How to Choose An Orthodontist in San Diego? When You should Go To One

Did you know that in Japan, people pay to have snaggleteeth? Of course, it’s unthinkable here in the US. After all, this is a country with an obsession with perfect teeth.

But what does that mean exactly? Well, for starters you have to have white, straight teeth. But if you want a celebrity smile, you could get porcelain veneers or a procedure for a less gummy smile.

Now, if your main concern is a straighter smile, your best option is orthodontics. Here, we’ll talk about how to choose an orthodontist in San Diego, as well as the best time to see one.

First Things First: What Is an Orthodontist?

Some people think orthodontists only straighten teeth. But it’s more than that. An orthodontist can also help correct malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite.”

When you have malocclusion, you have an increased risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. Correcting a bad bite also helps reduce the strain on your teeth, jaws, and muscles.

So how do orthodontists help their patients achieve a healthy, straight smile? They use many appliances including braces, trays, retainers, and so on. But if you don’t like the look of traditional metal braces, you could go for Invisalign aligners.

Aside from being nearly invisible, Invisalign is more comfortable to wear. It’s also easier to maintain. Plus, you don’t need to wear it for 2 years since you can complete treatment in as little as 9 months.

How to Choose an Orthodontist in San Diego: Our Top Tips

One of the easiest ways is to ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can also check orthodontist reviews online.

Once you have a list of candidates, check their websites and give them a call. See how easy (or difficult) it is to book an orthodontist consultation. And then drop by for a visit.

You’ll want to get a feel for how the staff treats patients. And of course, how the orthodontist conducts his/her consultations. Some would rush through a consult to see more patients.

Go for an orthodontist who will take his/her time to know more about your medical history. The consultation should also include a solid plan for correcting your alignment problems.

Before you leave, you shouldn’t be left guessing about the goals of treatment. And you shouldn’t have to call back about how long or how much the treatment would cost.

When to See an Orthodontist

The recommendation for kids is to have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. But if you missed that chance, don’t worry. You can go to an orthodontist no matter how old you are.

As long as you have concerns about the alignment of your teeth or the quality of your bite, you can go for an orthodontist consultation. Orthodontic treatment works at any age.

Looking for an Orthodontist in San Diego?

Now that you know how to choose an orthodontist, we hope you won’t delay getting orthodontic treatment. If anyone deserves a healthy and straight smile, it’s you!

To make your search easier, we encourage you to contact us so we can talk about your orthodontic treatment options. You could also drop by our office. We are located at 4698 Convoy St #203 just south of Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

See you soon!