Choosing an orthodontist for yourself or your family isn’t a decision to be made lightly—it can actually set the foundation for your oral health for years to come! Johnston Orthodontics is here to tell you all about how to choose the right orthodontist for your family, simply because we know it can be a tough choice to make.
1. Look for the Right Credentials & Memberships
When you’re searching for an orthodontist, credentials, experience, and professional affiliations all matter a lot! Understand that a truly qualified doctor goes through years of education and training to specialize in this field. Memberships in respected organizations signify a commitment to excellence, ethical practices, and continuing education.
Dr. Fayth Johnston is a proud member of the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – The gold standard in orthodontic care, ensuring specialized education and ethical practices.
- American Dental Association (ADA) – A national organization committed to advancing oral health and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
- Texas Dental Association (TDA) – A state-level organization focused on promoting dental health and professional development in Texas.
2. Experience & Personalized Treatment Plans
Smiles are completely individual and require different approaches for every patient—they should never be treated on a general basis. Dr. Johnston doesn’t just align teeth, she also looks at jaw alignment, facial structure, and overall oral health to provide comprehensive care. So, consider these points in any orthodontist:
- Years of experience in orthodontic treatment
- Ability to treat patients of all ages (children, teens, and adults)
- Commitment to patient-centered care and individual treatment plans
Our office highly values the use of custom treatment plans for every patient, designed to accommodate your health and lifestyle.
3. Read Reviews
It’s always wise to read through what other patients have to say about a practice. Look for feedback that highlights:
- The quality of care and attention to detail
- The friendliness of the staff and office environment
- Patient satisfaction with their results
- The ease of scheduling and appointment management
You can check out some reviews and testimonials we’ve curated on our website from current and past patients. Also, consider asking friends, families, and your local general dentist for recommendations.
4. Advanced Technology & Modern Treatment Options
It can be detrimental to your treatment to choose an office stuck in the past. Orthodontic technology has seriously evolved, and good practice should try to keep up for your sake.
- Clear aligner therapy
- Digital impressions
- 3D imaging for precise diagnosis and treatment planning
5. Consider Office Atmosphere & Patient Experience
Bear in mind that orthodontic treatment can span months or years—so you’ll want to choose an office you feel comfortable in! When visiting an office, consider:
- Is the team welcoming and friendly?
- Does the office feel clean and modern?
- Are appointments easy to schedule?
We serve patients in Anahauc, Channelview, Crosby, Dayton, Highlands, Mont Belvieu, Northshore, and the surrounding communities from our lovely Baytown office.
6. Flexible Financing & Insurance Options
As a general rule, if any doctor’s office seems a little sketchy in terms of how they handle your finances, they’re probably not a great option. A reputable family practice like ours will present flexible payment options to new patients and work with you to maximize all of your respective benefits. Johnston Orthodontics offers:
- Flexible payment plans to fit your budget
- Insurance coordination on your behalf
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
7. Beware of Corporate Orthodontic Offices
Any patient on the search for orthodontic treatment is bound to encounter ads and links for chains of corporate-run offices. These places can be problematic in a few different ways, which may not present themselves immediately:
- Limited Treatment Customization: Corporate orthodontic practices may rely on a one-size-fits-all approach rather than tailoring treatment to individual needs.
- Rushed Appointments: Due to a high volume of patients, some corporate offices may prioritize speed over quality, leading to less thorough evaluations and adjustments.
- Sales-Driven Recommendations: Corporate chains have a habit of pushing unnecessary treatments or upgrades to meet financial targets rather than focusing on what’s best for the patient—in other words, they have an ulterior motive involving your wallet.
- Impersonal Experience: The patient-provider relationship is the very heart of orthodontic care. In a corporate setting, you may not be able to foster a solid relationship with your orthodontist as you can with Dr. Johnston. Corporate office patients may even be switched from provider to provider based on who is available.
The Treatment You Deserve
This might be a lot of information to take in at once, but we promise you that all of these considerations are valid. In fact, any concerns that you have are valid. We would love to see you for a free consultation at Johnston Orthodontics to get to know your orthodontic goals better!