When you make the decision to pursue a particular medical treatment or procedure, what’s the first thing you do? If you’re like most people, the first step will be seeking out an experienced provider you can trust. The same holds true for improving your smile! Finding a qualified orthodontist who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make you feel comfortable forms the foundation of your orthodontic journey. But where to begin?
With so many doctors to choose from, it’s normal to feel a little unsure about how to make the best choice for you. Here at Johnson Orthodontics, we know how important this decision is and want all of our potential patients to be as well-informed as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the questions you should ask when looking for the right orthodontist for your smile!
“What training and experience do you have?”
Some people believe that dentists and orthodontists are interchangeable, especially now that a number of dentists offer some orthodontic treatments as well as traditional dental services. While there are many similarities between the two, there are also a number of significant differences to be aware of!
Orthodontists like Dr. Johnson are dental specialists who have had years of extra education and training in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. During this time, they will also study oral disease, biomedical science and biomechanics, and learn various orthodontic techniques. This gives them the skills they need to successfully manage tooth movement and facial development.
Becoming an orthodontist takes a lot of time, hard work, and dedication, something Dr. Johnson knows all about. He graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, then completed his dental education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He went on to complete an orthodontic residency at Temple University, where he was appointed Chief Resident in the Department of Orthodontics based on his exceptional clinical and leadership skills. He also served as an instructor for undergraduate dental students during his time there.
When you choose Johnson Orthodontics, you’ll be putting your smile in the best hands in Sussex County!
“How long will treatment take?”
Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to this question. The more comprehensive the required treatment, the longer the treatment time will be. If you have a relatively healthy bite with only mild orthodontic issues, you may have a relatively short treatment time. If you have more serious problems that need to be corrected, such as severely displaced teeth or a significant bite discrepancy, you’ll need more time in braces or aligners to get optimal results.
Ask any orthodontist you’re considering to give you an estimated treatment time so you’ll have some idea of how long it will take to straighten your smile. Regular check-ups are also part of the process, so you may want to inquire about these as well to get a feel for the total amount of time you’re likely to be spending in our office! This will help you when it comes to long-term planning for the future.
“How much will treatment cost?”
You’ll want to know what’s included in your treatment plan before moving forward with the orthodontic process. Because every smile is unique, treatment costs will vary from case to case. When you schedule a FREE consultation with us, we’ll go over all the applicable fees so you never have to worry about any surprise charges!
Johnson Orthodontics wants everyone to have access to the treatment they need, and we’re committed to providing patients of all ages with affordable orthodontic care. As a courtesy to our patients, we offer interest-free financing with flexible monthly payments through OrthoBanc and also accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Discounts are available to patients who are able to pay in full at the start of treatment.
If your insurance plan will cover orthodontic treatment, we’ll be happy to help you maximize your benefits. Bring your current insurance card with you to your first visit, and we’ll work with you to receive full insurance benefits for any services. We will also be happy to file your insurance claim for you.
“What treatment options are available to me?”
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! We offer the following treatment options for a total smile makeover.
Traditional metal braces
Modern metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel and more comfortable than ever before. They’re one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases.The total treatment time for these newer designs tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear braces
These function basically the same way traditional braces do but use translucent brackets instead of metal. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide patients with an almost invisible treatment option! They can be a bit more delicate than metal braces, though, so Dr. Johnson generally only recommends them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign is our most popular alternative to braces, and uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your smile. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a special thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks.
Find the right orthodontist for your smile at Johnson Orthodontics
When you get down to it, choosing an orthodontist is a personal decision. With so many providers to choose from, we’re determined to stand out from the crowd! Johnson Orthodontics provides customized care to patients of all ages, and our talented team has the skills to help you achieve a beautifully aligned smile. We work hard to give every patient a stress-free and rewarding experience, from the first visit to the last!
If you’ve been looking for an orthodontic practice that can meet all your needs and give you the smile you’ve always wanted, we’d love for you to consider Johnson Orthodontics! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Johnson and take the first step towards improved oral health and a confident smile.