The first thing most people will notice when you open your mouth is your smile. If your teeth are too crooked, misaligned, or discolored, then they’re going to stand out. A visit to your orthodontist is the first step to achieving your desired smile.
However, orthodontics is about more than just how your teeth look to others. It’s also important for preventing gum disease and tooth pain. As such, you need to find a specialist who is worth the money.
Here are seven important factors when looking for the best orthodontist in San Jose.
1. Local Office
One of the first things to consider when looking for a good orthodontist in San Jose is the distance to their office. Consider how many times you’ll need to visit your orthodontist.
First, there’s the consultation to get an assessment of all the work you may need. Boschken Orthodontics in San Jose offers free initial consultations virtually, if that is more convenient for you. Assuming you’ll need braces, there’s the appointment to get them put on. After that, you’ll need to make regular visits to have those braces adjusted so they can work properly.
It can take adults up to 24 months to complete their orthodontic treatment. In that time frame, you may have to visit our office every four to eight weeks. Finding a local orthodontist in the San Jose area will cut down on your travel time significantly.
2. Good Reviews
Look to an orthodontist’s online reviews before you give them a visit. The best local orthodontist in San Jose will have largely positive reviews from their previous clients.
Reviews consist of a couple of different factors you should keep in mind. First, there’s the quality of the service and affordability. If people complain about encountering problems with their dental care, then steer clear.
Second, there’s how good the care was from the physician. Even if they’re one of the best orthodontists in the area, it helps if they’re personable and kind. You should feel more comfortable visiting their office, not stressed. A friendly office staff can make a huge difference as well and help you feel at ease.
3. Experience With Children
Most people get some kind of orthodontic care when they’re children or teenagers for good reason.
For starters, the way your mouth looks when your adult teeth fully grow in is how it’ll look for a big portion of your life. However, any problems with their alignment may worsen over time. They’ll also be out of their braces by the time they’re an adult.
As such, you should find an orthodontist in San Jose that has experience working with children. Teens have a lot of anxiety and negative feelings towards braces and any dental work, so the orthodontist has to be able to navigate that. They should also work with your child to create an at-home braces care routine that works for them.
Boschken Orthodontics has a lot of experience with putting teens through Invisalign treatment, which can be a great alternative for an active teen or one who doesn’t want the asthetics of metal braces.
4. Friendly Demeanor
The orthodontist you see for your dental care is going to become a familiar face over the years. It’s important that you get along with them and that they’re comfortable dealing with your personality type.
If you’re not the type of person to enjoy chit-chat, they should understand that. Likewise, if you want to get to know everything about your orthodontist and their home life, you should find someone more sociable.
An initial consultation is a good opportunity to size them up. Online reviews can also inform you of their past social interactions.
5. Qualifications
All orthodontists are required to graduate from dental school and get an orthodontics specialty education. Without these qualifications, an individual cannot legally practice in this field.
In certain cases, an orthodontist may get additional qualifications. For example, you may find one that received a master’s in craniofacial biology.
There’s also the option of becoming Board Certified. While Board Certification isn’t required, it shows that an orthodontist is accomplished in their field. According to the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), only about 1 in 3 orthodontists have completed this certification.
Additionally, the ABO is the only certifying board in this specialty that has been recognized by the American Dental Association. Keep that in mind whenever you visit an office claiming to be Board Certified.
6. Useful Website
Most of the information you’ll need when choosing an orthodontist in San Jose should be available on their website. Online and on social media, you can find pictures of the office and staff. You should also be able to find information about the various services available and contact information.
A list of services can help you narrow down which offices are the right fit for your needs. A couple of treatments to look out for are ceramic braces and Invisalign. Both of these are great if you need your teeth straightened discreetly.
Some websites show testimonials from past clients. You may also find examples of sample cases to demonstrate the effects of each treatment offered.
Another thing to look for is a presence on social media. A social media team can help keep a physician in touch with their online audience through announcements and posts on their wall.
7. Payment Plan Options
It’s possible for you to need some dental procedure only to find out that your specific insurance plan doesn’t cover it. When that happens, it helps when the dental office you’re at has an option for a payment plan.
According to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the cost of braces can range from $3,000 to $10,000. Even if your plan covered half of that, you’d still be paying over a thousand dollars at the minimum.
Although financing plans usually come with an interest rate, they can help you afford important procedures. Your orthodontist should use a third-party provider to arrange a plan. In most cases, it’s a better alternative to getting a personal loan from a lender.
Find the Best Orthodontist in San Jose
An experienced orthodontist should provide an environment that is safe, comfortable, and welcoming to people from all walks of life. They should work just as well with children as with adults. You also want something closer to home for quicker visits.
If you want to find the best orthodontist in San Jose for your needs, try out Boschken Orthodontics. We provide orthodontic treatments and Invisalign in the Los Altos and San Jose areas. Contact Boschken Orthodontics to learn more and request an appointment.
