Effective orthodontic treatment can sometimes be a long and sometimes uncomfortable process, even though the results are worth it in the end. Not everyone’s experience will be the same though, and an important step in ensuring that yours is as good as possible is making sure you choose the right orthodontist.

Patients are lucky that they now have many options when choosing who will deliver their treatment, but this can make the choice feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few key factors to consider that can make choosing the right orthodontist for you easy.

Qualifications and Licensing

As with any medical professional, the single most important thing when choosing an orthodontist is making sure that they’re appropriately qualified and licensed. This guarantees that they have the knowledge to provide you with safe and effective treatment and is an essential part of protecting patients.

Experience

As well as making sure that they’re qualified, you’ll likely also want to consider your orthodontist's level of experience. More experience doesn’t just mean more experience providing treatments, it also means they will have developed their ability to communicate with patients and understand their individual needs and preferences better. This can be particularly reassuring if you have some anxiety associated with dental appointments and treatment.

Treatments Offered

There is a wider range of orthodontic treatments currently available than there ever has been before, and the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and the condition that you need treating. If you’ve already looked into what’s available and have a preference, you’ll want to make sure that you go to an orthodontist who offers that treatment method and has the knowledge and experience to know whether it’s right for you.

It's also an advantage if your chosen orthodontist offers a wide range of treatments, as this means it will be easier to explore your options and are more likely to offer one that is ideal for you.

Reviews and Reputation

By looking at reviews and testimonials from previous patients and considering the practice’s overall reputation, you can get a good overall idea of how the orthodontist or orthodontists there perform and how they are at dealing with people. Knowing their qualifications and how long they’ve been in practice can provide you with the assurance that they know what they’re doing, but what their patients say gives you a more comprehensive idea of what you can expect from them.

Finance Options

Orthodontic treatment is a great investment in yourself and your future, but it can feel expensive in the short term. Orthodontists are well aware of this and that’s why many of them offer fair and affordable payment plans.

Your Personal Preference and Subjective Impression

It’s important that you feel comfortable and able to trust your orthodontist, both in the initial consultation and as your treatment progresses. Whilst you can get some idea of this from reading reviews and speaking to any other patients you know, it’s highly subjective and something you can only truly know once you’ve met the orthodontist.

Any good orthodontist will be happy to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about your treatment options and why they’re making certain recommendations. A little anxiety may be normal when dealing with dental professionals and procedures, but if you aren’t comfortable and confident with your orthodontist, it may be worth getting a second opinion.

The Rykiss Advantage

Here at Rykiss Orthodontics, our friendly and experienced orthodontists in Winnipeg offer a range of treatments to suit all smiles. If you’re interested in understanding your options or finding out more about how our team could help with the smile of your dreams, don’t hesitate to contact us.