Look for an Orthodontist with Credentials
When it comes to searching for pediatric orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose a professional with the correct education and credentials. Orthodontists are dentists who undergo an additional two to three years of education after dental school. They go through extensive training on jaw function, tooth movement, and how they work together to become experts in the field and gain the knowledge necessary to provide you with a straight, healthy smile.
Be sure to research your potential pediatric dentist and orthodontist and inquire about his or her credentials. While you are at it, you might also want to read what patients are saying about their experience with the orthodontist. Reviews and testimonials speak volumes about a professional’s work, ethics, and overall practice. So, Google away!
Choose an Orthodontist Who Specializes in Children
Because earning a degree isn’t enough, I also suggest looking at experience when choosing a professional. Does the orthodontist treat mostly adults and some children, or does he or she specialize in treating children? At Burleson Orthodontics, we treat ONLY children. Our team, our tools, and our entire office is geared towards growing childrens’ mouths and their needs. Wouldn’t you rather have your child treated somewhere where children are the primary focus, and not an addition?
Additionally, an experienced pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist should be able to provide you with examples of their work. Before and after pictures are great tools to gauge the ability of the doctor. He or she should also be able to show you upfront what your child’s teeth will look like after treatment. Orthodontic treatment is important and if you are working with a professional who can’t provide you with these items, then I recommend looking at other options.
Do They Offer Guarantees?
We all lead busy lives and the last thing you need is to leave work and take your child out of school for an orthodontic appointment. When choosing your orthodontist, be sure they offer hours that work with your and your child’s schedule. Here at Burleson Orthodontics, we have a “Have Braces Without Missing School Or Work Guarantee,” which means appointment times that work with your schedule after school or work, as well as Saturday hours!
You will also be happy to know about the Burleson 100% Lifetime Guarantee. This guarantee is one way we differ from other practices – because we stand behind all our treatments for children and teens, including traditional metal braces, clear brackets, and wire braces, or even braces hidden behind your teeth. Every mouth is different so we take a consultative approach and guide your decision as to which type of braces makes the most sense for your child.
Ensure Your Child’s Oral Health – Contact Us for A Complimentary Pediatric Consultation
Orthodontic treatment affects the health of your child’s whole mouth. If you choose an uneducated or inexperienced orthodontist, then you run the risk of receiving poor treatment. When orthodontic treatment is done incorrectly, it can lead to issues like receding gums, chipping or cracking of the teeth, or even worse, temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Contact us for more information or to schedule you complimentary consultation.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Burleson Orthodontics, with four convenient orthodontic offices located in the Kansas City, MO area by clicking here or by calling 816-281-3570.
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About Dr. Dustin S. Burleson, DDS
Dr. Burleson is a pediatric dentist and orthodontist, author, speaker, teacher, and consultant. He delivers high-quality private coaching, practice management, business, and marketing courses to busy health professionals. Accepted by invitation only, some of North America’s most successful doctors seek out Dr. Burleson for private coaching. In fact, he has taught his system and philosophy to more than 1,900 orthodontists in 23 countries around the world!
Dr. Burleson completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with distinction. He went on to receive his DDS with distinction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, graduating with the highest academic standing in his class. Dr. Burleson then completed his certificate of advanced graduate study in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the UMKC School of Dentistry, and his training in nasoalveolar molding (NAM) at The New York University’s Langone Medical Center and the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
He is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Dentistry, and holds additional teaching affiliations with The Children’s Mercy Hospital and Saint Luke’s Hospital Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Teams. He also maintains a private practice in Kansas City, Missouri and is a ShareCare Expert for Dental and Orthodontic patients.
