How to Choose an Orthodontist: Finding Your Smile’s Best Friend
Your orthodontist is in charge of your oral health, which is a big responsibility. Orthodontic treatment can affect your smile, your bite, and the way your teeth and jaws work together, so it’s worth taking time to find a qualified specialist you feel comfortable with.
We can help walk you through the process of choosing the right orthodontist to fit your needs. Find the AAO orthodontist nearest you today.
What to Look for When Comparing Orthodontists
Orthodontists focus on the alignment of teeth and jaws, and AAO orthodontists have the advanced training and clinical expertise needed to create a customized treatment plan for your needs.
Choose a Specialist in Orthodontics
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete dental school and then continue their education with additional full-time specialty training in orthodontics. This training focuses on moving teeth, aligning jaws, and helping patients achieve a healthy, functional bite.
When you are considering treatment, ask whether the doctor is an orthodontist and whether they are a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Only appropriately trained orthodontists are eligible for AAO membership.
Look for Personalized Treatment, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Plan
Every smile is different. The right orthodontist will take time to understand your concerns, evaluate your teeth and bite, and recommend a treatment plan designed around your needs.
A good treatment plan starts with an accurate diagnosis. That may include an exam, photos, X-rays, and other records that help the orthodontist understand what is happening below the surface. From there, your orthodontist can explain your options and recommend the approach that supports your smile, bite, and long-term oral health.
Ask About Treatment Options
Today’s orthodontic patients may have several treatment options, including modern braces and clear aligners. One option is not automatically better than another. The right choice depends on your orthodontic needs, treatment goals, lifestyle, and your orthodontist’s recommendation.
During your consultation, ask which options may be appropriate for you and why. Your orthodontist should be able to explain the advantages, responsibilities, and expectations for each option so you can make an informed decision.
Consider the Consultation Experience
Your first orthodontic visit is an opportunity to learn more about your needs, ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive treatment recommendations. It is also a chance to get to know the orthodontist and the team.
Pay attention to how the office communicates with you. Do you feel heard? Are your questions answered clearly? Does the team explain next steps, timing, payment options, and what to expect during treatment? The right orthodontic office should help you feel informed and confident before you begin.
Ask the Right Questions
Before choosing an orthodontist, consider asking:
- Are you a member of the American Association of Orthodontists?
- What orthodontic concerns do you see in my smile or bite?
- What treatment options do you recommend and why?
- How often will I need appointments?
- What will treatment cost, and what payment or insurance options are available?
These questions can help you understand the orthodontist’s approach and decide whether the practice is the right fit for you or your child.
Think About Convenience and Communication
Orthodontic treatment usually involves multiple visits, so location, office hours, scheduling, and communication all matter. Look for an orthodontist whose office is convenient for your routine and whose team makes it easy to understand your treatment plan.
You may also want to ask how the office handles emergencies, appointment changes, broken appliances, aligner questions, and retainer follow-up. Clear communication can make the treatment experience smoother from start to finish.
Do Not Wait for a Referral
You do not need to wait for a dentist referral to see an AAO orthodontist. If you have questions about your teeth, your bite, your child’s smile, or whether treatment may be needed, you can schedule a consultation directly with an orthodontist. For children, the AAO recommends an orthodontic check-up by age 7, when an orthodontist can spot developing issues that may not be obvious.
Adults can benefit from orthodontic care, too. A healthy smile and properly aligned bite can be important at any age.
4 Reasons Why Choosing the Right Orthodontist Matters
Choosing the right orthodontist doesn’t have to be complicated. You simply need to know what to look for and what to keep in mind during your search. Once you find the right orthodontist, you’ll be one step closer to the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Reason 1: To Get the Specialized Treatment You Deserve
You trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, and your bones to an orthopedist. Like these specialists who study their specialty areas after their general medical education, orthodontists devote additional years of study to orthodontics. And like their medical counterparts, orthodontists focus their practices on their specialty area: moving teeth and aligning jaws.
AAO orthodontists are dedicated to helping your teeth and jaws work together so that you can bite, chew and speak comfortably and effectively.
Reason 2: To Solve the Problem
What you see is six crooked front teeth; what an orthodontist sees is the cause of crooked teeth in three dimensions. Orthodontists use their education, experience, and expertise to delve deep into the root of your orthodontic problem.
With a diagnosis that considers all factors, orthodontists can plan your customized solution. Your treatment plan will ensure all separate elements are positioned for optimal performance so that you can bite, chew, and smile confidently.
Reason 3: To Recommend the Right Treatment for You
There are a lot of treatment options available, from clear aligners to modern braces. Each appliance has their advantages, but only an orthodontist has the specialized knowledge to identify and plan for all the variables in your mouth.
Just as each smile is unique, so is the treatment plan. Your orthodontist has the knowledge and tools to create a customized treatment plan to address your orthodontic needs.
Reason 4: To Address the Big Picture
Everyone wants a beautiful smile. The good news is that your orthodontist wants that for you, too, along with treatment results that will last you a lifetime. When it comes to teeth, a quick fix won’t do. You need customized care to address your unique orthodontic needs. Your smile deserves the best, and an AAO orthodontist can give you exactly that.
What Makes an Orthodontist the Right Fit?
The right orthodontist is qualified, experienced, and focused on your individual needs. They should explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Most importantly, they should treat your smile as more than a cosmetic concern. Orthodontic care is about helping your teeth and jaws work together so you can bite, chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist
Start Your Journey Toward a Healthy Smile with an AAO Orthodontist
Choosing an orthodontist is about more than finding braces or clear aligners. It is about finding a qualified specialist who can evaluate your teeth, jaws, and bite, explain your options clearly, and create a treatment plan designed for your individual needs.
As you compare orthodontists, look for specialty training, personalized care, clear communication, and a team that helps you feel comfortable from the first visit through retention. Asking the right questions during a consultation can help you understand your treatment options and feel confident about your next step.
AAO orthodontists have all completed accredited orthodontic residency programs after dental school, and with more than 19,000 members across the United States, there’s always an AAO orthodontist available to help you achieve a healthy smile. Find a qualified orthodontist near you to get started.