What is an orthodontist and why is it different from a dentist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who helps to straighten teeth and correct dental irregularities. Your next question will probably be, what is the difference between an Orthodontist and a dentist?

Orthodontists are dentists who have completed 2-3 additional years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental malocclusions. While dentists are qualified to provide routine dental care, including fillings, extractions, and cleanings, they are not trained to provide orthodontic care. Some dentists perform orthodontic treatments, but they are not specialists in this field. Orthodontists focus exclusively on treating problems with teeth alignment and bite, and can offer you a much wider range of options including the latest technology such as Invisalign, Clear Aligners and Invisible Lingual braces.

Orthodontic treatment is not just for cosmetics; it can also be used on patients of all ages to improve their oral health.


How to pick the right orthodontist for you and your family

Choosing an orthodontist for your child or yourself can feel daunting, where do you start?
Asking friends and family for their recommendations is a great first step, real life experience is invaluable. But don't forget to look around and do your own research. Asking the right questions is a key factor when looking for the best orthodontist for your family. We have put together this article to guide you through this process.

  1. Orthodontist Experience and Education
    How much do you know about the experience and education of your orthodontist? Visiting the website of each orthodontic practice will give you insight into the orthodontist’s education, interests, length of time in practice and why they chose to be an orthodontist. You’ll find out how they keep up with new developments in orthodontics and how they keep up with the latest technologies in the field. For the past 30 years, Tottori Orthodontics, has been providing our patients with the best and most modern treatments to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Dr. Tottori was one of the first certified Invisalign Orthodontist in Hawaii and the only provider of Incognito hidden braces and InBrace in the State of Hawaii!

  2. Orthodontist Reputation and Testimonials
    Reading online reviews and testimonials can be a great resource when trying to decide who to trust with your child's or your smile. As you read, notice what the patients are focusing on and how they feel about their experience. Is that how you want to be treated or what you want to experience? You should also feel comfortable with the orthodontist and their staff. They will be seeing your child on a regular basis, so you want to make sure everyone gets along well.
    Check what our patients say about Tottori Orthodontics.

  3. Office Environment and consultation availability
    The office environment is another important factor. It’s not just the building but the staff and how they interact with the patients. Feeling comfortable while you are in the office is really important for you and your children. Your time is precious and should be valued. Our complimentary consultations are completely free and provide you with all the information you will need to make an educated decision about orthodontic treatment.

  4. Treatment options
    With so many advances in orthodontic technology there are quite a few different treatment options that can help you and your family get the beautiful smile you want. Dr. Tottori has extensive amount of experience in the most modern esthetic treatments as well as with traditional metal and clear braces. Make sure you check our services page to see all the treatments options we offer to our patients.

  5. Cost of treatments and payment options
    Let’s face it, money is a huge contributing factor as you make decisions about orthodontic treatment. Understanding how much orthodontic treatment costs and how you can make those payments is important.

    - Do they offer payment plans?
    - Do they offer flexible down payments?
    - Can you set up an auto-pay for your account?
    - What kind of discounts are offered?

    Dr Tottori doesn’t want finances to get in the way of getting a beautiful smile, so he offers flexible payment options to work with your budget.

  6. Insurance Compatibility
    Orthodontic insurance is usually something that is added to dental insurance and, a majority of the time, is a one time use life-time benefit. Every insurance is different and benefit amounts are determined by the plan chosen. While your orthodontist may be a “preferred provider” of your insurance, almost all insurances will pay orthodontic benefits even if the orthodontist isn’t in-network. Understanding how your orthodontic office manages your insurance benefit is an important part of your information gathering. 


What Sets Tottori Orthodontics Apart

At Tottori Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on our dedication to quality and our commitment to customer satisfaction. We are constantly working to improve our products and services to provide our patients with the best possible experience. We believe that our dedication to our patients sets us apart from the competition and makes us the best choice for your smile. 

Dr. Tottori takes pride in providing the best products for our patient’s needs. We offer convenient locations in Honolulu and Kapolei, where doctor is involved in all visits, including those involving Invisalign/Clarity Aligners. We also respect our patients' time, offering appointments at times that are most convenient for you. We look forward to the opportunity to show you what sets our office apart from the rest. Call today to schedule your convenient and complimentary consultation today.

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