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Orthodontics is an often under-rated cosmetic dental service that is actually one of the best ways to have an attractive smile. According to the book "Confessions of a Former Cosmetic Dentist" people should never have a porcelain veneer makeover as the first choice to treat crooked, spaced or twisted teeth until they have considered orthodontics.

According to the author Michael Zuk DDS, "There is going to be a great surge of interest in orthodontics when the public knows more about the problems with aggressive smile makeover techniques like the ones featured on television's Extreme Makeover.There are also myths related to orthodontics and for example, the truth is longer times in braces may be more risky...which is often the complete opposite of the old wives tales some specialists still believe." So if veneers are over-used and braces can be faster and safer, what are your choices in orthodontic care?

1. Surgical Orthodontics- when a patient has skeletal problems that need correction and oral surgeon and an orthodontist work together with the primary dentist to attempt to align the bones and the teeth.
2. Traditional Orthodontics- typical braces
3. Aligners- appliances that are usually removable but treat situations relatively slowly.
4. High Speed Braces(TM)- a new brand of orthodontics that attempts to reduce treatment time or the number of visits. The treatment focuses on cosmetic improvements and bite problems that can sometimes be treated faster than with other techniques.

These are before & after photographs of a High Speed Braces(TM) patient who was treated in only 3 1/2 months!

These are some things you may want to consider when choosing an orthodontist:

• Avoid Herbst appliances- these piston-like contraptions are thought by some leading orthodontists to be harmful to the jaw joint.
• Avoid Head Gear- head straps were used in the past and are still favored by some old style orthodontists, but these days it's tough to expect anyone to wear them.
• Avoid Brackets with colors- the old style brackets are harder to keep clean and more appointments are usually needed to get the straightening done.
• Avoid an orthodontist who speaks poorly of other dental professionals.
• Avoid an orthodontist who seems moody and has staff that are not pleasant.
• Avoid an orthodontist that says full treatment will take longer than two years.
• Avoid an orthodontist that does not treat children before their teens (certain situations are much easier to treat early).
• Fees should be the least of your concerns, but if the situation is relatively simple there is no reason why the fee should not be much less than a more difficult one.
• Do they offer payment plans? A pre-payment discount may save you some money too.
  
• If the orthodontist is nearing retirement the transition between practitioners can make treatment last longer than it should.
• Do they offer evening hours?
  
• Avoid an orthodontist who claims to know the "right" way to straighten teeth. The fact is there are many ways to move teeth and end up with similar results.
  
• Orthodontists, Pedodontists and Primary Care Dentists can all provide orthodontic services, but if jaw surgery is needed it is best to see an orthodontist that the oral surgeon recommends.
• Ask if the orthodontist is trained in the use of TAD's (mini-anchors), which can be used to reduce the need for surgery. If the dental practitioner can place the TAD in their office it can be more affordable than going to get it done at a surgeon's office. If they do not use TADS then there is a risk that you may be treated more aggressively with orthognathic surgery than you could be with TADS.
  
• While many brands are available, some of the top rated brackets and wires come from the GAC company and include In-Ovation C and R brackets.
• Porcelain brackets should usually only be worn on the upper teeth. This should be discussed by the orthodontist.
• Sometimes teeth need to be extracted, but some pull too many and some don't pull teeth often enough. The more severe the crowding, the greater the need for extraction. This is a controversial area but it is nice to know if they are biased a certain way. One technique that is rarely used but can be very effective is the removal of just one lower front tooth (if the crowding is localized just to the lower front teeth). According to one orthodontic lecturer this technique is more stable than extraction of the side teeth (biscuspids).
• Ask if the orthodontist can do a gum lift or a simple exposure if needed (to uncover a tooth that has not grown in). If not, then a refer out may cost more money.
  
• Avoid an orthodontist who says you'll never need to wear retainers. The studies show retainer use for life is the new guideline, but a website www.RetainerReminder.com can help keep you in the groove.
• Finally choose an orthodontic provider that has been recommended by others that you trust and contact the association to ask if they have any unresolved complaints with other patients.
• FOR A SPECIAL FREE REPORT ON WHY YOU CAN'T TRUST ONLINE RATINGS WHEN CHOOSING A DENTAL PROFESSION CLICK HERE.
  

In summary, choosing an orthodontist is an important decision and if you keep the list of suggestions above handy you will be able to be more confident in your selection. There are risks and benefits with any medical procedure and you should seek competent advice from your dental professional and use the information on this website for information only.