Blog Post

How To Find The Best Orthodontist In Columbia SC
Posted on 07/26/2017
smiling face

Are you looking for the right orthodontist to take care of your dental needs? Keep reading to learn how to find the best orthodontist in Columbia SC. 

Everyone deserves to have a bright, happy, and healthy smile. But sometimes a little help is needed. When your teeth are crooked or your smile isn't as perfect as you want it to be, that's when an orthodontist is needed.

But how do you find a great orthodontist? There are a lot of orthodontists to choose from and you want to find one you like and trust. 

Which is why we're sharing with you tips on how to find the best orthodontist in Columbia SC. Because you and your smile are too important to just leave the search up to the internet and hope for the best.

Do I Need a Dentist or an Orthodontist in Columbia SC?

First, you should determine whether or not you even need to see an orthodontist. In certain cases, you should see a general dentist or a specialist. 

Orthodontists are trained to diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Dentists are trained on crowns, fillings, bridges, and cleanings. 

Orthodontists go to school for two to three additional years in order to specialize in orthodontists. While some general dentists have received some training for Invisalign, it's not as extensive. 

What Memberships & Schooling Does the Orthodontist Have?

Before you step into the office of any orthodontist in Columbia SC, check to make sure what affiliations they have first. What school or schools did they attend?

Some orthodontists obtain a Master's degree in orthodontists. Does yours have a DDS or MS after their name? 

Lastly, check to make sure they are board certified by the American Association of Orthodontists. To be a member in good standing, all orthodontists must complete certain hours of continuing education.

Who Will Be Performing the Work?

It's not always a given that the orthodontist will be the one performing the work. Ask to make sure that the attending orthodontist will be the one working on the patient.

Otherwise, you may end up with an assistant doing all the work. Meaning, you're probably paying the same price for a less qualified individual to work on your mouth. Is that something you'll be comfortable with?

Does the Practice Use the Latest Technology and Equipment?

A doctor who constantly upgrades their office to keep up with the latest technology is a doctor who is more concerned with their patient's health than making money. It also means they're probably wasting less time shuffling papers and having outdated equipment make an incorrect diagnosis.

Also, the latest technology with braces means less time and most importantly, less discomfort than metal braces worn in the past.

What About Financing?

Let's face it, braces are not cheap. But they are necessary. A good orthodontist in Columbia SC will offer financing opportunities to their patients.

But don't forget about your dental insurance! Before making an appointment, make sure the office accepts your insurance.

There are four types of braces on the market today. Look to see if the orthodontist's office offers a variety of solutions that can work within your budget. 

What is the Overall Mood in the Office?

A good, healthy office will be one where you feel comfortable and safe. While orthodontist offices tend to be busy, if you find one where chaos is happening, it's not a good sign.

Does the staff seem genuinely interested in you? Do you feel they are listening to your questions and actually answering them? 

A good office will also find ways to work with a patient. That usually extends to being able to make emergency calls should something happen where you can actually reach the orthodontist. Even during off hours.

How to Find an Orthodontist in Columbia SC

There are several ways to go about finding a good orthodontist in SC. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time. This isn't the time to make a rash decision.

Your teeth are a lifetime investment. So make sure you find an orthodontist you know will keep you smiling for the rest of your life. Here are a few ways to do just that:

Ask Family and Friends

The people you know are great resources for a referral. You know them, like them, and trust them. Which means you can practically guarantee you'll be happy with who they recommend.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't still ask questions before you make an appointment. You may have other requirements that your friend or family member didn't.

Your Insurance Company

Orthodontics isn't cheap. So if you have insurance, you should definitely use it. Contact your insurance company or go online to find a local orthodontist in Columbia SC. 

Just remember that your insurance company isn't as likely to care whether the orthodontist works with fearful patients. Or if they have the latest technology. So find a few nearby and do your research.

State Licensing Board

Visiting your state's licensing board is also a smart choice. You'll not only be able to verify their dental license status, but you can now view any actions brought against them.

Online Reviews 

Online reviews are a great place to search for a qualified orthodontist. There are several places where you can go to find unfiltered information. 

Social Media

Does the orthodontist have a presence on social media? Check out their Facebook page and see what photos, blogs, and posts they use. It's also a great way to see what their fellow patients are saying about them.

Review Sites

There are also sites like Yelp where people go simply to rate and review businesses. Other sites designed to help people find Orthodontists or medical practitioners also offer a place for patients to leave ratings and reviews.

Another great source is to simply go to the orthodontist's website and check it out. Is it a clean website? Does it provide good information? 

Are there reviews on their site? A well maintained, informative website says a lot about a business. So does having great reviews.

Dr. Davis is a proud Columbia South Carolina native. Our state-of-the-art equipment and caring approach have helped kids and adults enjoy a happier, healthier smile. Schedule your appointment today and smile knowing you're in the right hands.