Orthodontists are dental specialists who specialize in treating teeth that don’t fall into line and smile correctly. If you have teeth that aren’t straight, overlapping, or crowded, orthodontists may be able to help you correct them with their specialist skills. However, not all orthodontists are created equal; choosing the best orthodontist near me can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for when choosing your specialist and the treatment plan that’s right for you.

How to choose an orthodontist near you


Research is key. In order to find a good orthodontist, you should know what to look for in an orthodontist before even starting your search. (If you’re looking for information on choosing an orthodontist near you , read How To Choose An Orthodontist first.) Once you have a general idea of what you want from an orthodontist and how much treatment will cost, contact 3-5 prospective doctors by phone or email (if there are no local ortho­dontists that specialize in your type of treatment, look into dentists who do). Here are some questions to ask: How long have they been practicing? What kind of postgraduate training do they have?

How to find an affordable orthodontist


Finding an affordable orthodontist is often a challenge. Many people want to make sure they are getting their orthodontic treatment from an experienced professional, but unfortunately those same professionals tend to charge more for their services. The good news is that finding an affordable orthodontist can be done in two ways: by working with your insurance company and by looking for dentists who offer payment plans. Here’s how it works

How do I get braces off early?


We may have only worn braces for a short time, but that doesn’t mean we want to wear them any longer than we have to. If you’re looking for ways to get braces off early, it’s worth exploring your options. The best orthodontists near me should be able to talk through all of your options, including early releases and cosmetic vs. functional finishes—as well as how each of these procedures could impact your smile moving forward. If you were going in for regular visits anyway, it may be worth asking if there are any additional ways you can expedite your treatment so that you can stop wearing braces earlier than expected.

What is Invisalign, anyway?


A lot of people are confused about what Invisalign actually is. You may have seen it advertised as invisible braces, but that’s not strictly true. Invisalign is a brand of removable braces—often called invisible braces—but there are plenty of other types out there, such as ClearCorrect (which we will discuss later in more detail). So if you are wondering whether you can get your orthodontic treatment by wearing clear aligners, take a look at our full list of best orthodontist near me ! And no matter what type of orthodontic treatment you do choose, remember that it’s always important to get regular checkups with your dentist and/or orthodontist!

How much does braces cost?


Oftentimes, orthodontic treatment is a long-term commitment. This means that it’s best to have braces before you turn 18 or 19 years old—but braces can also be an investment you make in your early 20s or 30s. If you are currently in braces and are unsure whether insurance will cover your orthodontic bills, here’s what you need to know: Having braces isn’t considered a necessary medical procedure like heart surgery is, so it won’t be covered by health insurance plans.

Is there such thing as braces insurance?


Yes, there is such a thing as braces insurance and it’s a good idea to consider buying it if you’re planning on getting braces. Essentially, braces insurance will help cover some of your orthodontic treatment costs if something goes wrong. Although metal brackets and wires are durable, they can break or get damaged due to other people bumping into you or an accident occurring at school or work. Braces insurance will pay for dental and orthodontic services that are a direct result of someone else’s actions.