Are your teeth no longer as straight as you’d like? Consider finding an orthodontist in Phoenix, AZ. With orthodontic treatment, you can straighten your smile, close unwanted gaps, and improve your bite.

You could even experience a boost in self-confidence once your treatment is done!

There are now over 83,000 orthodontists and 11,900 orthodontic practices across the US, though. Without a plan, you might waste valuable time vetting your options. That’s time you could spend on your treatment instead.

Here are seven tips that can help you find the best orthodontists in Phoenix. After using this orthodontist guide, you can feel confident in your choice. You can find a qualified, experienced orthodontist who can improve the state of your smile.

Start searching with these seven simple tips today!

1. Request Personal Referrals

You can speed up the search process by speaking with friends and family members you trust. Do you know anyone who recently completed treatment? Ask them about the orthodontist they visited.

Consider making a list of questions to ask about their experience. For example, you might want to ask:

• Was the orthodontist experienced and professional
• What type of treatment did you request
• Did the cost suit your budget
• Were you satisfied with the outcome of your treatment
• Would you visit them in the future
• Did you experience any problems

Learning from friends and family members can help you gather insights you might not find online.

Try to consult someone who received the same treatment you’re interested in. Then, ask how they chose between metal braces, clear aligners, or another option.

Gathering referrals from people you trust could help you find the best orthodontist in Phoenix. If you’re struggling to gather referrals, start online instead. Google “orthodontists near me” and start drafting a list.

Don’t choose the first orthodontist you find, though. Instead, use the rest of these tips to learn more about each option.

2. Check Credentials

Once you have a list of the best orthodontists in town, look into their credentials. Visit each orthodontist’s website or their Healthgrades.com profile.

First, make sure their credentials are up-to-date. If they’re not licensed to practice, scratch that orthodontist on your list.

Next, learn more about their training and education. Where did they go to school? Make a note of when they graduated as well.

If the orthodontist graduated a while ago, they likely have years of hands-on experience treating patients. However, it’s important to make sure they’ve kept up with their training. After all, orthodontists have developed new technologies, treatments, and techniques over time.

Determine which orthodontists on your list keep up with their education. Look for someone who strives to excel in their field. These orthodontists will have up-to-date training and knowledge you can depend on.

3. Look for an Established Business

The best orthodontists will have years of relevant experience treating patients.

First, determine how long each orthodontist has owned their own practice. Try to find a long-established practice in Phoenix. These businesses have worked out operational issues over the years.

They’ve likely outlasted competitors in the area while gaining the respect of their patients as well. The staff will know how to work diligently and efficiently, too.

A brand new practice, on the other hand, might still have a few issues it needs to work out. For example, they might struggle with scheduling. They could make mistakes regarding insurance coverage or payments.

Finding a long-established orthodontic practice will give you peace of mind.

Make sure the orthodontist’s experience is relevant to your treatment needs, too. For example, perhaps you’re interested in Invisalign treatment. Confirm that the orthodontist has offered Invisalign for at least a few years.

Perhaps you’re interested in treatment for your child. In that case, determine if the orthodontist has experience treating children.

4. Read Patient Reviews

Remember, you can always learn more from people who were once in your shoes. Before choosing an orthodontist from your list, look for patient reviews. Check Healthgrades.com, Google My Business, or the Better Business Bureau sites.

Make sure the orthodontist you’re considering doesn’t have any medical malpractice claims against them. Read a handful of comments to gain more insight into each orthodontist.

If there are numerous complaints about professionalism or how they treat patients, scratch that orthodontist off your list.

5. Consider Their Services

Are you interested in traditional metal braces or clear, plastic aligners? About 20% of the people with braces are adults. Schedule a consultation to determine which treatment option suits your needs.

Try to find an orthodontist that offers the specific services you’re looking for. During your consultation appointment, ask about the pros and cons of each option. For example, you might prefer plastic aligners for discretion.

Metal braces are ideal if you have more extensive alignment issues, though.

If the orthodontist only offers one form of treatment, consider choosing someone else.

6. Consult a Map

Pull up Google Maps and determine where each orthodontic practice is located. Choosing an orthodontist located nearby could make life easier in the future. Look for a practice near your home or work.

Determine how long it will take you to reach each practice, too.

You don’t want to choose a practice that’s an hour out of your way. If there’s an emergency, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re close.

7. Schedule a Consultation

Take the time to schedule a consultation appointment with three of the best orthodontists on your list. Discuss your treatment goals and orthodontic options.

During the appointment, pay attention to how each orthodontist communicates. Choose someone who is easy to understand. Make sure you’re comfortable around them, too.

If you’re considering treatment for your child, make sure they can put young children at ease, too.

8. Determine Pricing

While you’re at each practice, ask about the pricing for the treatment you’re interested in. Determine if the practice accepts your insurance, too. If they don’t, ask if they offer a payment plan instead.

Gathering multiple quotes from nearby orthodontists will help you gauge the average price.

Start Searching: 8 Tips for Finding the Best Orthodontists in Phoenix, AZ

Finding the best orthodontists in Phoenix, AZ shouldn’t feel stressful. Instead, use these seven tips for finding an orthodontist. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice.

Then, you can start restoring your smile and boosting your confidence with the right form of treatment!

Eager to get started? We can’t wait to see you!

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.