Verify you are seeing an orthodontist: You would think that going to an orthodontist office you would be seeing a specialty trained orthodontist. An orthodontist has completed dental school as well as 2-3 years additional training in a university setting. In today’s corporate model of orthodontic practice please ask if all doctors in the practice have completed the education necessary to be considered an orthodontist by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). You may be treated by a dentist these large offices.
Dr. Davies graduated top of his dental class at Marquette University, and spent two years at the University of Iowa School of dentistry to obtain an orthodontic specialty certificate as well as a masters of science degree (M.S.).
Is the orthodontist Board Certified: The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only approved certifying board by the AAO. To be board certified by the ABO you must have completed a recognized orthodontic residency specialty program (2-3 years). A written examination and clinical examination must be passed. Every ten years a recertification exam is required to maintain your certification. Only about half of orthodontists are board certified.
Dr. Davies was board certified in 2005. He took and passed the written examination, as well as an oral examination and presented cases to examiners at the testing center in Dallas. He maintains his board certification.
Does the Orthodontist see you at the initial examination and place the braces: The most important part of any orthodontic treatment is a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Some offices have staff take care of this step. You should expect the orthodontist to answer any questions you have and really know your case as well as the patient they will be treating. If you do not have a firm understanding of the orthodontic problem as well as the treatment being presented and why, do not start orthodontic treatment. The corporate model of orthodontic practices will have assistants with limited training and certification do most of the procedures. You have to make sure you are comfortable with this.
Dr. Davies sets aside more time with the patient for the initial examination than almost any orthodontist. He wants to understand the condition of the teeth and jaws that you can only get from examining the patient, as well as understand what concerns and goals you have. At the end of your appointment, you will know what your orthodontic problems are, what options for treatment you have, as well as timing of the treatment. Dr. Davies places the brackets himself on every patient, because where these brackets are placed will determine where the teeth end up.
How many orthodontists will be treating the case: In group practices you may have multiple providers seeing patients for their appointments, which can lead to communication issues and extended treatment time.
Dr. Davies will be seeing you when you come to our office. Any question you have about your treatment can be asked directly to him.
What types of retainers are offered: Once you have straight teeth and a beautiful smile, you don’t want to lose it. Retainers are required to maintain your correction. Of course this involves patient cooperation and night time wear of retainers. Does the orthodontist offer a fixed option for retainers as well? The long term stability of your result may depend on it.
Dr. Davies doesn’t want to risk your teeth shifting significantly once you have straightened them. We have options for retainers, which will always include a clear set worn at night. We also offer a fixed retainer option in addition to the removable set as we have found this increases the chances of keeping the teeth straight exponentially.
Does the orthodontist use the highest quality products, and does he/she reuse brackets: This is a difficult question for a patient to have answered by the orthodontist, since any product can be called “quality”. Ask about individually packaged single use brackets and wires. This will give the best infection and quality control. You can also ask if they “micro-etch” brackets that come loose before putting them back on, or do they use a new bracket every time.
Dr. Davies uses Solventum (formerly 3M) brackets that are individually packaged with the bonding agent already placed. These individually packaged brackets are labeled so placing the wrong bracket on a tooth is nearly impossible. When a bracket comes loose a new bracket is used every time. The archwires are also from Solventum (3M) and individually packaged. Using this system and not “micro etching” brackets to be placed back in the mouth is a much more costly way to do it, but worth it. We avoid infection control and cross contamination issues that come up doing it the more common way.
What happens if I have an orthodontic emergency: What happens if I have an orthodontic emergency: What happens after hours in case of an emergency can be the most important situation in your entire treatment. Does the office have a generic call center? Will you be seen by an assistant instead of the orthodontist for your emergency?
Dr. Davies provides his cell phone number to patients for after hour emergency care. He sees emergency patients himself after hours and on weekends. From wire pokes to serious trauma you will be taken care of.
Does the orthodontist have complete ownership in the practice: Today’s corporate model for orthodontics can involve the orthodontist being an employee in the business. Private equity has bought many practices and they are run by non-orthodontists from out of state. These practices often have multiple locations with multiple doctors. Turnover with the orthodontists can be quite high, so starting and finishing with the same doctor may not occur. Having multiple orthodontists work on a case can increase treatment time and sometimes affect the result.
Dr. Davies is the sole owner of Davies orthodontics. He takes complete responsibility for the treatment and experience you have in the office. He has complete control over who he employs, what products are used, and the treatment he recommends. He puts the best interest of his patients first.
Learn How Davies Orthodontics Can Service Your Smile!
Choosing the right orthodontic specialist instead of a general dentist can make all the difference when correcting your smile! To learn more about Dr. Davies, reach out to Davies Orthodontics at (262) 542-9151!
