Posted on June 1, 2020
There are so many reasons to smile. You’ve probably heard these encouraging words before. Great advice, right?
But what if your smile is the reason you can’t smile? Hmmm…let’s be more specific. You don’t smile because you’re ashamed of your crooked teeth. You’ve lost your confidence because others make fun of you. You might as well cover your mouth than flash a smile because you’re embarrassed.
Those are the things that people with crooked teeth are faced with daily. The bright side is, they don’t have to suffer and be ashamed.
If you have the same problem, know that there’s someone who can help you correct those flaws. An orthodontist treats teeth and jaw alignment problems.
You might be more familiar with a dentist. Some actually use the term “dentist” and “orthodontist” interchangeably when referring to a dental professional. But it’s important to distinguish the difference between the two, so that you know which one can better solve your dental concern.
The main difference between the two is their education. A dentist finished a four-year dental program, while an orthodontist finished the same program plus another two to three years of specialized studies in orthodontics.
Orthodontists are masters at making teeth move to their optimal position. They can give you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Do you think that your crooked teeth are all the problem? An orthodontist will help you determine the source of the problem. Often, malocclusion is the root cause of why your teeth are not properly aligned.
An orthodontist will not only straighten your teeth but will also correct your bite. An orthodontist uses various dental devices to do that. The most common are dental braces and retainers.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign has gained a lot of popularity. Also, an orthodontist can install headgear for patients with more complicated teeth alignment and jaw concerns. An orthodontist can correct simple to most complicated teeth alignment and bite problems.
Since an orthodontist is the only one certified to correct your teeth alignment and bite problems, you have to make sure that they are qualified. Make sure that they’ve finished four-years at an accredited dental college and have completed the additional years of specialization in orthodontics. They should be certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic board recognized by the American Dental Association.
Continuous training and education is also a must for an orthodontist because of the progress in orthodontic technology. A good orthodontist is up-to-date with the latest treatment and technology in the industry.
Finding the best orthodontist in your area can sometimes be quite a feat. Aside from their education and training as their first qualification, you can also do the following in your search:
As with any dental problem, consultation is key. Visit an orthodontist and seek their expertise. You can do this by visiting a number of orthodontists and comparing their services and recommendations. Check on their success stories. It is also better if they have before and after photos of patients to show you proof of their work.
While visiting several orthodontists can be taxing, but it’s worth your time. But for your convenience, you can use the Internet to your advantage. You can do your research online by visiting orthodontists’ websites. Also, you can read online reviews from web platforms like Google, Facebook and Yelp. Online reviews allow you to see the orthodontist’s ratings and comments, which will be helpful in your search and decision.
It doesn’t hurt to ask, even the seemingly irrelevant questions. Discuss with the orthodontist about the concerns you have. It’s important for you to understand your condition and their recommendation before moving forward with a treatment plan. Remember, you can make better decisions if you’re informed.
Aside from the online research that you’ve gathered, seek referrals from people you trust. They’re the best gauge of how good an orthodontist is. Your family, friends or colleagues may have the network to refer you to a good orthodontist, so it’s worth asking them.
The proximity of the orthodontist to you should be one of your top considerations. Lineberger Orthodontics, for that matter, is your best choice. For your convenience, we have an office in several locations. Our three locations are in Charlotte, Huntersville and Mooresville.
Lineberger Orthodontics is not your usual orthodontic’s practice. We innovate and create so you’ll have the best experience while visiting our locations. We entertain, make you feel relaxed and fill your stomachs. You’ll find in our office dapper docs, massage chairs, a giant Jenga, fresh baked cookies, Starbucks coffee, flat-screen TVs above patient chairs with headphones and a SLIDE!
Our orthodontists are certified professionals by the American Board of Orthodontics and are using hi-tech treatment options. We are fun to work with. You won’t have a dull time with our team.
Your visit to Lineberger Orthodontics is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. See what our clients are saying.
Schedule your free consultation now! We also have a virtual consultation to immediately answer your questions.