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Dear Dr. Barakat,
I just found out from our family dentist that my child needs to see an Orthodontist about braces. There are so many, I’m not sure how to pick the best one for us, how do I decide?
Dear Concerned Parent,
Choosing an Orthodontist is a big decision. Your family is investing a considerable amount of time, effort, and finances into the orthodontic process, and most importantly, you’re trusting your child’s dental health to that person. It truly is a decision that requires lots of thought and research to find the best fit for your family.
The most obvious place to start is with your family dentist. He or she will be happy to provide you with a list of Orthodontists who they trust. It’s also important to ask family and friends which orthodontic offices they’ve used and find out what they liked and didn’t like about the office. A friend or family member who knows your child will be a great resource for finding the right fit.
The next step is to research the Orthodontist. Check out their websites, look at the provider’s education, experience, and special skills, and read the patient reviews posted online about real people and real experiences. It’s important to be at an office where you will have access to the doctor at each visit.
Find out if the provider is board certified and in good standing with the certifications. A great resource for parents researching Orthodontists is the American Board of Orthodontics Orthodontist locator. This tool will enable you to find a board-certified Orthodontist by zip code or name.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make an appointment, and have a consultation. Don’t hesitate to ask the Orthodontist questions — a good Orthodontist welcomes parent involvement and wants every member of the family to be comfortable in the office. Make a list of questions you would like answered during your child’s first consultation.
Orthodontists want you and your child to be happy to see us! We love to see our patients smiling before, during, and after having braces. Taking the time to find the right fit will make the process stress-free for you and your child, and when the treatment is finished, your child will have a great, healthy smile from someone you trust!
Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.
As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.
Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.
