Dr. Warren Phillips The Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Choosing Your Orthodontist Phillips Orthodontics
Welcome letter from Dr. Warren Phillips Dear Friend, If you are researching orthodontists and the different types of braces for yourself or your child, then you are in the right place! You should know that just like all teeth are different, every orthodontic practice is different, too. In your search to find the right orthodontist for your family, you will most likely find similar treatment options. It s important to know, however, that all orthodontic treatment is not the same. At Phillips Orthodontics, our mission is to serve others by changing lives, supporting our community, and taking a patient-centric approach to care. My team and I work hard to offer the highest quality results in a friendly, comfortable, environment. With our patients-first approach, our biggest reward is seeing how happy our patients are with their new smiles after treatment. To help support our mission and to help you choose the right orthodontist, I invite you to read my report, The Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Choosing Your Orthodontist in Wilmington, NC. Each section addresses an important question to consider as you research options for orthodontic treatment. While many orthodontists fit a few of the criteria, I strongly encourage you to settle for nothing less than the complete package. It s what you and your teeth deserve! I hope you find my report to be informative and helpful as you begin your exciting journey toward your ideal, healthy smile. If you would like to know more about any of the information I ve included here, feel free to call me or speak to a member of my knowledgeable team at 910.392.5773. To Your Healthiest Smile, Dr. Warren Phillips P.S. When you are ready, I invite you to schedule your complimentary Dr. Phillips Smile Analysis by calling 910.392.5773. Your no-obligation appointment includes a thorough exam, a review of your medical history, digital x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan, all yours for FREE! If you are scheduling the exam for your child, you may be wondering at what age you should schedule their first exam. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a screening by the age of 7, in order to rule out potential problems that will be much harder to correct in later years. While many parents are surprised the AAO recommends seeing kids before they turn 7, we agree that the earlier the exam, the better, because we will have more options and can even give pre-orthodontic guidance. If you are scheduling the exam for yourself or if your child is older than 7, that is okay too. We have helped thousands of people of all different ages in Southeastern North Carolina transform their smiles. Again, when you are ready to find out more about your options with us, we are here for you. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 2
Table of Contents Welcome Letter from Dr. Warren Phillips... 2 1. Are They Experienced?... 4 2. Do They Respect Your Time?... 5 3. Do They Offer a THOROUGH Free Assessment?... 6 4. Are They Award-Winning?... 7 5. Do They Care for Their Community?... 8 6. Are They Board-Certified?... 9 7. Do They Continue Their Education?... 10 8. Are They Bilingual?...11 9. Do They Offer a Discount for Family?... 12 10. Do They Spend Enough Time with Their Patients?... 13 11. Bonus: Do They Offer Flexible Financing?... 14 Closing Letter from Dr. Warren Phillips... 15 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 3
1 Are They Experienced? The first, and possibly most important information any orthodontic patient should understand, is that while all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. In fact, only 6% of dentists have undergone the years of extra training required to become an orthodontist. To be sure your orthodontist is indeed the specialist you re seeking, look for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) seal. I completed all of my education at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and was accepted into dental school one year early allowing me to forego my senior year of college. I went on to earn my Doctorate of Dental Surgery with Distinction graduating in the top 5% of my dental class of 78 people. My education culminated with the earning of a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Certificate of Orthodontics. In July 2012, I voluntarily went through the intensive process of demonstrating my judgment, skills and knowledge and attained my Board Certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. Over the years, I ve learned that building a rapport with patients is as important as building my skills, and strengthening their confidence is just as important as straightening their teeth. There truly is no substitute for experience, and I am proud to have helped thousands of patients achieve spectacular smiles since 2001! Phillips Orthodontics would love the opportunity to do the same for you and your family. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 4
The Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Choosing Your 2 Orthodontist Do They Respect Your Time? In today s world, everyone is busy! Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment shouldn t interrupt your entire schedule, which is why orthodontists should implement flexibility for scheduling appointments. When looking for an orthodontist, make sure they offer flexible hours, short wait times, and same-day starts. With today s technology in a fast-paced world, this is a necessity for any successful orthodontic practice to run efficiently. At Phillips Orthodontics, we re committed to providing the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients AND we want to make the treatment process as convenient for you as possible. We never want your busy schedule to deter you from seeing our orthodontist. That s why we offer convenient appointment times to accommodate even the most hectic lifestyles. We also keep appointments running on time so you can count on being seen at your actual appointment time. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 5
3 Do They Offer a THOROUGH Free Assessment? Your first visit to a new orthodontist can be a costly experience. To create a comprehensive customized treatment plan, your orthodontist needs to do a complete exam, including x-rays, for the most thorough assessment. The orthodontist will then explain all available treatment options, as well as estimate the duration of your specific treatment plan. This in-depth discussion is also your opportunity to ask questions, to learn as much as you can about this important decision impacting your health. At Phillips Orthodontics, you receive your Dr. Phillips Smile Analysis a $335 value absolutely free! Your evaluation will include: Initial exam Digital x-rays Medical history review A personalized treatment plan Our complimentary consultation comes with no obligation, just an opportunity to see whether our practice is the perfect fit for you. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 6
4 Are They Award-Winning? When you re considering a potential orthodontist, ask if he or she has been awarded recognition for skill, expertise, or exceptional customer service. When a reputable organization or magazine takes the time to highlight a particular orthodontic office over all other providers, this signals that your orthodontist is one of the best in the area. Phillips Orthodontics strives to provide the best orthodontic care possible and we are thrilled to announce that this has been recognized over the years. We have been voted Family Favorite Orthodontist by the readers of Wilmington Parent Magazine for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018! Let us help you achieve your best smile! 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 7
5 Do They Care for Their Community? When choosing an orthodontic office, pay attention to whether the practice does anything to support the surrounding community as a whole. Community support can range from monetary donations for local sports teams, to providing free orthodontic care to low-income residents, and more. By opting for treatment with a community-minded orthodontist, you indirectly support activities and non-profit organizations in your local area, and also enjoy the added benefit of receiving treatment from an orthodontic provider who genuinely cares about other people. Our team at Phillips Orthodontics loves to help our community as much as we enjoy taking care of our patients! That s why we frequently share our time and our resources with a variety of charitable causes and community outreach programs, like Relay for Life, Boy Scouts of America, and the Wilmington Family YMCA, just to name a few. We appreciate the support of our community and believe in giving back whenever possible. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 8
6 Are They Board-Certified? An orthodontist who s been certified by the American Board of Orthodontics has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers on the basis of knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board-certified signifies the orthodontist s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. In your quest for an orthodontist, finding one who is board-certified means you will be receiving the best care available. As a board-certified orthodontist, I am committed to the pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. Being board-certified means my knowledge and skill have been evaluated through exams and time-limited certificates. I am also required to take recertification exams throughout my career and to promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world. When you choose Phillips Orthodontics, you re getting the highest quality care available from a top-rated orthodontist who has what it takes to give you your perfect smile. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 9
7 Do They Continue Their Education? With constant advancements being made in the ever-changing world of orthodontics, even a doctor with extensive experience must do what it takes to stay on top of the latest industry developments. When you re searching for the right orthodontist for you and your family, make sure they are committed to keeping their practice current. Phillips Orthodontics has the facilities, specialists, and experience necessary to provide the highest quality care with the best results. We re dedicated to staying on top of the latest developments and treatments in the world of orthodontics. That s why I attend annual continuing education courses on Invisalign treatment and the latest trends in orthodontics. Our expert team also attends training on customer service and the new patient experience. We are committed to providing our patients with the best experience possible - this is just another way we always put our patients first. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 10
8 Are They Bilingual? If you or a family member doesn t speak English as your first language, then trying to discuss complex health concerns with any kind of healthcare provider can be stressful. In some cases, this kind of language barrier can even lead to poor treatment due to misunderstanding or miscommunication. We also know it can be challenging to find someone to join you in your appointment as a translator, especially if you need a short-notice emergency appointment. To avoid problems that can arise due to language discrepancies, ask your potential orthodontic office if any of their staff are bilingual in your native language. At Phillips Orthodontics, we recognize the importance of being able to communicate effectively with our patients for the best possible orthodontic care. For this reason, our Wilmington office provides orthodontic services in Spanish. This is just another way that we seek to go the extra mile to serve all members of our community. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 11
9 Do They Offer a Discount for Family? Crooked teeth can be hereditary, so there are times when multiple people from the same family would like to undergo orthodontic treatment. To help families who have multiple members needing treatment, some orthodontists offer family discount programs. Unfortunately, not everyone does, but it certainly helps when there are multiple people who need braces or Invisalign. If you have more than one member in your family who plans to be evaluated by an orthodontist in the next few years, then asking whether an orthodontic office offers discounts can be a great way of planning for the future. At Phillips Orthodontics, we never want financial concerns to impact your treatment or overall health. That s why we are happy to offer a discount of $200 off treatment for family members of our patients. Your family s perfect smiles are our top priority! 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 12
10 Do They Spend Enough Time with Their Patients? Sometimes when patients visit their health care provider, the doctor simply dictates to them what their treatment will be. This should not be your experience when you visit your orthodontist. During your initial exam and consultation with a new orthodontist, you should feel free to ask any questions without being rushed through the process. In addition, your orthodontist should be able to provide you with an explanation of your issue, recommended treatment, a timeline, and all associated costs. They should make you feel comfortable and offer personable care. If you leave a new orthodontist s office feeling like just another patient or with any lingering doubts, then we recommend taking the time to see another orthodontist for a second opinion. At Phillips Orthodontics, we believe in taking a consultative approach to treatment and building a personal relationship with each patient. During your complimentary Dr. Phillips Smile Analysis and throughout the rest of your or your loved one s treatment, we will take the time to educate you on your treatment options, and we will work together to choose the best path for your individual needs and wishes. We want you to feel confident that you re receiving the best care available and that we truly care about creating your best lifelong smile because we do! 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 13
11 Bonus: Do They Offer Flexible Financing? This report was only supposed to include 10 crucial questions to consider when looking for an orthodontist, but affordability is so important that I ve included this section as a bonus. Whether or not you have insurance, it s important to understand what kind of payment options your potential orthodontist offers before you make a decision. At Phillips Orthodontics, we strongly believe that no one should ever have to delay necessary braces or other orthodontic treatment due to financial concerns. That is why we do our best to help you work within your budget while still providing you with high-quality orthodontic care with options such as Invisalign treatment or Empower self-ligating braces. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, we ll help you understand all the different payment plans we offer. From filing insurance paperwork for you to offering no- or low-interest payment plans through Care Credit, we are here to simplify the financial process so you can focus on what really matters your new healthy smile. You can rest easy knowing that every facet of your braces and orthodontic treatment will be smooth sailing and worry-free! 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 14
Closing letter from Dr. Warren Phillips Dear Friend, I hope this report has helped you learn more about what you can expect from your orthodontic treatment, as well as what you should expect from your orthodontist. Don t be afraid to ask potential orthodontists about each item I included on this list. If you have already signed up for treatment with a provider, feel free to call the office and ask a few follow-up questions. Remember, this is your smile we re talking about here you deserve to feel confident and comfortable for the entirety of your treatment! While my primary goal was simply to educate you and facilitate your search for an orthodontist for you or your family, I hope you ve also discovered a bit about Phillips Orthodontics and why I m so passionate about what I do. Yes, I love creating beautiful smiles, but more than that, I love nurturing great relationships with my patients and helping them be happier and healthier overall. It may sound like I expect a lot from my fellow orthodontists, and that s true, but only because I expect so much from myself. You re putting your trust in me, and that s not something I take lightly. To learn more about Phillips Orthodontics, please call 910.392.5773 and don t forget about your Dr. Phillips Smile Analysis! A FREE comprehensive consultation may be the only thing standing between you and the smile you ve always craved. To Your Healthiest Smile, Dr. Warren Phillips P.S. When you are ready, I invite you to schedule your complimentary Dr. Phillips Smile Analysis, which includes a review of your medical history, a thorough exam, digital x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan (a $335 value) by calling 910.392.5773. 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com 15
We Find Smiles 910.392.5773 www.wilmingtonbraces.com