INVISALIGN |
iBRACES |
SPEED BRACES |
CLEAR BRACES |
METAL BRACES |
|
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
National Consultant, Orthodontist Directory
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
M Z Rizkallah DDS MSD PC
Prices should be competitive. The market drives the price. As such, prices should be comparable. If an office has a particularly high price….ask them why. If an office has a particularly low price…..ask them why. I would stay away from both offices. At the former, they are probably cheating your wallet. At the latter, they are probably cheating your health.
While price is VERY important….when you are spending thousands…..a few hundred more or less shouldn’t influence your decision too much. YET, do not be deceived when the price is very high…..you may be led to believe that you are getting more. You may not be.
I list price last on this list because it is often the least useful deciding factor. Unfortunately, it is often used as the primary basis of consumption decision-making.
An in-office laboratory means that you can get your retainer quickly. Whether it is your first retainer, or a replacement for one you lost, your teeth are shifting whenever your retainer is out of your mouth.
The quality of the digital images are far superior to conventional x-ray systems. It is amazing how little is visible in conventional x-rays, compared to Digital x-rays. Digital x-rays improve treatment.
For quality results quickly, do proper research.
Is 6 month braces possible? Absolutely. But that does not mean that everyone can accomplish quality results in 6 months. 6 months MAY perfect the case. It MAY ONLY perfect the smile. It MAY be unrealistic. See a board certified orthodontist to know your options (remember to ask if the doctor is an orthodontist).
Proper speed is established with good planning and systematic execution.
Orthodontists that consistently require over two years of braces to complete treatment should be avoided. Rarely should quality orthodontic care take so long. Orthodontic treatment lasting over 2 years commonly causes cavities, long-term gum defects, root resorption, and white spots.
If your orthodontist uses conventional Hawley retainers, be conscientious about wearing your Hawley retainer. They are NOT FORGIVING.
Many types of forgiving retainers exist: Mushroom Spring Retainers are the most common. Dr. Rizkallah designed the “Forgiver ® Retainer” for his patients.
Because most human beings are NOT perfectly disciplined about wearing their retainers properly, crookedness can occur after braces. Whereas conventional retainers may not fit after minor crookedness, Forgiving retainers will PUSH YOUR TEETH BACK to where they were when the retainers were first made. They FORGIVE you for being imperfect.
Forgiving:
Quality orthodontists provide a retainer within 24 hours. The retainers should fit tightly on the front teeth (where crookedness occurs) and passively on back teeth (where the bite needs freedom). Insist on a well-fitting retainer.
Well fitting are critical to maintaining your results. Look for an orthodontist with an in-office laboratory to fabricate retainers. Most offices send out retainer impressions to a laboratory in their region. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to get the retainer back for placement in the mouth. By then, often the teeth have shifted. The retainer usually fits ok, but not well.
Well fitting:
Durable Esthetic retainers are wonderful. Unfortunately, they are difficult to find. It should be expected to last over 15 years (maybe even a life-time). We use the Forgiver Retainer. ®
Durable
Esthetic
Esthetic retainers are easy to find. They are clear & cover all your teeth. Unfortunately, most esthetic retainers break within 6 months, because they are made of inferior material.
If all you ask for is straight teeth…..that may be all you get. And it may not last long!
This is a more important deciding factor than you may recognize. Suffice it to say that if you are seeking convenience and quality care, find an orthodontist that is in 1 location, 5 days a week. You may not be able to find this, depending on where you are located. You should at the very least be able to find an orthodontist that has only 2 locations. More than that…..and you are asking for trouble.
Do NOT necessarily go to the orthodontist that IS IN your dentists’ office. While many quality orthodontists associate inside a dentist’s office, many poor quality associates rely on the dentist/owner for referrals. The conflict of interest should be obvious here. You may have a great experience in this scenario….just beware.
Do not be convinced by someone who “seems to care.” I have found that very dishonest people are gifted at appearing particularly caring. Care will show in the results. Results define reputation. Rely on reputation.
Ask them directly: “Are you an Orthodontist?” Some will answer “I Specialize in Orthodontics.” That is not a yes. Ask again: “Are you an Orthodontist?” Get a “yes!” As the national consultant to the Orthodontist Directory, I have personally had to testify against dentists who dishonestly present themselves in person & in print as “orthodontist.”
Interestingly, there are dentists in the region that do little other than orthodontics. While they present themselves as orthodontists……they are not! They recognize that orthodontists are uniquely trained, and so present themselves as an orthodontist to gain your confidence.
I take over (braces already on) treatment for about 150 patients a year. These patients come to my office after being frustrated in treatment elsewhere. They eventually take the time to do proper research (due diligence ) and end up asking us to “fix the mess” someone else started. After paying thousands elsewhere, they end up paying us as well. They end up spending more of all their resources (money, time, energy) than if they had done proper research to begin with.
Invest the time to find a quality orthodontist in your area. You will be rewarded with a result that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
Good Luck
If you want the lowest price around……I’m sure you will find it. If you think high prices mean high quality….you would be surprised. The sad fact is that PRICE is very deceptive.
In general, an office that has a laboratory on the premises is well-invested in that location. If that is their only office…..great! At least you can be sure it is their MAIN office.
Technological advancements have made x-rays safer and more useful. Radiation exposure is reduced by up to 92% with DIGITAL systems (essentially equivalent to sunlight).
Orthodontics does not have to take too long…..but it has to be a quality result. Most of our patients are done in as little as 4 months and as long as 14 months. Rarely does our treatment last longer.
Quality retainers are esthetic, durable, well fitting, and forgiving. They should be removable, easy to wear….even enjoyable.
Do NOT be satisfied with straight at the END of your treatment. Your treatment should eliminate unsightly gum-line spaces, improve or eliminate the chipped or tattered edges of your front teeth, and include a quality, durable retainer to protect your teeth for the rest of your life.
Most orthodontists have multiple locations (usually between 2 and 6 different locations). If you have a problem (poking wire, etc.) or question for your orthodontist…..are you willing to go to another location? If so, do you really expect them to have your chart at the other location?
Ask around. Ask your dentist. Ask your friends. Research! Research! Research! The time you put into it will protect you!
Board Certified Orthodontists have been scrutinized by the American Board of Orthodontics. While excellent orthodontists are occasionally NOT board certified, Board Certification usually indicates a higher level of commitment & sophistication.
Orthodontists are uniquely trained to provide tooth movement that maximizes a quality bite and esthetic result. Savvy General Dentists are also capable of providing quality care for simpler alignment situations. For quality treatment in more complicated situations……be wise…..consult an ORTHODONTIST.
