Choosing an orthodontist in the Sioux Falls, SD area for your family is an important decision, and one that is not be made lightly. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. First, and foremost, you want to be certain that you and your child will be comfortable with your choice. Find an orthodontic specialist who is well-recommended, board certified, has successfully completed cases available for you to review, and is able to accommodate your busy schedule. Orthodontic treatment is a serious investment, so it should be treated as such.

Talk to your family dentist. Get feedback from the parents of your children’s friends. Word of mouth recommendations are typically the best place to start when looking for a new medical provider of any kind. Orthodontists know this, and good ones take care to foster good relationships with their patients and referring dentists.

Today, many general dentists have taken classes to offer braces or clear aligners (Invisalign®), but an orthodontist is still THE BEST CHOICE for orthodontic treatment. General dentists are experts in diagnosis of dental decay, preventative dentistry and restoring, replacing and repairing teeth, while an orthodontist is an expert in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontists should have two to three years of additional specialized orthodontics education accredited by the American Dental Association, and the best orthodontists are also board certified.

After finding a highly-recommended orthodontic practice, look at examples of their completed cases. Some practices have a gallery of smiles on their website, but the office will also have photos on display of patients who have completed treatment.

Call the office to get the basic information, find out if they are accepting new patients, discuss insurance and financing policies, and ask if they offer free consultations. Your initial consultation is the ideal time to discuss treatment goals, and to find out how much experience the orthodontist has in correcting specific problems.

Orthodontic treatment can be a lengthy process, and patients interact with the doctors and their staff on a nearly monthly basis, so make sure you are comfortable with and confident about the orthodontic practice you choose for your family.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.