Trust your gut! Your relationship with your orthodontist is long standing. You will be seeing a lot of each other. Therefore, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your provider. First and foremost, you want to make sure you seek treatment with an Orthodontic Specialist. Orthodontists have an additional two to three years of specialty training, and their sole practice is the safe movement of the jaw and teeth, and is going to be able to provide you with the safest and most effective approach to creating a smile that will last a lifetime.

Your orthodontist should be willing to create a plan with you, not for you. Each child, teen, and adult has various circumstances that would make him or her candidates for different orthodontic approaches. It is imperative that your provider combines their skill and expertise with your lifestyle.

Some things to consider when choosing an orthodontist include:

Practice philosophy?

• Do they practice early treatment in order to provide optimal results for your child?
• Does their treatment include correcting facial/skeletal discrepancies if they exist, or does it just include straightening the teeth?

Qualifications?

• Are they certified orthodontists as recognized by the American Academy of Orthodontists
• Has a trusted doctor, friend, or colleague referred your orthodontist to you?
• Does your orthodontist teach to area dentists at seminars or meetings?

Is the orthodontist up-to-date?

• Is your provider current with the latest advances of orthodontic care through continuing education?
• Does the orthodontist provide multiple treatment options, including conventional braces, or invisalign?

What is The Environment?

• Is the office comfortable, and a place you or your child would enjoy coming to?
• Are the doctors, and team members compassionate and friendly?
• Is the office using the most advanced sterilization system, and exceeding infection control requirements?
• Is the office location convenient for you? Is it in La Costa, Carlsbad, San Elijo Hills, San Marcos, or San Diego?