3 Questions To Ask When Choosing An Orthodontist

Here at Surf City Smiles Orthodontics, we want you to feel informed and empowered from your first appointment to your last. Choosing to improve your oral health with orthodontic treatment is a big decision, since it affects your whole body’s health. Your smile is too important to trust to anyone less than an experienced orthodontist. If you are not sure how to find the right one, here are three questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist before you commit to a practice.

Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?

While this may seem like an obvious question, it is actually the most important one you can ask. A general dentist typically offers common dental services such as crowns, fillings, dentures, and occasional orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. An orthodontist, on the other hand, spends their days providing only orthodontic services.

This distinction matters a great deal. Imagine you or your child needed specialized treatment or surgery. Would you feel comfortable with your family physician handling the case, or would you prefer a dedicated specialist?

Orthodontists are dentists who also have several years of additional specialized training and experience. This means an orthodontist has:

• studied the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
• been introduced to numerous case studies
• developed diagnostic skills
• learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
• studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients

To give you an idea of how competitive orthodontic residency programs are, they accept only the top students in any dental school graduating class. These programs tend to last around 2-3 years and include full-time training focused on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. While there are exceptions to every rule, most dentists will not have this level of exhaustive orthodontic training and experience.

A true Southern California native, Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Orange County. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery before completing his Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters Degree in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, also at UCLA.

He was honored with the Best Case presented at the 2014 American Board of Orthodontics Examination. In 2016, Dr. Carlson published a Case Report in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, later chosen as the 2017 Case Report of the Year by the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. His research includes furthering automated analysis of three-dimensional surface morphology in craniofacial structures.

What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?

Surf City Smiles Orthodontics has a wide variety of aesthetic treatments available to patients of all ages in Huntington Beach and the surrounding areas.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces, also called hidden braces, are unique in that they attach to the backside of the teeth and are therefore almost completely invisible. They are customized to match the shape of your teeth, so each appliance is created specifically for you.

Clear braces

Sometimes called ceramic braces, these work the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less noticeable, they are popular with older teens and adults who may be more image-conscious. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.

Invisalign clear aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that use a series of customized trays to straighten the teeth. Because the aligners are clear and can be removed, you can eat and drink as you normally would, and brushing and flossing stays as easy as it was before treatment.

How frequent are follow-up visits with the orthodontist?

No matter how you choose to straighten your teeth, you will visit our Huntington Beach office regularly for adjustment appointments, typically every 4-8 weeks. During these visits, Dr. Carlson will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check the progress your teeth are making, and adjust the wires to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.

If you are an Invisalign clear aligner patient, you will not need to come in as often. Even so, your check-in appointments are an essential part of the process, so it is important not to miss them.

Every case is unique and takes a different amount of time based on how your teeth and jaw respond to treatment. The average patient spends anywhere from 12-36 months in treatment. You will see us regularly throughout your orthodontic journey. We know families are busy these days, and we value your time, so we never overbook and always aim to see you at your scheduled time.

Leave your smile to the experts at Surf City Smiles Orthodontics

Dr. Carlson is unmatched in skill, expertise, and experience, so he can provide an excellent smile like no one else. Since our specialty is orthodontics, you will receive nothing but the best in treatment, comfort, and efficiency. We work to give you a stunning smile that is unforgettable.

We welcome families from across Orange County, whether you are in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, or searching for an orthodontist in Newport Beach. If you are ready to take the first step toward a healthier smile, we would love to meet you and talk about the smile you want. Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

A dentist handles general oral health, things like cleanings, fillings, and crowns. An orthodontist completes several years of additional training after dental school and focuses only on tooth and jaw alignment. For braces or clear aligners, an orthodontist brings specialized experience a general dentist usually does not.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No. You do not need a referral from a dentist to schedule an orthodontic consultation. You can book directly with our practice or start with a virtual smile assessment from home.

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

Crowding, gaps, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite are all common signs. The surest way to know is a consultation, where your orthodontist can look at your teeth and bite and tell you whether treatment would help.