3 Questions To Ask When Choosing An Orthodontist
Choosing to improve your oral health and straighten your smile with orthodontic treatment is a big decision! You don’t want to trust your teeth to anything less than an experienced orthodontic practice, but you may not be sure where to start.
Here at Kaplan Orthodontics, we want you to feel empowered and educated from the first step of your orthodontic journey to the last! That’s why we’ve put together this list of important questions to ask an orthodontist in order to make an informed decision on your care. Keep reading below for a more detailed look at what you should know before committing to treatment!
Are you a trained orthodontic specialist?
Sure, it might feel like stating the obvious, but this is probably the most important question you can ask when contemplating braces or clear aligner therapy! That’s because some dentists are also able to provide orthodontic treatment, even though they don’t specialize in it. A general dentist will generally offer common dental services such as crowns, fillings, dentures, and occasional orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist, on the other hand, spends their days providing only orthodontic services.
This distinction matters. Imagine for a moment that you or your child required specialized treatment or surgery. Would you feel comfortable with your family physician handling your case, or would you prefer a dedicated specialist? Orthodontists are dentists who also have several years of additional specialized training and experience in orthodontics. That means an orthodontist has:
- studied the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- been introduced to numerous case studies
- developed diagnostic skills
- learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
- studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
Because orthodontic residency programs are extremely competitive, only the top students in any dental school graduating class are accepted. These orthodontic programs tend to last around 2-3 years, with full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. While there are always exceptions to every rule, most dentists will not possess this level of exhaustive orthodontic training and experience.
After completing a BA in Biology at the University of Kansas, Dr. Kaplan returned to Memphis and enrolled in the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UT, then headed north to the University of Detroit Mercy for his orthodontic residency, where he was awarded a certificate in orthodontics and earned his Masters of Science degree.
More recently, Dr. Kaplan has been involved in research and development for two leading orthodontic companies. He’s also a speaker for Henry Schein Orthodontics and helps educate other orthodontists in advanced techniques to enhance treatment. He’s also a member of the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Georgia Association of Orthodontists
- Georgia Dental Association
- Hinman Dental Society
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
Here at Kaplan Orthodontics, our only focus is orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Kaplan performs teeth straightening procedures daily, and our entire team keeps up to date on the latest in industry practice by regularly attending continuing education courses. Dr. Kaplan has also equipped our Dunwoody office with the most current orthodontic equipment in order to better serve our patients. He is committed to providing you with the best in high-quality, individualized orthodontic care!
What treatment options do you have available?
Dr. Kaplan is proud to offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces and clear aligner therapy with Invisalign.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and have come a long way in recent years! They are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There is also a thin, springy metal wire that runs through the brackets, which may be fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.
Metal braces are a reliable, effective, and economical option. They’re also more comfortable and customizable than ever before. With smaller, lighter brackets and a multitude of colored bands to choose from, metal braces are a perfect fit for every personality!
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of customized aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets and wires are needed to move the teeth! This offers patients a measure of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your own teeth, Invisalign provides a more subtle and comfortable orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.
Invisalign Teen
Although Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work the same way when it comes to the underlying technology, Invisalign Teen was developed with the unique needs of teen patients in mind. There are a few special features that are specific to the Invisalign Teen system, including the following:
Compliance indicators
To help teens stick to their treatment plan, Invisalign Teen has a compliance indicator incorporated into each aligner. This will fade from blue to clear as it is used, providing a visual approximation of wear. This lets patients, parents, and orthodontists keep track of patient use. If a teen is skipping out on hours, it will be noticeable in enough time for us to correct compliance, thus keeping the overall process moving along at the right pace.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We all lose or damage things from time to time. While we encourage all of our Invisalign patients to be careful with their aligners, teens don’t need to worry about misplacing or losing one. Invisalign Teen anticipates it happening, and provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
How frequent are follow-up visits in the office?
Whatever your treatment plan, you can expect relatively frequent visits to your orthodontist. For patients in braces, adjustment appointments will be scheduled every 4-6 weeks or so. During these visits, Dr. Kaplan will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check your teeth’s progress, and make adjustments to the wires to ensure the teeth are being pulled in the right direction. Invisalign patients may be seen slightly less frequently, but these appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process.
Although treatment time varies from case to case, the average patient will spend anywhere from 1-3 years in braces or aligners. Be prepared to see us regularly! We know how busy our families are, and your time is valuable to us. That’s why we never overbook patients and always aim to see you at your scheduled time!
Expertise you can trust at Kaplan Orthodontics
For an optimal orthodontic experience, you can’t do better than Dr. Kaplan! You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and unmatched care from your first appointment to your last. Since his sole specialty is orthodontics, Dr. Kaplan has the experience and expertise necessary to give you nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as you work to straighten your smile.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough examination by Dr. Kaplan. He’ll discuss any diagnosis with you, and outline what your next steps should be. This is a no-pressure appointment! Even if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have in order to help you make an informed decision.
There’s never been a better time to go after the smile you’ve always wanted, so get in touch today to schedule your complimentary consultation!