9 Signs of a Good Dentist

Last Updated on February 26, 2019 by Guest Post

A good dentist or orthodontist combines personal care for his or her patients, the latest technology, and continuing education to make sure you get the best oral care possible in a welcoming environment. Your smile is a big part of your first impression, and a good orthodontist takes your smile very seriously. When you search for a dentist near me, here are nine signs of a good dentist to consider.

1. Your Comfort Is Their First Concern

A good orthodontist understands that most people don’t know what it is going to take to get the smile and oral health they want. When you meet an orthodontist for the first time, take note if he or she makes you feel relaxed and not pushed to make any kind of decision about your treatment.

2. The Dentist Is a Good Listener

Since most people don’t understand technical terms when it comes to orthodontics, the patients may have questions. A good orthodontist will listen carefully to your questions and concerns and explain things so that you, your spouse or partner, and/or parents are satisfied with the answers.

3. The Orthodontist Is in Good Standing with the Relevant Professional Associations

The American Association of Orthodontics sets the standard for the treatment of people who need orthodontic care. It requires its members to put their patient’s well-being and overall health first, be honest in their dealings with the patient, and understand that the patient has the right to make his or her own decisions about their dental health.

4. Your Time and Resources Are Considered

A good orthodontist is on time for your appointment. There may be emergencies that need the attention of the orthodontist every now and then, but running late will not be a habitual practice. A good orthodontist will also take into consider your financial situation and recommend procedures that you can afford. You will be consulted every step of the way so you understand the problem, the treatment, and process.

5. The Dentist Keeps You Educated

As mentioned above, your orthodontist should collaborate with you on the best treatment for you or your child. He or she will take the time to explain the different options, costs, and results always keeping in mind the best outcome for you and your budget.

Beach Braces Orthodontics – How to Find an Orthodontist Near Me

6. A Good Orthodontist Has a Lot of Options to Offer

If you are going to get the treatment you need for a price you can afford, you need to have access to a wide variety of options. Some are more expensive than others. For example, traditional metal braces are less expensive than other more discreet appliances such as clear plastic aligners or ceramic braces. If you are an adult who would rather not advertise the fact that you are wearing braces every time you smile, there are several options for clear or tooth-colored braces that are just as effective as metal braces but may take a bit longer to get the results you want. A few of the options you can look for are:

• Invisalign and Invisalign Teen – are almost invisible, clear plastic aligners. These braces have no dietary restrictions because you take them out to eat and brush and floss. You can even take them out to attend a special event because they only need to be worn 21 – 22 hours per day.

• Lingual braces – are the same as metal braces but they are attached to the back of your teeth, so they are not seen at all when you smile. They may take some time getting used to as they rub against your tongue. They are also a little more difficult to clean than braces on the front of your teeth. If you really want to hide the fact that you are wearing braces, lingual braces may be your best option.

• WildSmiles braces aim to make wearing braces more fun for children who may not be happy about wearing braces. It offers brackets in the shape of hearts, soccer balls, flowers and more. In addition, they come in a rainbow of colors from which to choose.

• AcceleDent is a new technology that is being used by orthodontists around the world to decrease the time it takes your braces to give you the smile of your dreams. If it is combined with Invisalign, your treatment time could be cut in half. This means a normal two-year treatment may take as little as one year.

7. A Good Orthodontist Is Kind and Respectful to His or Her Office and Dental Assistants

When a dentist treats his or her staff well, you can be sure you will also be treated well. When people work in a happy and comfortable environment, they are more productive and pass the good feelings on to the patients. This may extend to the office. It should be neat, clean, and orderly. A messy room could spread germs.

8. A Good Orthodontist Will Follow-Up Even after Your Smile Is Perfect

It is in your best interest to have a long-term relationship with your orthodontist. He or she will schedule regular professional cleanings, make sure that the hard work you did wearing braces is being maintained, and remember and recognize you when you call or visit the office for an appointment. When an orthodontist examines both the parents and children, the orthodontist may be able to see hereditary issues before they become problems.

9. The Latest Technology Helps a Lot

Look for an orthodontist who has kept up with and invested in the best offerings new dental care technology has to offer. State-of-the-art technology will make your visits quicker and enhance the orthodontic experience. Digital photography and radiography, as well as computer graphics, can help the orthodontist have a better picture of your dental problems and even show you what your smile may look like when the treatment is finished. For some conditions, the gooey mold of your upper and lower jaw is no longer necessary.

If you live in the South Bay area of Southern California and are checking online for a dentist near me, you are in luck. Beach Braces headed by Dr. Patricia J. Panucci meets and exceeds all of the above signs of a good dentist. The Beach Braces team uses the most advanced technology to make sure you get affordable orthodontic care, so you can smile with the confidence that comes with clean, straight, white teeth.

BEACH BRACES ORTHODONTICS
220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006

9 Signs of a Good Dentist

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.