Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. And as one of the biggest factors for a positive first impression, it’s only natural to want your smile to look as great as possible. If you’re looking for an orthodontist for yourself or your family, there are many factors to consider. You want to find someone knowledgeable, experienced, and caring. But how do you pinpoint the perfect orthodontist through just a couple of conversations?

Keep reading for seven questions to ask a potential orthodontist in Glenview, IL.

1. What Is Your Experience with Orthodontics?

One of the first things you’ll want to find out about an orthodontist is their education and experience. This will tell you how long they’ve been in practice so you can begin to think about whether you think they could give you the best dental care possible.

Ask the orthodontist questions such as where they attended school, where they did their residency, and what year they started their practice. You could also find out roughly how many patients they see a year.

While many people assume that someone with an orthodontics practice is well-qualified, it’s always best to ask for the details.

2. What Treatments Do You Offer?

Compared to a decade ago, there are a variety of different options for correcting a myriad of dental needs. Between traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and others, there’s never been more choice when it comes to orthodontic treatments.

There are many different treatments out there now, but that doesn’t mean that they will all work for your specific orthodontic needs. Ask the orthodontist whether the treatment you’re interested in will work for you to find out if it’s a viable option.

If you’re an adult looking to get your teeth corrected, be sure to narrow in on practices that offer adult orthodontics, as some may not have the tools or experience.

3. How Long Will Treatment Take?

When people do get braces, they often want them on for as short a time period as possible.

While most people’s orthodontic treatment takes 1-3 years before it’s completed, there are many factors that go into how long your specific treatment will take. Some of these factors include how intensively your teeth need correcting, the type of bite you have, and the form of braces you use.

Remember that how long your treatment takes will also depend on how well you follow your orthodontist’s directions. If there are things you must do at home, like wear rubber bands or keep retainers in for a set number of hours, the better you follow instructions the faster your treatment will go.

After figuring out the best treatment options for your teeth, the orthodontist will be able to give you an approximate timeline of how long the treatment will last.

4. What Will the Cost Be?

A dazzling smile is an investment, and you should go into the process with this in mind.

Orthodontic treatments don’t have a set price, though they do tend to average $6,000 according to the ADA. Again, the cost of your treatment will depend on factors specific to you, like where you are located and which treatment you’ve opted for.

The price of braces or Invisalign can be a nerve-racking topic to bring up, but make sure you get all of your cost-related questions answered thoroughly so you have a clear idea of all of the prices involved. The orthodontist may also have brochures or other written materials you can take with you that cover all of the prices in detail as well.

5. Do You Invest in the Latest Technology?

Technology is only getting better and better, and this includes the technology for orthodontic treatments. When you have a machine that can map braces in 3D, you know you’re getting the most cutting-edge treatment possible.

Ask for details about the technology used in the orthodontist’s office. Do they stay up to date on the latest tech improvements? Or do they stick with old tried-and-true methods?

It’s also a good idea to ask whether the orthodontist and staff participate in continued education and training. If they’re consistently updating their technology equipment, they should be updating their knowledge of this equipment and new orthodontic practices so they can offer the best service to their patients.

6. How Do Your Emergency Appointments Work?

There’s nothing worse than a bracket breaking off or a wire poking out and cutting your mouth, causing you pain. When you go to choose an orthodontist, it’s important to figure out if you’ll be able to reach them in an emergency.

Find out if they have an after-hours or weekend number you can call to receive help. Do they let you come in for emergency appointments if necessary? And do you have to pay for these emergency visits?

Knowing that you’ll be well taken care of if something goes wrong is a welcome advantage that will help you choose the right orthodontist for you or your family.

7. Do You Accept My Insurance or Offer Payment Plans?

Related to the cost of the treatment, finding out if the orthodontist’s office takes your specific type of insurance is crucial. Orthodontic treatments are usually a costly endeavor, and while they’re definitely worth it, the price tag can be intimidating.

Many insurance providers offer coverage for braces and Invisalign, helping to reduce costs. It’s a good idea to talk to both the orthodontist’s office as well as your insurance provider to find out the details of whether your insurance covers any of your desired treatment.

Go to the Best Orthodontist in Glenview, IL

Orthodontic treatments are an investment you’ll likely participate in for at least a year before reaching your perfect smile. If you’re going to put in all of that time and money, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision when it comes to your orthodontist.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Glenview, IL, we’re here to help. Our experienced and professional team will take expert care of your teeth, so you can get the smile you deserve.

Reach out to us to find out how to get started on your orthodontics journey.