When it comes to achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, the orthodontist you choose matters. Many patients assume that all dentists and orthodontists are board-certified. But this simply isn’t the case.

At PureSmile in Shanghai, we are proud to have board-certified orthodontists on our team. What exactly does that mean? Here’s what you need to know about choosing a board-certified orthodontist.

What is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a person who has finished a graduate program in dentistry, becoming a DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine). In addition, he or she has completed two to three years of specialized training focused specifically on orthodontics.

After these levels of schooling have been completed, an orthodontist can choose to complete a board certification offered by the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO). Doing so involves additional voluntary education and ongoing self-assessment.

Board certification is more than just a fancy piece of paper to hang in an orthodontist’s office. According to the ABO, this particular credential represents “a personal and public commitment to the standards of the specialty practice and lifelong learning.”

To receive the ABO certification, orthodontists must undergo extensive peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. These must be renewed every 10 years.

It’s important to note that the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists only recognize the ABO board certification as an acceptable board certification for orthodontics. For these reasons, receiving this certification is certainly an honorable achievement.

Benefits of Going to an American Board-Certified Orthodontist

Everyone knows that orthodontists specialize in straightening crooked teeth. In reality, however, they do so much more. Orthodontists are experts at understanding facial structure and growth development, as well as the proper alignment of one’s bite and jaw.

By choosing an American board-certified orthodontist for your orthodontic needs, you can rest assured that you or your family member will receive the best possible orthodontic care. This is because a board-certified orthodontist has achieved the highest level of certification available in their profession.

Being board-certified means your clinician is one of only 33 percent of orthodontists and one percent of all dentists who have successfully completed the entire board-certification process. Completing this rigorous sequence clearly demonstrates their commitment to their profession and their patients.

This certification is confirmation that your orthodontist is familiar with the most progressive orthodontic techniques, as well as how to care for your teeth in the most effective ways possible. He or she is dedicated to helping you receive comfortable, compassionate, and effective care every time you step into the office.

While all orthodontists and even some dentists offer orthodontic treatments, not all have been trained the way a board-certified orthodontist has.

Board-certified orthodontists are the best in their field at properly diagnosing, preventing, and treating even the most extensive orthodontic concerns. Their knowledge, experience, and attention to detail are unparalleled.

PureSmile is Here to Help

At PureSmile, we are committed to offering each of our patients the best orthodontic experience possible. If you have any questions about what an ABO certification entails or requires, as well as what this means for your individual orthodontic experience, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team.

We are proud to have knowledgeable, experienced, board-certified orthodontists on our team. And we are happy to share their achievements with you.

Ready to take the first step to a more radiant smile with a board-certified orthodontist? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!