Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist

Researching orthodontists can feel overwhelming, especially when you have a hectic work or school schedule. From worrying about your smile to finding the right orthodontist, there’s a lot on your mind. Thankfully, knowing what questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist can help take off some of the weight of the process. 

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got you covered. At Chamberlain Family Orthodontics, we believe that your path to a straight smile should be simple and easy, so we’ve done the research for you! Keep reading to learn what to ask during your first consultation with a new orthodontist.

#1: Did they graduate from a 2-3 year residency program after dental school? 

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Aligning your teeth and bite is an extensive process that requires years of training beyond dental school, so when you’re choosing an orthodontist to work with, you want to be sure they’ve graduated from a 2-3 year orthodontic residency program.

During residency, an orthodontist-in-training works alongside experienced orthodontists to learn: 

  • Biomechanical techniques to move the teeth safely
  • Strategies to influence the growth and development of the teeth and jaws in younger patients
  • Dynamic principles of facial and smile esthetics

Just like with any other medical field, you’ll want to work with a specialist to treat conditions like bite problems or crowding. You wouldn’t go to your general practitioner for surgery, right? When it comes to bite correction and tooth alignment, you’ll need to visit an orthodontic specialist with extensive training and experience. 

Dr. C and Dr. A are highly-trained orthodontists with years of experience on top of their education. For straight smiles with exceptional care, Chamberlain Family Orthodontics is the right place for you. 

#2: Do they have an advanced degree in craniofacial development?

As the field of orthodontics grows and improves, it is more important than ever that your orthodontist understands craniofacial development. By specializing in this sub-field, your doctor will be more capable of safely and accurately shaping your smile. In order to move your teeth to give you a smile you’ll love, your orthodontist needs to be familiar with craniofacial growth patterns on the general and individual levels to predict how different treatments affect different smiles. A background in craniofacial development helps them to predict your unique response to orthodontic treatment for the best results overall. 

Dr. C and Dr. A both earned their Master’s in Craniofacial Development from Loma Linda University and the University of Southern California, respectively. They always go above and beyond to provide the best care possible, even if that means seeking out advanced training opportunities to further hone their skills. For the best results possible, you can trust our expert team at Chamberlain Family Orthodontics. 

#3: What treatment methods do they specialize in? 

Orthodontists are specialists in restructuring your smile, but most orthodontists have additional subspecialties. As they focus their efforts and continue to gain experience, they gain extra skills in certain areas that can enrich your treatment even more. 

When researching orthodontists in your area, you should ask what treatments they specialize in before you move forward with their office. Every patient’s needs are different, and patients with more complicated orthodontic problems may require a higher or more specialized level of care than others. Be sure your orthodontist specializes in your area of concern so that your smile results will stand the test of time. 

From our certified orthodontic assistants to our highly qualified orthodontists, our team at Chamberlain Family Orthodontics has what it takes to help you every step of the way. We specialize in open bite correction with Invisalign clear aligners, early expansion, non-extraction options for severe crowding, and surgical orthodontics – and we love working with patients with special needs!

#4: How long have they been practicing orthodontics?

The more experienced your orthodontist is, the more you can trust their ability to straighten your smile. During your consultation, ask them how long they’ve been in practice and whether they’ve been board-certified. Both of these questions give an excellent insight into the quality of care you’ll receive and their dedication to their craft. 

Chamberlain Family Orthodontics has served the Redlands and Beaumont areas for over thirty years. Dr. C and Dr. A are dedicated to providing unique treatment plans for patients of all backgrounds, and together they’re a dynamite team with tons of experience and a passion for bringing dream smiles to life. You can trust Chamberlain Family Orthodontics to give you a high-quality treatment experience that will leave you with a smile you’ll love. 

#5: What treatment options do they offer? 

Before you choose an orthodontist to work with, ask them which treatments they offer and how each will work for your unique smile. Depending on your condition, orthodontic treatment could take several years to adjust your teeth, and not every treatment works for every case. 

Dr. C and Dr. A offer three unique treatment methods with proven records of success: metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and InBrace hidden braces. At Chamberlain Family Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy the treatment plan that works best for you, so we won’t charge extra for clear aligners or hidden braces. We’ll help you find the right plan for your lifestyle, so you can enjoy your straight smile on your terms.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an OrthodontistWe Can’t Wait to See You Smile

At Chamberlain Family Orthodontics, your smile is our command. With three unique treatment options and a team of experts on your side, our family will give you the board-certified treatment you’ve been waiting for – with a smile to match! If you’re ready to get started, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Chamberlain in Redlands or Beaumont today!