How To Choose The Right Orthodontist For You

Thanks to advancements in technology, more affordable options, and a growing awareness of how important oral health is, orthodontic treatment has become more accessible and popular than ever! If you’ve been considering orthodontics to achieve a healthier smile, there’s never been a better time to explore everything this dental specialty has to offer. But where do you even begin? 

As with any other medical treatment, your first step should be finding a qualified and experienced provider who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make you feel valued. Shiney Smiles Orthodontics is here to make that process as simple and stress-free as possible! Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll want to consider when choosing the right orthodontist for you and your smile. Keep reading below to learn more! 

Starting with the basics: what’s an orthodontist?

There are specialists in every area of medicine, and dentistry is no exception. In essence, an orthodontist is a dentist who has had additional training and education in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. After completing dental school, an orthodontist must complete at least two years of study in an orthodontic residency program accredited by the American Dental Association. During this residency, they will continue expanding on the skills they need to successfully move the teeth and guide facial development with a variety of orthodontic techniques. 

Meet Dr. Sheinis

There’s a lot of hard work that goes into becoming an orthodontist! Dr. Sheinis received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Tulane University in New Orleans before graduating with high honors from dental school at the University of Maryland. During his orthodontic residency at Stony Brook University in New York, Dr. Sheinis carried out extensive research on impacted canines and their side effects. His findings were ultimately published in the American Journal of Orthodontics. 

Dr. Sheinis is committed to staying current in the field of orthodontics, and regularly attends continuing education lectures and seminars to stay up to date with the newest technology and techniques available. When you choose Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, you can be sure you’re trusting your smile to the very best! 

How To Choose The Right Orthodontist For You

Finding the perfect orthodontist for you

Your orthodontic journey is an important one. Even after having an orthodontic appliance fitted or placed, you’ll have regular check-ups with your orthodontist. Since you’ll be spending time there over a period of months, you’ll want to pick a practice that makes you feel welcomed and comfortable from your first appointment to the last. Here are a few tips to help you find an orthodontist that’s the perfect fit for you!

Referrals and reviews

When it comes to finding providers of any kind, word of mouth is one of the best tools we have. Talk with the people around you about the orthodontists they would recommend and why! Getting a referral from a satisfied patient you know who’s happy with their orthodontist is a great first step in finding the right provider for you.

Reviews on sites like Yelp and Google can also be helpful. Credible testimonials can be an excellent source when selecting an orthodontist, and can help alleviate any concerns or anxieties you may be experiencing in your search.  

Referrals and reviews in general are full of all kinds of valuable information. Since each one comes from each patient’s personal, subjective experience, you’re able to get a better look at the “bigger picture” of any practice. 

Research

Take time to really consider your particular needs at this stage of planning. This will help you narrow your results down and can be very beneficial to you in the long run. Consider the following: 

  • Do you need an office that’s close to work, home, or school? 
  • What office hours would allow you to make appointments with ease? 
  • Are you looking for an office that offers payment plans or accepts your dental insurance? 

These are just a few questions you’ll want to consider before choosing an orthodontic practice. Here at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we do everything we can to make your orthodontic journey positive and rewarding! With two offices in Huntington and Woodbury, our exceptional orthodontic care is never far from where you are. We recognize how busy today’s families are, and offer late hours on Wednesdays, select Saturday appointments, and virtual consultations for your convenience. We also offer flexible payment options and are in-network with many providers in New York. 

Could Shiney Smiles Orthodontics be the right fit for you? 

When it comes to finding the right orthodontist for you, there are no wrong questions! Write down all the things you want to discuss in advance, and be prepared to bring up anything that concerns you. You want an orthodontist who will listen to you and encourage you to ask as many questions as needed so that you can understand every part of your diagnosis and treatment plan!  

Here at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we pride themselves on treating every person who walks through the door with respect, compassion, and kindness. We don’t just see ourselves as an orthodontic practice, but also as advocates for our patients’ oral health. That’s why we’re committed to offering patients in our community exceptional care and superior results! 

If you’re in Huntington, Woodbury, or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about how Dr. Sheinis can give you a confident smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation.