If you suffer from crooked teeth, crowded teeth, spaces between your teeth, or any other problem affecting your smile, then you definitely should consider braces. With the global increase in demand for cosmetic dentistry and an overall more beautiful smile, orthodontics have never been needed more. In the old days, you never would have heard of an adult requesting braces, but now, adults want braces even more than children.

With that increase in demand came new techniques and advancements. Clear braces have been around for a while, but newer technologies aim at making them more invisible, as well as faster in their treatment time. Invisalign is also one of the most sought after dental treatments these days. Invisalign solved all the problems of traditional braces, so adults are lining up to receive it.

All these advancements and technologies can be confusing. Everyone needs a great orthodontist, so we give you our ultimate guide to find the top orthodontist in Livingston County NY.

Why are orthodontists different from general dentists?

Orthodontists spend years on top of years to become specialists. The study period of most dental schools is around 5 to 6 years. Orthodontists could spend up to 8 more years to become masters of that very delicate specialty. Orthodontists also refrain from general procedures as fillings and root canals. They dedicate all their time and effort towards perfecting their craft.

How do I find the top orthodontist in Livingston County NY?

A number of points you should consider when choosing your orthodontist:

  1. Word of mouth

    For as long as we can remember, we automatically trust the orthodontist that our relatives or friends recommend. Even before the time of social media -and long after the sun sets on that era- the word of a trusted person helps a great deal in choosing a doctor.

  2. Case presentation

    It is easier to take a photo than make a call these days. Everyone carries their phones with cameras, which they could snap out and snap a photo in no time. Orthodontists realize this, and employ that to showcase their work. Before and after pictures of happy patients would sure make new patients more trusting of the orthodontist’s work.

  3. Variety of options

    While most orthodontists deal with all kinds of braces, some think that the good ole metallic braces are the only reliable type. Metallic braces sure are effective, but are very unsightly. Modern orthodontists provide you with a number of options such as clear braces or Invisalign.

  4. Location

    One of the worst things about braces is their treatment time. On average, treatment times take anywhere between 6 to 24 months. This means you would be visiting the orthodontist’s office quite a lot. Common sense dictates that you find one close to where you live.

If you decided to fix your smile with braces, then you have to make the right choice. You would be spending a lot of time with your orthodontist, so the right one will not only affect your smile, but will have an impact on your life as well.