As an adult, deciding to fix your teeth and wear aligners is not an easy one. You want to choose something which will not disturb your social obligations, not come in the way of enjoying food, and the list goes on. You get down to researching all the different types of orthodontic treatment options and finally decide that Invisalign is the aptest procedure to go ahead with.
Invisalign suits many of us because of its invisible nature, i.e., it gels completely with your natural set of teeth with its clear trays, and no one can make out you are wearing braces. Another wonderful aspect of these clear aligners is that they are removable, and you can take them off when you eat, need to play sports, or do any other activity where braces can come in the way or get damaged.
But choosing Invisalign was just one step in the overall decision-making process. The right orthodontist for your Invisalign journey is vital to get the desired smile in the most effective manner. You would want to go for an orthodontist with a proven track record, as correction of malocclusion requires lots of time and money.
So what should one look for when choosing a doctor for Invisalign treatment? Let us find out all about that in this article.
Factors To Consider While Choosing an Invisalign Provider
Clear aligner therapy can be done only by licensed and experienced orthodontists. You might feel that choosing the cheapest alternative might be good enough, or you could go for “do-it-yourself” companies that provide Invisalign through the mail. Here are a few tips which can help you get the best solution in selecting an Invisalign provider:
Select an orthodontist who is highly recommended and experienced in clear aligners treatment – Experience matters a lot when it comes to straightening teeth. Invisalign is something like a paintbrush, and many people can use the same paint but create different results. So an experienced person is much more effective in treating teeth with clear aligners and will give you results in a shorter time. To find a good orthodontist, first, create a list of all orthodontists in your area and then check their reviews online. You will find that many patients provide a detailed experience of their treatment online, and around eighty-seven percent of people trust online reviews as much as they trust reviews of their friends and family.
Get referrals – Apart from doing your own online research, getting referrals from people you know is a great way to decide on the perfect orthodontist. Word of mouth matters a lot, so speak to patients who have availed services of the orthodontist that you have shortlisted. Invisalign is popular these days so you are sure to find someone who has gotten that treatment done. Try to get at least three to four recommendations, and then do your research.
Schedule a consultation – Once you have boiled down to a solid list of orthodontists, it’s time to meet them. You might find some consults are free while others might charge you. Despite the charges, meeting your orthodontist is an important step in the decision-making process. When you are at the premise, check the cleanliness of the place, get to know the waiting time, find out how well-equipped the waiting room is, and also be able to gauge the doctor’s manners. You must have a list of questions in hand when you meet the orthodontist. You should try to get as much information as possible, especially about their experience in Invisalign. You must ensure that the doctor takes time to clear all your doubts and is not hurrying you through the process. Meeting face-to-face is a big factor in zeroing in on your orthodontist.
Costs comparison – If, even after meeting face to face, you are in a dilemma about the best orthodontist, comparing costs would give you that clarity. Dental work is quite expensive, and if you have a tight budget, the prices would be a major concern for you. Some providers might be lenient about monthly payments or have offers and discounts. You must mention your budget and get a quote when you meet the orthodontist.
Certifications of the doctor – Invisalign is the buzz these days, and many doctors who are not qualified enough and lack credentials are trying to profit from the popularity of these clear aligners. Invisalign is not like other dental work and needs specific knowledge. So you can save a lot of time by researching all the required credentials of an orthodontist before fixing an appointment. An adequately trained provider in Invisalign would be the most apt for you.
Customer service quality – When you reach out to the potential Invisalign provider, try to gauge the quality of their customer service. Check if they are polite to you on the phone and if they get back to you quickly. You would want to be with a provider whose customer care gives you time and patience and answers all your questions. If you are uncomfortable with the quality, you should look elsewhere.
When you are just starting to find an Invisalign provider, it might all seem overwhelming to you. But with the pointers mentioned in this article, you will be able to smoothly navigate the decision-making process and find the provider who will suit you in all respects.