What is a ABO board-certified orthodontist?

A board-certified orthodontist is simply an orthodontist who has gone through additional testing, attended a top tier orthodontic residency program, and passed rigorous case peer reviews to meet the high standards set by the American Board of Orthodontics.  To maintain certification status, an orthodontist must go through the recertification process every 10 years which involves additional testing and case reviews.  When you see a board-certified orthodontist, you are guaranteed your smile will be held to the same high standards expected by the ABO.

What are the benefits to choosing a board-certified orthodontist?

Choosing a board-certified orthodontist gives you the confidence that the orthodontic professional has not only demonstrated high clinical knowledge, up-to-date on the current orthodontic literature and modern understanding, but has a record of proven case results as judged by their top rated peers.  On average, most board-certified orthodontists have graduated in the top 15% of their class from one of the top 10 orthodontic programs in the US.

Some reasons why you would consider a board-certified orthodontist over other orthodontic professionals according to the ABO are:

Understanding of the complexity of growth development.  

A board-certified orthodontist can recommend early or preventative treatment options that could improve your child's overall future health. Some health issues include your child's bite and improving the child's airway as they grow. This has the benefit of reducing TMJ or jaw pain caused by misaligned bite and reducing the likelihood of sleep apnea, one of the number one causes of ADHD.

Treatment plans include issues related to the jaw and bite, not just movement of teeth

Orthodontist have put an additional 2-3 years of study into jaw and facial/cranial dynamics.  They are not only trained in straightening teeth, they are also trained to correct problems with your bite.  Choosing board-certified orthodontist ensures you have a professional who fully understands these dynamics and can recommend the best treatment.

Some issues that have arisen due to bad understanding of jaw and bite:

  • Misaligned bite will cause the joints to wear out more quickly over time leading to TMJ issues.

  • When teeth are pushed beyond the limits of their jaw or maxillary causing the roots of the teeth to move beyond bone or the gum, eventually causing early tooth loss.

  • Tooth loss due to root resorption, caused by moving the teeth faster than the bone/gums can handle.