When it comes to your family’s smile health, choosing the right provider is a big decision. Whether you’re exploring orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself, it’s natural to assume a dentist can handle everything. But the truth is, orthodontists bring a deeper level of expertise, and board-certified orthodontists take that even further. Innovative Orthodontics is here to tell you all about the difference these titles can make.
What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?
Both dentists and orthodontists care about your oral health, but they don’t have the same levels of training—or the same areas of focus.
Dentists are trained in general oral care: cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum health. Orthodontists, on the other hand, specialize in moving teeth and aligning jaws.
Here’s how it works:
- All orthodontists are dentists first.
- Out of every 100 dental school graduates, only about six go on to become orthodontists.
- To practice orthodontics, doctors must complete an additional 2 to 3-year residency focused solely on the art and science of tooth movement and facial development.
At Innovative Orthodontics, Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton each spent 11 years in training—four years of college, four years of dental school, and three years of orthodontic residency. During those final three years, they studied complex cases, facial structure, growth patterns, and the biomechanics needed to move teeth safely and predictably.
What Does Board Certification Mean?
After finishing orthodontic residency, doctors can choose to become board certified through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This is a completely voluntary process—only about 1 in 3 orthodontists in the United States opt to complete it.
To earn board certification, orthodontists must:
- Pass a comprehensive written exam
- Submit real patient cases for expert evaluation
- Demonstrate high standards of care, ethics, and professionalism
- Complete continuing education and periodic recertification to maintain the title
Board certification means your orthodontist has proven their skill to a panel of professional peers. It’s a stamp of excellence that shows a doctor is both qualified and committed to staying at the top of their field.
Why It Matters for Parents
If you’re a parent looking for a provider you can trust with your child’s smile, board certification adds a layer of confidence.
Here’s why it makes a difference:
- Verified Expertise: Certified orthodontists have been evaluated on the quality of their treatment and problem-solving abilities.
- Continued Learning: Board-certified doctors stay up to date with the latest research, techniques, and technologies, all of which reflect in treating kids and teenagers.
- Higher Standards: Certification reflects a commitment to excellence in both patient care and clinical outcomes, meaning not only will you end up with excellent results, you’ll have a positive experience along the way!
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist helps you know you’re in the hands of someone who’s dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for your kids.
How to Know If an Orthodontist Is Board Certified
The American Board of Orthodontics maintains a public directory where you can search by name or location. You can also:
- Look for the phrase “Board-Certified Orthodontist” on their website
- Ask team members or the doctor of the practice directly during a consultation
- Look for mentions of the ABO or the phrase “Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics”
Transparency matters, and a board-certified orthodontist will always be proud to share more information on this distinction because they work hard to maintain it.
Why You Shouldn’t Settle for “Just a Dentist”
Some dentists will offer orthodontic treatments like Invisalign for very minor adjustments, but they don’t have the same level of education or experience in tooth movement and jaw development as orthodontists. In fact, most general dentists receive only a few hours of orthodontic training in dental school!
For a number of patients, a general dentist is the reference point that directs them to an orthodontist. However, you don’t need a referral to see our doctors.
Orthodontists—especially board-certified ones—spend years studying how to:
- Correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
- Manage spacing, crowding, and impacted teeth
- Guide jaw growth in children and teens
- Plan efficient, safe, and stable tooth movement
As an experienced orthodontic practice, we design your treatment plan to be completely customized to your facial structure, long-term stability, and overall oral health.
A Different Degree of Care
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist is a promise that your family will receive the best care our field has to offer. Innovative Orthodontics is proud to offer this level of service to families in Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler. We’re confident that after your free consultation, you’ll be able to tell why so many people depend on us. Come visit soon!