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Straightening your smile is a commitment of time and trust, and the person guiding that process makes a real difference in how it goes. Two practices can offer the same treatments and still deliver very different experiences. So before you commit, it is worth knowing what actually separates a strong orthodontist from an average one. Here is how to weigh your options and feel confident in the choice you make.
Start with the right kind of specialist
It surprises a lot of people to learn that any general dentist can offer braces or aligners, but an orthodontist has years of additional training focused entirely on moving teeth and correcting bites. That extra schooling is the whole point of the specialty, and it shows up in tougher cases. When you are comparing providers, confirm you are looking at an actual orthodontist. A dedicated orthodontist in Myrtle Beach brings a depth of experience to your treatment that a part-time approach cannot match.
Look at the range of treatment they offer
A good practice meets you where you are instead of pushing everyone toward the same solution. Ask what they actually offer, from traditional braces in Myrtle Beach to clear aligners and early treatment for kids. The broader the menu of treatment options, the more likely you are to land on the approach that fits your smile, your schedule, and your comfort level rather than whatever the office happens to favor.
Pay attention to the experience, not just the result
The end result matters, but so does everything leading up to it. You will visit the office repeatedly over many months, so the small things add up: how clearly the team explains your plan, whether they answer questions without rushing you, and how the place feels when you walk in. Reading real patient reviews is one of the fastest ways to get a sense of this. Look for patterns in what people say about communication, comfort, and follow-through, not just the star rating.
Get to know the doctor
At the end of the day, you are choosing a person as much as a practice. Find out who will actually be overseeing your care and what their background is. At Seabreeze Orthodontics, Dr. Juan Faja-Fernandez leads every treatment plan personally, and getting a feel for a provider’s training and approach before you commit is always worth the time. You can read more about Dr. Faja-Fernandez and decide for yourself whether the fit feels right.
Why local matters
Treatment means regular check-ins, the occasional quick repair, and easy access when something does not feel right. Choosing a provider close to home makes all of that simpler, which is one more reason to keep your search local rather than driving across the region for every appointment. Once you have a provider you trust nearby, the whole process gets easier.
If you are weighing treatment for yourself rather than a child, our overview of adult orthodontic treatment is a helpful next read. And when you are ready to talk specifics, the best step is simply to come in and start a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
A dentist handles general oral health, while an orthodontist completes years of additional specialty training focused specifically on straightening teeth and correcting bites. For braces and aligners, that added expertise matters, especially in more complex cases.
What should I look for when choosing an orthodontist?
Look for a true orthodontic specialist, a broad range of treatment options, clear communication, strong patient reviews, and a convenient local office. The right combination of expertise and comfort makes a long treatment far easier.
Should I get more than one consultation?
It can help. Meeting with more than one provider lets you compare treatment plans, communication styles, and how comfortable you feel. Many patients find one consultation is enough once they have done their research, but there is no harm in comparing.
Does it matter if the orthodontist is local to Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Treatment involves regular visits over many months, plus occasional quick repairs. A local office keeps those appointments convenient and gives you easy access whenever you need care.