Choosing the right orthodontist for you and your family isn’t an easy decision – especially if you’re not familiar with orthodontics yet! How do you know which orthodontist is best for you and your family? What type of credentials or qualifications should you look for in an orthodontist?
We’re here to help! Here are 4 factors to consider when evaluating an orthodontist’s credibility and choosing the right orthodontist in Panama City:
How to find a good orthodontist in Panama City | 4 Tips
- Research local orthodontists near you.
The first step to finding an orthodontist is conducting a quick Google search. Type “orthodontist near me” into the search bar and see who turns up. Of course if you’re located in Panama City, FL, we want you to visit us at Buttram Orthodontics! Our orthodontist (Dr. Buttram) is one of the most experienced orthodontists in the area with over 30 years of creating beautiful smiles!
Our Panama City orthodontist office is conveniently located near the Crafty Crab, Kohl’s, and Centennial Bank, right off Florida Highway 77.
It’s also a good idea to ask trusted friends and family members if they have any orthodontist recommendations near you! Reading through orthodontist reviews is a great way to get a feel for the practice’s patient experience.
Once you have a list of local orthodontists, the next step is to assess their credentials and experience.
- Assess the orthodontist’s memberships, certifications and/or awards.
How long has the orthodontist been practicing? Which professional memberships or affiliations are they a part of? Do they continue to improve and advance their techniques and approach?
An orthodontist who participates in professional organizations and who has years of experience to back their technique is a good, qualified orthodontist.
Our team stays on the cutting-edge of orthodontic advancements and technologies, and Dr. Buttram himself devotes time each year for continuing education courses as well.
Our team is led by Dr. Buttram, who chose to pursue orthodontics because it gave him the opportunity to witness patients reach these transformative milestones in their lives! He’s been practicing for 30 years, leading our team to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care in Panama City.
- Does the orthodontist provide the treatment option you’re looking for?
You’ll want to ensure that the orthodontist you choose offers the type of treatment you prefer! You deserve a modern treatment option that helps you feel confident throughout your treatment experience.
We offer high-tech Empower® self-ligating braces in metal and clear, traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, as well as Invisalign® clear aligners! We can help you decide which treatment suits your lifestyle best.
- Do they offer a free consultation?
Visiting the orthodontist for a consultation can tell you everything you need to know about their quality of care.
It’s a good idea to choose an orthodontist who offers free exams; this means the orthodontist is confident in his or her skills and in the patient experience they provide. Offering complimentary exams also shows that the orthodontist wants you to make the best decision for your grin, not rush you into a payment plan!
Our new patient consultations are 100% complimentary, and they include a full exam, digital x-rays, diagnostic photos, and a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Buttrram! We invite you to schedule your complimentary exam with us.
When to see an orthodontist in Panama City
According to the AAO, children should receive their first orthodontic screening by the age of 7. Before the baby teeth are shedding and the adult teeth are emerging, Dr. Buttram can detect conditions that are soon to become problematic if left untreated.
At Buttram Orthodontics, we will never suggest orthodontic treatment if it isn’t necessary or beneficial to your quality of life. Our patients can rest assured that we’ll only suggest what we believe is best for your smile, based on your orthodontic condition, your lifestyle, your needs, and your goals.
Before you visit us for your complimentary exam, you can look out for the following signs that indicate a need for orthodontic treatment:
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Jaw pain, clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth
- Top teeth overlap the bottom teeth, or bottom teeth overlap the top teeth
- Pain in your jaw muscles when you wake up (due to clenching)
- Lack of confidence in your smile
If you or your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, and you’re wondering how to find a great orthodontist in Panama City, we’re the right orthodontist for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Request your complimentary exam with us and we’ll take care of the rest.