Imagine smiling with beautiful, straight teeth, feeling more confident in your appearance than ever before. With orthodontic care, that reality is within reach! First, you’ll need to find an orthodontist in Glenview, IL.

There are over 15,800 orthodontic businesses in the US. As the industry grows, inexperienced orthodontists begin offering services. Take the time to find someone with years of hands-on experience.

Not sure how to find a local practice? Simplify choosing an orthodontist with this guide today!

1. A Glowing Reputation

To simplify your search, turn to friends, family members, and neighbors in Glenview. Ask if they’ve received orthodontic care in the last year. If they have, ask about their patient experience.

Prepare a list of questions to ask, including:

• What services did you request?
• Is the orthodontist knowledgeable?
• What are their credentials?
• Is the staff friendly?
• Do they treat kids and adults?
• Are you satisfied with the results?
• Did you encounter any problems?

Gathering personal referrals will help you build a list of local orthodontists you can trust. Your friends may help you recognize which practices to avoid.

Ask each patient if they had problems while receiving treatment. Did the staff try to fix the problem? Look for a team that cares about the patients.

If you can’t gather referrals from friends, start your search online. Look for patient reviews on Yelp, Google Business, and Healthgrades.com.

Finding an orthodontist with an established reputation will help you feel confident in your choice. These teams will strive to maintain their reputation by upholding a high standard of care. 

Check for reviews about a lack of professionalism, long wait times, or delayed treatments. Remove these practices from your list.

Do the same complaints repeat between patients? Avoid these practices. You’ll likely experience the same problems. 

2. Proper Credentials

Confirm that each orthodontist on your list is board certified. Orthodontists are dentists who completed a graduate program in dentistry. They’ve received a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Orthodontists have also gone through a competitive residency. They’ve completed a CODA-accredited orthodontic program. Make sure each orthodontist has received training specific to orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedics.

Some orthodontists have an American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification. This voluntary credential represents a commitment to high standards. These orthodontists receive additional, voluntary education and ongoing assessment. 

You can verify each orthodontist’s credentials using the Orthodontist Locator or Healthgrades.com. Look for orthodontists who continue their education after graduating.

These professionals strive to offer the highest standards of care. They stay informed of new technologies and procedures. You can feel confident choosing an orthodontist who relies on up-to-date information. 

3. Experience and Expertise

Remember, the orthodontic care industry is experiencing constant growth. Determine how long each orthodontist has practiced. 

A team with years of hands-on experience will offer better services. You can rely on your orthodontist’s expertise. They’ll help you make informed decisions about your orthodontic treatment plan. 

These orthodontists have likely treated a range of alignment issues (malocclusions), including:

• Crowded teeth
• Open bites
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites

Are you looking for an orthodontist for yourself or your child? Make sure the orthodontist has relevant patient experience.

If they’re treating your child, they need an understanding of child development. Your child should see an orthodontist by age 7.

Ask how long they’ve owned their practice in Glenview. An established practice has likely worked out kinks over time. You’re less likely to experience billing or scheduling issues at these practices. 

4. Range of Orthodontic Care Services

When people imagine orthodontic care, they picture metal wires and brackets. Traditional metal braces are no longer the only treatment option. Look for an orthodontist who offers a range of services.

These may include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Clear aligners

Ask the orthodontist to weigh the pros and cons of each one. Determine why they’re recommending a specific course of treatment.

If you’re a busy business professional, you may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Clear aligners are made of thin plastic. Your orthodontist may recommend this option for discretion.

Choose a professional who will customize your orthodontic treatment plan. They should consider your needs and comfort. They should also keep you involved in the decision-making process.

Ask each orthodontist about the process for each treatment. For example, how long will it take for you to get straight teeth?

Treatment durations can vary based on how extensive your orthodontic problems are. It also depends on which type of treatment you choose.

Ask how often you’ll need to return for follow-up appointments. Braces appointments take between 10 and 20 minutes. During this time, your dentist will assess your progress and make adjustments.  

5. A Professional Demeanor

Schedule an in-person consultation appointment with three orthodontists. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask.

Pay attention to how the orthodontist speaks and acts. Are they kind, patient, and professional? Make sure you’re comfortable around them.

You’ll need to visit your local orthodontist multiple times while you receive treatment. Prioritize your comfort now for peace of mind later. 

6. Friendly Staff Members

During your consultation appointment, consider the staff. Are they friendly and helpful? If not, remove that practice from your list of options.

Look around the office before leaving. Is the waiting room full? The practice is likely understaffed and overbooked.

7. Ideal Pricing

Consult your insurance company before beginning your orthodontic treatment plan. Determine if your plan will cover a portion of the treatment.

If not, talk to the practice. Determine if they offer financing options. They may work with you to ensure you receive the care you need.

Find Your Orthodontist in Glenview, IL

Don’t rush when choosing an orthodontist. Otherwise, you may end up with someone who lacks experience or the proper credentials. Instead, keep these factors in mind to find a quality orthodontist in Glenview, IL.

They’ll help you maintain beautiful, straight teeth you can’t help showing off! Look no further for orthodontic care than Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics.

Since 1946, we’ve treated over 20,000 happy patients while providing the best possible care. Discover our range of orthodontic services in a fun and friendly environment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.