Correcting someone's smile is a huge responsibility, so it's important to find an Orthodontist you can trust to develop a perfect result. There are plenty of Orthodontic Specialists in Sydney and you can easily feel overwhelmed by the options.

How will you know they’re properly qualified? How can you trust they’ll be easy to work with, and can get you the results you want? If you’re searching for a skilled and recognised Orthodontist in Sydney, here are 6 things you should keep in mind.

1. Choose a Specialist Orthodontist.

There’s a big difference between a Specialist Orthodontist, and a dentist that wants to perform orthodontic work. While dentists can offer some basic orthodontic services, Specialist Orthodontists are the only ones who are properly trained to diagnose all dental and facial irregularities, to correctly align your teeth.

When it comes to your teeth, dentists are more like GPs who have broad knowledge and can help with general oral health, while Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and correcting jaw/bad bite irregularities.

On top of this, Orthodontists have to do an additional three years of training on top of the five year qualification needed for dentistry, plus 5000 additional hours of practical work – so they’re the only ones who are truly qualified to provide you or your child with a treatment plan to get your dream smile.

2. Look at their qualifications and experience.

When you’re looking for a Specialist Orthodontist, it’s important to make sure that they’re genuinely qualified and have the experience needed to look after your smile.

Use Orthodontics Australia’s search tool to check if they are registered as a specialist with the Australian Society of Orthodontists. You can also find more information on a specialist’s past clinic work and their education, including where they studied, any additional training they’ve completed, and also their involvement with the general orthodontics community.

3. Keep location and opening hours in mind.

Getting the perfect smile takes time, and this also means you’ll have to make multiple trips to your Orthodontist over the course of a treatment plan.

If you need to arrange appointments outside of working hours, or around school hours, it’s important to consider the location and opening hours of your Orthodontist. If your appointments will be mainly after school, you’ll need one that’s easily accessible; if you need to schedule appointments outside of working hours, then one that’s closer to work may be your best option.

4. See their work, and ask others.

Orthodontics are an investment of time and money, and doing your due diligence can save plenty of financial and emotional headaches down the line. Finding a qualified Orthodontist is essential, but it also helps to see their work - check out Before & After photos on their website. 

Word of mouth is a great way to go! Ask your family and friends and speak to anyone wearing braces! Parents at your child's school or friends at work are the most reliable sources. 

5. Check the services and financing options they offer.

While choosing an Orthodontist may seem straightforward, there are actually a few different treatment options to choose from:

• Clear aligners, such as Invisalign can be removed and practically invisible. Invisalign are a flexible option, but it takes discipline to remember to put them in.
• Traditional metal braces are good for kids as they’re reliable and effective. These are adjusted regularly over time, and your child can change the colour of the elastics – so they can have a bit of fun with it! Metal braces are also the more cost-effective solution.
• Lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth instead of the front, which means they’re essentially invisible. However, they can impact speech and eating and are generally not recommended for kids.
• Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces, and are great for adults or for kids who are self-conscious or want a less noticeable option. However, they can be more expensive than traditional metal braces.

No matter which option you choose, getting braces is a big investment for any family, so be sure to look into any payment plans or financing options that a clinic may offer. 

6. Talk to them!

In the end, there’s no better way to get to know your Orthodontist than to speak to them face-to-face, to see if your family feels comfortable with them – and get an idea of which treatment plan and type of braces they recommend. It’s worth arranging a consultation now!

Whether you’re looking for braces for your child, teen, or for yourself, Inner West Orthodontics can help you achieve your dream smile. With over 25 years experience, Dr. Anthony Pistolese and his team will find the best solution for your family’s teeth. Find out more at Inner West Orthodontics, or book a free consultation now.