awkward, and painful, our metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. Our advanced self-ligating braces are made for efficient tooth movement and optimal patient comfort. No two people are alike, and our variety of colored ties allows you to truly individualize your orthodontic experience and match your style.

Clear Braces

Ceramic braces use the same components as traditional metal braces, but instead of metal, the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a transparent or tooth-colored ceramic material. This makes clear braces a common choice for older patients who do not like the esthetics of metal brackets. Clear braces require a little more care as the ceramic pieces are more brittle and can break more easily depending on your eating habits.

Invisalign

Unlike traditional braces, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign doesn’t rely on a system of metal or ceramic brackets and wires. Instead, Invisalign uses 3-D computer technology to create a custom-fit series of invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth by applying steady pressure on your teeth as you wear them. They are replaced every week to make this adjustment gradually. Though you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth, you will need to wear them about 22 hours a day to be most effective. Invisalign isn’t only for adult patients. At our practice, we use the latest advances in Invisalign to treat growing patients for alignment and bite correction with Invisalign.

Is the consultation free?

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, our consultations are always free. This allows you to get all of the information you need in order to make the best-informed decision possible about your oral health. At your free consultation, we will take photos and radiographs and explain how orthodontics can benefit your oral health, and what treatment options are available to you in a pressure-free environment.

What are my payment options?

Your smile is an investment, and our highly qualified and friendly financial team will help you find ways to make your dream smile possible. This includes filing and reviewing insurance benefits, interest-free financing options, and flexible payment plans. Just like your orthodontic care, we tailor this process to what works for you and your family.

When considering your options, you can trust Reichheld Ting Orthodontics with your smile!

Reichheld Ting Orthodontics is your location for modern orthodontic treatment. Our doctors and our friendly team take pride in staying up-to-date on the latest orthodontic treatment and braces technology. We have four offices conveniently located in Acton, MA, Billerica, MA, Lowell, MA, and Westford, MA, ensuring you get high-quality orthodontic care just minutes from your home, school, or work to fit your schedule.

There’s never been a better time to reach for the smile you’ve always wanted, so get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our expert orthodontic team! You’ll enjoy a comfortable and speedy smile journey because we invest in the latest treatments and technologies to create the smile you expect and deserve.