In my thirties, and a while back, I decided it was time to tackle my crooked teeth. Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I wish my smile was a bit straighter”? Well, that was me every day. So, I took the plunge and chose Invisalign. It sounded like a cool, less noticeable way to get the smile I always wanted. But where do you start on picking an orthodontist?
Finding the right orthodontist: an important step
Picking the right orthodontist felt like a big deal. It’s kind of like dating, right? You want someone who gets you, who listens, and who knows their stuff. I visited a bunch of places and saw that prices really varied. It’s not just about how much it costs, though – it’s about feeling comfortable and trusting them with your smile.
Decoding Invisalign providers: from bronze to diamond
When I was looking around, I found out that Invisalign providers have these levels like:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Platinum Elite
- Diamond
It’s based on how many treatments they’ve done, but more doesn’t always mean better. My orthodontist had a silver level when I started. Although at the end of my treatment – 72 + 14 aligners (!) – she was a platinum provider.
The people make the difference!
I really think the people at the clinic make a huge difference. You know, the orthodontist, the receptionist, and the assistants – they all become part of your journey. I had this great assistant who left halfway through my treatment, and I honestly missed her. She would always calm me, because I was quite nervous about getting Invisalign.
It’s weird how you get attached, isn’t it?
Travel time: closer is easier
Lucky for me, my clinic was just a 10-minute drive away. It’s something you might not think about at first, but trust me, when you’re going back and forth a lot, being close by is a godsend. Imagine rushing across town for an appointment after a busy day at work – no thanks!
Communication matters: the good, the bad, and the unexpected
Let’s talk about surprises. Not the fun kind, though. At my first appointment, no one mentioned I’d need elastics on my teeth. When I found out, I was like, “Wait, what?” It’s super important that your orthodontist lays it all out for you. No one likes unexpected dental drama! For me it was too late, since they already glued it to my teeth.
Doing your research is important
In order to make sure that the person who is performing your Invisalign procedure is qualified and experienced, it’s important to do some research before committing.
Ask around and see who people recommend — word of mouth from people with similar experiences can be very helpful.
You should also check out online reviews from current or past patients of different orthodontists.
Find an Invisalign-provider
The official Invisalign-website shows a tool where you can check if there’s a provider near your location. I personally didn’t find my orthodontist this way, I checked Google Maps.
Schedule a free consultation
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential candidates, it’s time to meet with them in person and ask any questions that you may have. Make sure that they answer all of your questions thoroughly and clearly so that you feel comfortable with their level of expertise. Feel free to ask about their experience with Invisalign specifically, as well as any other types of braces they may offer. Lastly, don’t forget to inquire about (Invisalign) prices!
Personal click
It’s also important to remember that the most
More than just straight teeth
Reflecting on my Invisalign journey, it’s been about more than just getting straight teeth. It’s been a ride – learning, meeting new people, and growing in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re thinking about Invisalign, my advice is to find a clinic where you feel at home, and a team that’s clear and honest with you. It’s your smile, after all!