When you or your child prepares to begin orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to find an orthodontist who is experienced, well respected, and most of all devoted to helping you. Here is a checklist of items to help you pick the right orthodontist
Look for Board Certification
Board certification is not required of orthodontists. In fact, only approximately ⅓ of all orthodontists are Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). To be certified by the board, orthodontists undergo rigorous testing under the view of a highly respected panel of examiners. Orthodontists are evaluated based on judgment, clinical skills, and knowledge. Orthodontists who elect to earn their Board Certification choose to do so because it demonstrates a commitment to going above and beyond in raising the bar of excellence in orthodontics. Dr. Stock is proud to be Board-Certified by the ABO! She achieved certification in 2010 and completed renewal testing in 2020.
Look for Involvement in the Dental Field
The best orthodontists will love their field and do their part to improve the practice of orthodontics. Look for an orthodontist who is active in their chosen industry’s associations and organizations such as the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and their local and regional chapters of various dental societies. Dr. Stock is a member of each of these organizations and is even a past President of the Iowa Society of Orthodontists.
Find an Orthodontist Who Offers the Services You Need
When picking the right orthodontist for your needs or your family’s needs, look for an orthodontist who treats patients of all ages. Children should see an orthodontist for the first time by age seven. This is recommended because many times early orthodontic intervention can shorten orthodontic treatment time later. When looking for an orthodontist, confirm the orthodontist will treat your child when they are young, and as they progress through adolescence. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself, check to make sure the orthodontist also provides treatments for adults.
Additionally, before selecting an orthodontist, make sure they offer all of the treatments you prefer. If your child is insecure about braces, ask about options such as clear braces, or Invisalign. If your child has a significant misalignment in the jaw, look for an orthodontist who performs surgical orthodontics.
Find an Orthodontist That Offers a Free Consultation
Orthodontic treatment requires multiple visits to the orthodontist throughout treatment. To that end, you’re going to want to make sure you’re comfortable with your orthodontist, and that you and your child like them. Look for orthodontists who offer a free consultation, so you won’t waste time or money seeing someone with whom you don’t have a good rapport.
Look for Financing Options
If you have dental insurance, orthodontic treatment may be partly covered. However, in some cases, treatments are not covered. For uninsured patients, orthodontic treatment can be expensive. So, it’s best to look for an orthodontist like Dr. Stock who accepts insurance, credit card payments, and financing through CareCredit. Financing options can make much-needed orthodontic treatment much more affordable.
Schedule a Free Orthodontic Consultation in Iowa
Dr. Suzanne Stock is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with offices in Iowa City, Fairfield, Washington, and Williamsburg. She is proud to offer free orthodontic consultations to patients of all ages. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at 319-800-9497, or request an appointment online.