Finding the right orthodontist for your family’s needs can feel like navigating a maze of options and credentials. With orthodontic treatment potentially spanning months or even years, selecting the perfect practice deserves careful consideration. Dillehay Orthodontics offers convenient locations in Wichita West, Wichita East, and Derby, Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay understand the factors that truly matter in this important healthcare decision.
What to Look For in an Orthodontic Practice
Finding an orthodontist means checking several factors that separate excellent care from basic treatment. Before scheduling any consultations, consider the following:
- Board certification and specialized training records
- Available treatment options – from traditional braces to clear aligners
- Office location and hours that work with your schedule
- Clear costs and insurance information up front
- Updated technology and treatment methods
- Real patient reviews and local reputation
These basics help create your shortlist of potential practices. Remember to check if the office provides emergency care and their policy on missed appointments. Ask about treatment time estimates and how often you’ll need appointments. For teens and children, find out if the practice offers after-school appointments or flexible scheduling during busy seasons like sports and school activities. Some practices like ours also provide virtual consultation options for initial meetings or quick progress checks, saving you time between in-office visits.
Make Sure You Consider Credentials and Expertise
Picking an orthodontist requires looking beyond basic qualifications. Years of dedicated training, ongoing education, and hands-on experience make a significant difference in your care quality. Here’s what to check:
Educational Background
A qualified orthodontist completes additional specialized training beyond dental school. Both Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay have achieved board certification and maintain active memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), demonstrating their commitment to excellence in orthodontic care.
Specialized Training
Look for orthodontists who regularly pursue continuing education to stay current with the latest treatment advances. This ongoing learning ensures you’ll receive the most up-to-date care available.
Experience Matters
Consider how long the practice has been serving your community. Established practices often bring valuable experience in treating diverse orthodontic cases.
The Consultation Process
Your initial consultation provides invaluable insights into whether a practice fits your needs. During this visit, pay attention to several factors of your experience:
The atmosphere should feel welcoming and professional from the moment you walk in. Notice how the team interacts with current patients and whether they seem genuinely interested in addressing your concerns.
Take time to ask questions about:
- Treatment options available for your specific case and lifestyle
- Expected treatment duration
- Cost estimates and payment plans
- Emergency care procedures
- The typical appointment schedule
Why Choose an Orthodontic Specialist?
Not all dental professionals have the same training when it comes to straightening teeth. While general dentists complete dental school, orthodontists spend an additional two to three years in specialized residency programs. This extra education matters— especially when it comes to complex tooth movement and bite correction.
Think about it like this: you wouldn’t see your family doctor for heart surgery. The same principle applies to orthodontics. Your smile needs specialized care from someone trained specifically in orthodontics.
Orthodontists understand more than just moving teeth. They study how different treatments affect your whole face, not just your smile. This becomes crucial when planning complex cases that require precise timing and execution.
Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay focus solely on orthodontic care. Their specialized training means they can spot potential issues before they become problems and create treatment plans that work with your unique needs. When you’re investing in orthodontic treatment, having this level of expertise matters.
Treatment Options That Work for You
Modern orthodontics offers more choices than ever. While traditional braces remain effective— especially for complex cases— you’re no longer limited to metal brackets and wires.
Both Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay provide options that fit your lifestyle. Our clear aligners give you flexibility and discretion, while our modern braces come in different styles and materials, like metal and ceramic. We’ll help you understand which treatment matches your needs, schedule, and goals.
Get Started With Dillehay Orthodontics
Getting braces or aligners shouldn’t be complicated. At Dillehay Orthodontics, our doctors, Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay, keep things simple and straightforward. Visit any of our three locations in West Wichita, East Wichita, and Derby.
Call today for your free consultation. We’ll discuss treatment options and costs, work with your insurance, and schedule. Choosing the right orthodontist is not only necessary, but it is possible.