How to find the right orthodontist

Dr. Megan LeCornu, Board Certified Orthodontist in Santa Clarita, CA, answers a top question orthodontists are asked about getting braces in Santa Clarita. Best Orthodontics Santa Clarita CA

Hi, guys. I have decided to do a little series for you on the top 10 most frequently asked questions that I receive as an orthodontist. Today is my office day. You can see here. There’s my husband,
I thought this would be useful because I figured if other people have these questions there’s actually probably even more people who have these questions but haven’t asked them.
The first question that I’m going to get into is how to find the right orthodontist. This is an interesting question because I was actually asked this by a friend recently who lives in another state. I have actually never thought about that question, since I am an orthodontist. I thought of some things that I think you guys should look into so that you find the right match for you.
First of all, I think it’s definitely a good idea to do what I think I would do, and anyone else would do when they’re looking for someone, and that is go online and look at the reviews. Reviews can tell a very good story of what the office is like and what the experience is like. I also think, in line with looking at reviews, is ask your peers who they recommend. Honestly, when you ask your peers, you should ask very pointed questions, like, “How long do you have to wait for your appointments?” At our office, we see our patients within 5 minutes of them walking in the door. At the end of the day, it’s important for an orthodontic office to run on time, because you’re going to be seeing the orthodontist when you’re going through treatment fairly frequently, and you don’t want to be waiting 20-30 minutes each time you go in.

Another good question to ask is, what is their experience with the entire team, not just the doctor. You want to know what is their experience with the front office and the back office. Because at the end of the day, a patient’s overall experience is, honestly, the experience with the entire team, because the whole team is integral to a really nice outcome, and honestly, a great experience.
I also think it’s important that you ask them about their experience with the financial aspect of their treatment at the office, because every office has different financial policies, and you want to find an office that has the flexibility that you need.

That’s kind of in terms of asking for recommendations. In terms of thinking about the doctor, obviously it’s very important that you find a doctor with great credentials. So always look into their credentials. Make sure that they are an orthodontist who went to two to three years of specialty training to get their degree. There are some orthodontists who are also board certified, so maybe look into that. Only the top 25% of orthodontists are board certified. So I would look into that kind of thing as well.

Another thing is, that is possibly even more important, is honestly, is the doctor personable. Because at the end of the day, when you’re going through treatment, either for yourself or for a loved one, you want to make sure that that doctor is approachable, is available to answer questions, and things like that. I think that’s really important, is to be able to have that relationship with the doctor, because orthodontic treatment is a long term treatment. It usually takes anywhere from one to two and a half years to get that final result.

Lastly, I think something that’s really important to look into is the technologies that the office offers. You want to find an office that is up to date on the newest technologies, because ultimately that’s going to make your experience more pleasant. For example, if you’re a candidate for something like clear liner therapy, something like Invisalign, that sometimes can be even more comfortable than braces. Or if you’re not and you want an aesthetic option, does that office offer things like lingual braces, which is braces behind the teeth. Those kinds of technologies can make your experience better.

Other technologies that can make your experience better are intra oral scanners, which eliminates the need for impressions. That can make things easier. Digital radiology also is good, because that reduces the radiation dose that you get for each x-ray. Just look for those things as well, because honestly, your experience getting the smile you always want should be as positive as possible. Because, honestly, orthodontic treatment is really an amazing experience, I think, is watching people’s smiles transform.

For further information on this topic can contact Dr. Megan LeCornu at:

2 Locations

Embrace your Smile Orthodontics
23206 Lyons Avenue, Suite 206, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 259-2388

Embrace your Smile Orthodontics
27891 Smyth Dr. Unit A. Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 295-8288