Dental health is a critical component of overall health, so patients need to find an orthodontist to coordinate regular preventative care and be the go-to person for dental procedures or emergencies. There are multiple options for people who need to find a new dentist.
How to find an orthodontist
In many cases, people will begin the process of finding an orthodontist by searching for offices near where they live. After comprising a list of potential candidates, the patient can evaluate how well each orthodontist fits their criteria. These three methods can help patients narrow their choices and find an orthodontist to meet their needs.
1. Online search
Gone are the days when the only way to find a local orthodontist was to look through the phone book. There are numerous options for finding information on orthodontists on the internet. Typing "orthodontist near me" in a search engine can provide patients with a list of orthodontists near the patient's physical location. In addition to the address, website, hours of operation, and phone number of the nearby orthodontists, many orthodontic practice sites have reviews from patients that can be useful in making a selection.
2. Local organizations
A local dental society can help patients find an orthodontist by providing a list of orthodontists' names in the area. Local health departments, dental associations, or dental schools can also be a good source of information. State Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies can provide information on dentists who offer free or low-cost dental care.
3. Word of mouth
Friends, family, and coworkers can be good sources of information about local orthodontists. The benefit of asking a trusted friend or family member is that the patient can get a firsthand account of what that person liked and did not like about a particular dentist. When asking about orthodontists, patients should find out about the available preventative care and dental emergency options, how difficult it is to get an appointment, and how helpful and knowledgeable the staff is.
How to choose an orthodontist
Once the patient has a list of potential orthodontists to choose from, it is time to call the orthodontist's office or visit in person. During this conversation, the patient should ask the dentist what preventative services are available. Along with this, they can review insurance and payment options. Patients should also ask about emergency hours if they need immediate orthodontic care. Patients with specific concerns about their or their family's oral health should bring them up during the consultation.
Give our office a try
A variety of options are open to patients who need to find an orthodontist. Internet searches, local dental associations, health departments, and word of mouth can all be useful tools. However, one should make their final determination by scheduling a phone or in-person consultation to assess how well various dental offices meet the patient's needs. If you would like to give our Fullerton practice a try, contact us. We will be happy to schedule an appointment and answer any questions you may have.
Request an appointment or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at 714-459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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