You only get one smile, and you shouldn’t trust it to anything less than an expert. As with any treatment or procedure, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced orthodontist who can meet your unique needs. But where do you begin? There are so many providers to choose from that it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to take the next step. Scaffidi Orthodontics is here to help! Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should consider when looking for a skilled and knowledgeable orthodontist. We’ll start with the basics!
What is an orthodontist?
If you picture dentistry as an umbrella, orthodontics is a specialty that sits underneath it. Orthodontists are dentists who have extra education and training in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
Once an orthodontist has completed four years of dental school, they must complete at least two years of study in a full-time orthodontic residency program that’s been accredited by the American Dental Association. These programs are extremely competitive, and generally only accept the top students in any dental school graduating class. During their residency, orthodontists will continue to expand the skills they need to manage the movement of teeth and guide facial development. The areas of study often include oral disease, biomedical science, and biomechanics, along with various orthodontic techniques and treatment options.
As you can see, it takes quite a bit of time, hard work, and dedication to become an orthodontist! Dr. Scaffidi earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering before receiving a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University Dental School. He then continued his studies at the LSU Dental School Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic specialty program. He is committed to providing patients with the best care possible by staying on the leading edge of knowledge and skills, and participates in continuing education courses at the local, regional, and national levels every year.
Dr. Scaffidi is also a member of the Bassett Study Club, a network of 20+ local dentists and oral healthcare specialists that meets every month to review case studies and share knowledge. He is a proud member of the following professional organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Louisiana Association of Orthodontists
- Louisiana Dental Association
- New Orleans Dental Association
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
Now that you know what an orthodontist is, let’s talk a bit about how to find one that’s a perfect fit for you and your smile!
The 3 R’s of finding the right orthodontist for you
Referrals
When it comes to finding a provider you click with, word of mouth can be one of your best tools. Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers about who they’ve used to get an idea of where to start in your community. A referral from a satisfied patient who’s happy with their orthodontist is a great first step to finding the right one for you!
You’re likely to get multiple recommendations. Visiting a practice’s website is an easy way to learn a little bit about them before committing to a consultation! You should be able to find information about their doctors, values, and the treatments they offer. This leads us into…
Research
This is obviously a pretty important part of picking an orthodontist! It will benefit you in the long run to do some research of your own before scheduling a consultation. By considering your specific needs, goals, and preferences in this stage of planning, you’ll be able to narrow your results accordingly.
Take location, for instance. Do you need an orthodontist’s office to be near your child’s school? Your work? Your house? With three conveniently located offices in New Orleans, Kenner, and Slidell, you’re almost guaranteed to get back to work or school quickly after an appointment with us!
Does your current insurance plan cover the orthodontists you’re looking at? Everyone loves medical offices that offer flexible appointments and flexible treatment options, but we also offer flexible payment options! After we’ve determined your insurance coverage and filed it for you, we’ll sit down and come up with a monthly payment plan that fits your family’s budget.
You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees here—we’ll ensure you understand the total investment required for your new smile before we even begin treatment. We also offer discounts if you pay in full in full up front. We believe everyone should have access to the high-quality care they need, and we’re committed to making orthodontics affordable!
Reviews
This is similar to what we touched on in the Referrals section, but a little different since these reviews are submitted by people you probably don’t know. Credible testimonials can be a great source to consider when selecting an orthodontist! Hearing about another patient’s experience can help alleviate any concerns or anxieties you may be experiencing in your search.
Testimonials are full of all kinds of valuable information. Reviews come from each patient’s personal experience, so you’re able to get a look at the “big picture” of a practice. We feature both testimonials and before and after images on our site, so you know what to expect before you even make an appointment.
Is Scaffidi Orthodontics the right fit for you and your smile?
Choosing an orthodontist is a personal decision, and there are many choices available to you. That’s one reason we do our best to stand out from the crowd!
Our practice focuses on providing personal service and a variety of comfortable treatment options to patients of all ages. It’s our goal to give patients the kind of expert care and superior results that lead to a rewarding orthodontic experience, from start to finish. We have three convenient locations, flexible payment options, and a talented team to boot, making us the clear choice for orthodontic care in our community!
If you’ve been searching for the right orthodontist for you, look no further! Get in touch with us today to book your FREE virtual or in-office consultation. There’s never been a better time to take the first step towards the smile you’ve wanted, and we’re here to get you started!