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Okay, first things first!  It is important to note that all orthodontists are dentists, but very few dentists are orthodontists.  What does this actually mean?  Well, all dentists must attend an accredited dental school for four years and they must pass the dental board examinations afterward to be licensed to practice dentistry in their state.  Once they are licensed, they can “technically” do anything within the realm of dentistry.  This includes orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), oral surgery (extraction of teeth and placement of implants), endodontics (root canals), etc.  Orthodontists on the other hand are dentists who have advanced training beyond dental school.  All orthodontic specialty programs are at least two additional years after dental school and many are even three additional years of education in the area of orthodontics.  Compare this with the occasional dentist who decides to offer orthodontic treatment to his patients.  Typically, he has taken a few weekend courses after dental school to learn the basics of orthodontics.

Now that we have differentiated between the qualifications of a dentist and an orthodontist, let’s take a look at orthodontic treatment itself.  With the arrival and introduction of Invisalign as an alternative means of straightening teeth in the early 2000’s, orthodontic treatment suddenly became more desirable to millions of people.  Not only did it open the door to treatment for so many adults who never had the desire to have braces, it also became much more desirable to teens and adolescents who dreaded the prospect of having braces on their teeth as their rite of passage into adulthood.

Invisalign also opened the door to many general dentists as a way to grow and expand their practices by offering it as an adjunct to the services that they typically provide for their patients.  However, just because your dentist tells you that he can straighten your teeth with Invisalign; it doesn’t mean that he can give you the attractive smile and the most stable result that you would expect.  All smiles are not created equally and just because a dentist has a license is no guarantee that you’ll be happy with the results. Here are some things you may want to consider as you choose an orthodontist for yourself or your child.

First, is the orthodontist truly an orthodontist?  As I outlined above, a dentist is not an orthodontist.  Can he truly provide his patients with the proper results?  In my experience of practicing orthodontics exclusively for over 25 years, the answer simply is “no”.

Second, if in fact the orthodontist is truly an orthodontist, is he really a good doctor?  How did you find him?  Was it through a recommendation or an advertisement?  Have you actually seen his work?  Do you have friends who can vouch for him?  There is a misconception that as long as an orthodontist has a specialty degree, he’ll be able to give you the same results as anyone else in the field.  If that was the case, finding the lowest fee would make sense.  Unfortunately, not all treatment is the same.  Some orthodontists remove too many teeth.  Some don’t remove enough.  Some are very particular about their final results while others are content just going through the motions.  Some are artistic and they have an eye for beauty.  Others are just mechanics who work in the mouth.  For something this important, you should ask to see actual examples of their work.

Third, consider the organization of the office and staff.  Although you may not understand malocclusions or treatment mechanics, you can tell a well-run office when you see one.  Is everything clean and in its place?  Is the technology and equipment up-to-date?  Is the staff friendly, well-trained, and helpful?  If so, it is safe to assume that an equal amount of care will go into the treatment they will provide.  What kind of care will you receive from a doctor who cuts corners on his facility and staff just so his fee can be a little lower?

Fourth, what is the doctor’s attitude towards his job? Will he be passionate about your child’s care? Can he communicate his vision of your treatment plan so that it makes sense? Does he have enough integrity and confidence to wait until the ideal time to start treatment, or does he automatically recommend treatment to every patient so that he doesn’t “lose a sale”? Does he remove braces early because time is up, or does he finish the job? Will he examine your child at every appointment to make sure that treatment stays on schedule? Not all orthodontists are “hands-on” and it shows in the final results.

Finally, how do you feel when you are in the office? Is it a good fit for you and your family? Is it a happy, fun place? Unlike your family physician that you only see when you are sick, you will be visiting your orthodontist and his staff for at least a couple of years, sometimes six or seven years if the treatment is done in two parts. You should feel very comfortable and safe. The doctor and staff should make you feel at home.

All orthodontic treatment is NOT the same. The facilities and technology are a reflection of the orthodontist who will create the smile that you or your child will have the rest of your life.  As with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. When it comes to your smile, you can’t afford to make a mistake.

By Dr. Gary Reichhold