Should I get a 2nd opinion before choosing an orthodontist?

So you visited an orthodontist and received an orthodontic exam, but you aren’t sure if you’re ready to start treatment yet.

Is it possible to “try out” an orthodontist before choosing one? Can you still visit another orthodontist if you’ve already received an exam from another orthodontist?

Yes, you can – and we encourage you to do so! We offer complimentary consultations for this exact reason.

You can receive a thorough orthodontic exam and a one-on-one consultation with our 5-star orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto, so you can get a feel for our patient experience  and get the ‘big’ picture of your smile before you make your decision.

 

Why would I need a second opinion in orthodontics?

Getting a second opinion in your orthodontic treatment can help assure you that you’ve gotten a comprehensive smile assessment and all of the information you need to make the best decision for you or your child.

Dr. Matsumoto sees many patients seeking a second opinion. Whether you’re feeling a little apprehensive about committing to the first orthodontist you visit, you aren’t quite sure if the environment is the right fit for you, or the first orthodontist you visit doesn’t have a wide range of treatment options, don’t hesitate to try out another practice.

We invite you to Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics at Porters Neck, Wilmington, for a second opinion from our board-certified, dual-trained, super friendly orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto.

 

Get to know Dr. Matsumoto!

Dr. Ken Matsumoto is a Dual Trained and Board-Certified Orthodontist and Periodontist. He’s the only dual-trained specialist for the Porters Neck in Wilmington, NC, area – and one of only a few providers in the entire country!

As of January 2025, Dr. Matsumoto has also been appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC!) In this prestigious part-time role in the Division of Applied Craniofacial Sciences (Department of Advanced Specialty Science), Dr. Matsumoto will be sharing his nationally-recognized expertise in orthodontics and periodontics with future dental specialists.

Dr. Matsumoto’s deep expertise allows us to bring a holistic approach to orthodontic care — we optimize not only tooth movement and smile aesthetics, but gum health, gum aesthetic, airway health, jaw function and bone structure.

A Nationally Recognized Orthodontist

Dr. Matsumoto is nationally-recognized for his experience with the maxillary skeletal expander (MSE), and has had the privilege to transform smiles across the country.

During you or your child’s complimentary consultation, Dr. Matsumoto performs a CBCT scan (using the i-CAT FLX v17, the latest in i-CAT CBCT imaging technology) to assess the underlying bone structure and soft tissues to get a full understanding of all aspects of each patient’s smile. Most orthodontists don’t include this scan in a complimentary exam.

Needless to say, with our orthodontic practice, you’re receiving a complete assessment that goes far beyond your smile. This is why many families visit Dr. Matsumoto for a second opinion, and feel confident and comfortable starting treatment with us.

 

Your Board-Certified Orthodontist in Wilmington

Dr. Matsumoto is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics! Orthodontists don’t have to pursue board certification; only a portion of orthodontists go the extra mile to earn theirs. It’s an additional and voluntary credential that not every orthodontist puts the time and energy into earning.

The ABO certification shows Dr. Matsumoto’s commitment to perfecting his skills and techniques, staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements and continuously improving his craft — for life! Isn’t that the type of commitment you want for your orthodontist – or your children’s orthodontist?

Choosing a trusted, board-certified orthodontist is a life-changing choice for your family.

 

You have options here!

If you’re looking for a teeth straightening solution, we have an orthodontic treatment option for every lifestyle. We provide high quality braces and Invisalign® clear aligners for kids, teens and adults. 

Once Dr. Matsumoto completes you or your little one’s comprehensive consultation and smile exam, you’ll be able to choose from:

  • BRIUS® invisible braces: Attached to the inner surfaces of your teeth, BRIUS custom braces are completely hidden when you smile.
  • Invisalign® Prefer a removable, invisible treatment? Invisalign clear aligners are virtually-invisible, removable, and custom-designed just for you.
  • Advanced metal braces: Not your traditional braces, self-ligating braces don’t use elastic ties, making them more discreet, more hygienic and more comfortable than traditional braces.
  • Advanced clear braces: If you like the look of braces, but prefer a clear solution, self-ligating ceramic clear braces are the perfect fit.
  • GLO® Science teeth whitening: Experience an instantly brighter smile with GLO professional teeth whitening!

Dr. Matsumoto will also assess your gum health and aesthetic to determine whether periodontal treatment is needed or would be beneficial, and assess your skeletal structure to determine whether MSE (maxillary skeletal expansion) is needed before orthodontic treatment.

 

Book your complimentary second opinion today.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions in the meantime! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit to your last appointment. Check out our patient reviews, and see photos of Dr. Matsumoto’s before-and-after Invisalign and braces transformations.

Whether you live in Porters Neck, Wilmington, or surrounding communities — like Hampstead, Ogden, Bayshore, Myrtle Grove, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Silver Lake, Surf City, and Kure Beach — Come meet Wilmington’s top orthodontist and our friendly, experienced team at our Porters Neck orthodontic office.

Request your complimentary consultation today. 

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