Your smile needs the right expert to keep it in shape. Choosing an orthodontist can be daunting, so it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing who to trust your smile with. No need to stress. Hemphill Orthodontics wants you to have confidence and peace of mind in your orthodontic treatment. Let’s examine a list of questions you can ask to determine the right orthodontist for you.
Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?
This may seem like an obvious question to start with, but it’s an important thing to keep in mind when looking for an orthodontist, because the distinction between a dentist and an orthodontist is sometimes blurred by the fact that some general dentists provide orthodontic treatment. However, this does not mean they are an orthodontist. These dentists offer braces or clear aligner therapy along with other dental services like cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures; an orthodontist, however, specializes exclusively in providing orthodontic services, and it took going to an extra residency to do it.
In order to explain why this distinction matters, think of it the way you would think about specialized surgery. Would you want you or someone you love to receive surgery from a general physician, or a dedicated specialist who understands exactly what you need? The same idea applies to your orthodontic treatment. To ensure you receive quality orthodontic care, you want a specialist. You want an orthodontist who has:
- Studied the growth and maturation of 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
Orthodontic residency programs accept only the top students in any dental school graduating class. These orthodontic programs tend to last around two to three years in addition to full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. Often, general dentists do not have this same level of in-depth orthodontic training and experience. While dentists are essential for fundamental oral health maintenance, for specialized orthodontic care, you want someone who knows the specifics of what you need. Hemphill Orthodontics knows this well, and that’s why our team has been providing better smiles with the experience and skills to give you exceptional results.
What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?
Your needs are unique, and every patient is different, so it’s important to know your orthodontist has exactly the treatment you’re looking for. With Hemphill Orthodontics, you will receive up-to-date treatment options with advanced orthodontic technology so you can reach your smile goals. We offer three different treatments:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most recognized type of orthodontic treatment. Older models of years past are known for being bulky and painful. But modern advancements have made metal braces lighter, smaller, and more comfortable to wear. At our office, our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth to create a personalized treatment plan for you based on the information we gather. This option uses a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and allowing teeth to move more freely and comfortably.
Clear Braces
Also called “ceramic braces,” clear braces are similar to metal braces but offer a more discreet appearance. The brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material that makes them appear almost invisible. Because of this less obvious appearance, clear braces are a popular choice for adults and older teens compared to metal braces. Clear braces require more care because they can break easily and are prone to staining depending on your eating and drinking habits. But this can be combated with a rigorous oral hygiene routine. While clear braces can be pricier, luckily at Hemphill Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts, and we’ll also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our goal is to provide outstanding value for reasonable fees!
Invisalign
If you don’t want the hassle of brackets and wires, Invisalign could be a better alternative. This option comprises a series of invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth by applying steady pressure on your teeth. You will need to wear them about twenty-two hours a day for them to be effective, although you can remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
How frequent are follow-up appointments with the orthodontist?
While your individual follow-up schedule will vary depending on the orthodontic treatment plan you and our team decided is best for you, we will typically schedule most patients’ adjustment appointments for about every four to eight weeks. Patients using Invisalign may need slightly less frequent visits. But regardless of treatment, regular appointments with us are crucial for your overall orthodontic process. When choosing your orthodontist, it’s important to find someone who knows what you need and won’t waste your time helping you get it.
The process can typically take anywhere from eight to thirty-six months to achieve your ideal smile, but you can begin seeing visible results as early as the first few months with most of our treatment plans. We know you have a busy schedule, so just give us a heads up if you’re running late or need to reschedule a visit. Our team values your team, but don’t forget that your participation in the follow-up care is just as important. At our office, we want to work with you to make the most of your time, money, and treatment.
Trust your smile to the experts at Hemphill Orthodontics
Your smile deserves an expert team to keep it in pristine shape, and we want to be your guide toward your smile goals. Whether you’re just getting started on your orthodontic journey or looking for a new office to visit, Hemphill Orthodontics is your location for modern orthodontic treatment. Our office is located in the Celina area, so your orthodontic care is always close to where you live and work. We’d love for you to reach out for your FREE consultation with our well-trained team at Hemphill Orthodontics to get started on your personalized journey to a healthy and happy smile.
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Dr. Hemphill