What Are The Common Blunders In Selecting An Orthodontist

The decision of who will fix your teeth is no joke. Selecting an orthodontist who will provide you with the best care is crucial. Before selecting an orthodontist from Palo Alto, one must be aware of the most common blunders people make.


For example, one of the biggest mistakes is not doing your research. Just because your friend or family member had a good experience with a certain orthodontist doesn't mean you will have the same experience. You have to pick an orthodontist who is a good fit for you and your distinct needs.


Here are the ten most common blunders people make when choosing an orthodontist:


1) Not Paying Attention To Insurance Covers


People often choose an orthodontist without paying attention to their insurance covers. This can lead to a few problems down the road, as one might have to pay from their pocket for services that should have been covered.


Hence, it is important to make sure that your insurance company will cover the services provided by that doctor. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider to see which Palo Alto orthodontists are in their network. 


2) Failing To Read Online Reviews


In general, if you do not take the time to read reviews before selecting a business/service, you are leading yourself to a disaster. This is especially true when it comes to selecting an orthodontist. This can be costly, as the wrong orthodontist can lead to unnecessary treatment and frustration.


You can learn about a doctor's experience, expertise, and bedside manner by reading reviews. You can also learn about negative experiences others might have had and make an informed decision about whom to trust with your smile.


3) Not Knowing The Available Payment Options


Orthodontists typically offer a range of payment plans, so it is important to ask about the different options and go for the one that best suits your needs. Some orthodontists require a down payment followed by monthly payments, while others allow you to pay for the entire treatment in advance. Some offer a discount if you pay upfront, so be sure to ask.


4) Not Asking Adequate Questions


It is important to ask about the orthodontist's experience and how many cases they have treated similar to yours. If you are interested in a specific straightening system such as Invisalign, ask about their experience with that treatment.


Some of the questions you should ask an orthodontist include:


  • What are your qualifications?
  • Do you have experience treating my type of orthodontic problem?
  • What is your treatment philosophy?
  • What are your fees?
  • How often do you see patients?
  • What is the time period of treatment?
  • What are the risks and benefits associated with orthodontic treatment?



5) Selecting An Orthodontist Solely Based On Price


An orthodontist's quality of care is important and should not be sacrificed to save money. The cheapest orthodontist may not be the best option, as they may not have the experience or expertise to provide the necessary care. Besides, cheaper orthodontists may also have fewer resources and smaller offices, leading to longer wait times and less personalized care.


6) Failing To Check The Orthodontist's Credentials


It is critical to ensure that the orthodontist is licensed and has experience treating your specific type of orthodontic issue. Failing to do so may result in unwanted delays in treatment or, worse yet, substandard care. It is also necessary to ensure that the orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).


7) Choosing An Orthodontist Based On Location


Many make the mistake of choosing an orthodontist close to them without considering other factors. It's important to do your research and find an orthodontist who has the right qualifications and experience for your needs. Remember: A convenient location is just one aspect of choosing a professional.


8) Not Availing Of A Consultation


When selecting an orthodontist, it is important to be well-informed and take the time to consult with multiple professionals before making a decision. A consultation allows you to get to know the orthodontist and their practice, ask any questions you may have, and see if you feel comfortable with the orthodontist. It is also a good opportunity to get a quote for treatment.


9) Waiting Too Long To See An Orthodontist


By waiting too long to get treated by an orthodontist, you bury the opportunity to receive treatment at a time when it would be less invasive and/or less expensive. For example, if a person needing braces has waited too long, they may not be a good candidate for traditional braces and may require more specialized treatment. 


Early intervention is also critical for children, as it can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.


10) Mistaking A Dentist For An Orthodontist


Some assume that any dentist can do orthodontic work, but this is not true. Orthodontists have undergone specific training to straighten teeth and fix bites. While both professions deal with teeth, only orthodontists are trained in properly aligning teeth. Professional dentists may be able to prescribe braces or other treatments, but they are not qualified to perform orthodontic procedures.


Takeaway


By being mindful of the aforementioned mistakes, you can ensure that you are making the best decision for your needs. Be sure to ask questions and do your research to find the right provider for you.


Blog | Bryant St Dental

July 30, 2026
Palo Alto families choose Bryant St Dental for three reasons: a dentist with more than 21 years of experience, a genuinely calm office built around reducing dental anxiety, and one practice that covers everything from routine cleanings to Invisalign under one roof. The practice has also won the Best Dentistry Award in both 2023 and 2024. Quick Takeaways One dentist, 21+ years of experience, treating every age from toddlers to grandparents Best Dentistry Award winner in both 2023 and 2024 Diamond Plus, Top 1% Invisalign provider for teens and adults Private treatment rooms designed to reduce dental anxiety Most major insurance accepted, with financing options for larger treatment plans Finding One Dentist Your Whole Family Actually Wants to See Juggling separate dentists for kids, teens, and adults gets old fast. Different offices, different schedules, different comfort levels with a squirmy six-year-old or an anxious teenager staring down their first set of aligners. Bryant St Dental was built to solve exactly that problem. At Bryant St Dental's Services page , the practice lists routine cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign for teens and adults, and emergency care all under Dr. Chad Abed's supervision, so a family in University South or anywhere else in Palo Alto can bring every generation to the same address. The Track Record Behind the Trust A practice doesn't win back-to-back local awards by accident. Bryant St Dental was named winner of the Best Dentistry Award in both 2023 and 2024, and the American Dental Association notes that consistent, ongoing dental visits are one of the strongest predictors of long-term oral health across a family's lifespan, from childhood cavity prevention through adult gum disease screening. That consistency shows up in the numbers. The practice has built a base of more than 880 patient reviews, and Dr. Abed's team completes more than 400 Invisalign cases each year as a Diamond Plus, Elite Top 1% provider, alongside general dentistry, cosmetic work, and emergency visits for the same families year after year. What Actually Changes the Experience for Families Beyond the credentials, a few practical details are what parents mention most often: Private treatment rooms instead of open bays, which matters for anxious kids and adults alike Same-day emergency care for the inevitable chipped tooth or after-school fall Digital iTero scanning instead of messy physical impressions for Invisalign and other treatments Most major insurance accepted , with Sunbit financing available for treatment plans that need it A holistic, preventive philosophy that treats the whole mouth, not just the immediate complaint Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Palo Alto
July 30, 2026
Most Invisalign patients need somewhere between 20 and 40 trays, worn in sequence for one to two weeks each, over a total treatment window of 12 to 18 months. Mild crowding or small gaps can wrap up in as few as 14 trays. Complex bite corrections can run past 40. Your exact number depends on how much movement your teeth need, not on a fixed formula. Quick Takeaways Tray count tracks with case complexity, not with age or how "bad" your smile looks to you Mild cases: roughly 14–26 trays over 6–18 months Moderate cases: roughly 28–36 trays over 12–18 months Complex cases: 36 or more trays, sometimes 18–24+ months You'll typically switch trays every one to two weeks and see your dentist every four to six weeks The Question Every New Invisalign Patient Asks You've booked a consultation. Maybe you've already had your teeth scanned. And somewhere between the excitement of a straighter smile and the reality of wearing a retainer-like device for over a year, one number keeps nagging at you: how many trays is this actually going to take? It's a fair question, and it deserves a real answer rather than a marketing brochure. At Bryant St Dental , our team handles more than 400 Invisalign cases a year as a Diamond Plus, Top 1% provider, so we see the full range — five-tray touch-ups and forty-plus-tray reconstructions alike. Here's what actually drives that number. What Determines Your Invisalign Tray Count Every plan is built around movement, not appearance. An orthodontist doesn't count how crooked your teeth look. They count how many stages of movement it takes to get from your current bite to your target bite, and each tray only shifts teeth by about 0.25mm. That means two people with similar-looking smiles can end up with very different tray counts, because the underlying tooth roots, bite alignment, and jaw spacing aren't the same. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, clear aligner systems like Invisalign move teeth through a series of custom, incremental stages, and the number of stages is set individually for each patient's treatment plan. Three things move that number the most: Case complexity — spacing and mild crowding need far fewer trays than crossbites, rotated teeth, or significant crowding Jaw bone density — denser bone (more common in older adults) slows tooth movement and can add trays or extend wear time per tray Consistency — Invisalign is built around wearing each tray 20 to 22 hours a day; skipping that adds trays or restarts stages, not fewer Typical Tray Counts by Case Type  Bring these ranges to your consultation as a benchmark, not a promise — your dentist's scan will give you the real number. Mild cases (small gaps, minor crowding): about 14–26 trays, 6–18 months Moderate cases (uneven bites, moderate crowding): about 28–36 trays, 12–18 months Complex cases (large gaps, crossbites, severe crowding): 36+ trays, often 18–24 months or more Most patients land in the moderate range and change trays every one to two weeks, with a check-in visit every four to six weeks to confirm things are tracking to plan. Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Palo Alto
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