Selecting a Quality Orthodontist

I used to work for a very good Orthodontist so let me tell you what I know. First call around to different Dentist and ask them who they recommend. You'll start hearing 1 or 2 Orthodontist over and over again. That's a big sign that they are good! Second when you go to meet them ask to see their before and after pics. They should have a ton! And the after pics should be amazing! Pay attention to the before pics too. If the teeth weren't that bad in the before pics then what's so special about the afters? You want to see kids with horrible bites and teeth and then see beautiful results. Also in all the years I worked almost all kids need to be in braces for a year and 1/2 to 2 years. If they claim it will take less than a year or way beyond 2 years then that's a bad sign too. The Orthodontist should also be willing to use headgear, expandable retainers and rubber bands if needed. Not all kids need all of these things but most will at least need one of these if not more during sometime in their treatment.
Also you want the ortho to have a set fee instead of a pay as you go plan. So after the ortho looks at her child they will come up with a treatment plan and a bill. Braces cost around $4 to $5000. If they claim way less it's a scam. If they tell you they can't give you an exact amount and they tell you they will just bill you as you go through treatment that's bad! I'll explain it like this: If they have a set fee then they give you a bill of $4500 for the total treatment then that's it. It doesn't matter if they have to have extra xrays, lots of rubber band wear, 2 1/2 years of treatment instead of 2 years. The cost stays the same and you don't own them anymore. But if they do the bill as you go then say your kid needs an extra xray, you'll get another bill, say they break a bracket, you'll get another bill, say treatment goes for 2 1/2 years instead of 2, you'll get another bill. So instead of paying $4500 you end up paying $6000. So that's me two cents on the matter. Hope that helps!!

I interviewed 5 or 6 orthodontists before I chose one. There are a variety of different styles or methods of orthodontia treatement. I would question them about their treatment methods and theories--pulling teeth vs. an expander, one vs. two stages of treatment, use of most up to date technology and materials, etc. Other considerations are convenience of location because you will have lots of appointments and personalities of the doctor and technicians you will be seeing on a regular basis. Financing options?

I eliminated one orthodontist because he was almost twice as expensive as the others and he wanted to do two stages on my older son who didn't need two stages. My younger son was another story and needed two stages of treatment. I eliminated another because she had a horrible "bedside manner." I eliminated another because my dentist told me he was a little too conservative in his treatment methods and perhaps a bit out of date. One took too much of an assembly line approach for my liking. The kids and I both really like the woman we finally selected and have been happy with our treatment. She's a little over the top with her marketing and sometimes that makes us wonder if we are overpaying for all of the bells and whistles, but her prices seem to be pretty middle of the road from what I've seen.

Finally, talk to others who have had treatment and get their experiences. Don't be afraid to get multiple opinions and estimates and ask lots of questions. I had no idea how many different methods and theories of orthodontia there were until I started this process.

I would call your pediatrician for a referral.

I would ask your dentist who they recommend, then ask friends whose kids have braces and see what they think.
Remember to pick somewhere kind of close, you have to go every 4-6 weeks for over a year or even two, so you'll want a place that isn't a hike even if it may be cheaper. There was a place that was about $700 cheaper, but almost an hour away mainly because of traffic, but I chose a place 10 mins from my home. It was worth it. Spending two hours just in travel didn't make sense to me, not just the time but the gas money.

I don't remember prices, but we really liked Dr. Murphy on N.Park Blvd in Glen Ellyn. He took care of the son of a friend that we had to take him there often. He is between Duane St. and the RR tracks on Park.