Glad You Asked

Orthodontists are dental specialists whose sole focus is to align the teeth and jaws. To become an orthodontist, there are three primary steps — undergraduate studies, dental school and orthodontist residency. Orthodontists must complete an intensive residency program where they learn the techniques of proper, safe tooth movement as well as guided dental, jaw and facial development. Through formal and hands-on training, orthodontists are equipped to diagnose, prevent, correct and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients of all ages.

Orthodontists provide customized treatment plans to resolve developmental issues and treat existing problems. During patient consultations, orthodontists identify the most appropriate treatment methods for individual orthodontic cases. Only orthodontic specialists are fully qualified to recommend safe treatment plans.

Orthodontic treatment can improve quality of life and well-being for patients of every age. From a functional perspective, it can produce a better bite which helps reduce the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and chewing difficulties.

The AAO recommends an evaluation by an orthodontist at age 7. Orthodontic exams are a vital preventative measure for children. It is crucial for orthodontists to evaluate the oral health of children while the face and jaws are still developing. Early diagnosis is key to correct and resolve issues in a timely manner. When well timed, orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw growth, foster good oral habits and create a more pleasing, symmetrical smile.

During your first appointment, you’ll receive an office tour and meet with Dr. Bates. He will evaluate your orthodontic needs, create a comprehensive treatment plan and answer your questions. It’s a simple and straightforward meeting, just the way we like it.

Bates Orthodontics offers flexible financing through OrthoFi. This service allows you to design and customize your own payment plan to suit your budget and financial goals.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has not only completed a graduate program in dentistry to receive their DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine), but has also gone through a competitive residency at a CODA-accredited orthodontic program for an additional 2-3 years to be trained specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

ABO Board Certification is a voluntary credential that represents an orthodontist’s personal and public commitment to the standards of specialty practice and lifelong learning. The ABO Certification process requires the completion of peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. A Board Certified Orthodontist has reached this level of achievement by pursuing additional voluntary education and ongoing self- assessment.

Board Certification is confirmation of an orthodontist’s personal commitment to providing lifelong quality patient care.

The American Board of Orthodontics is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.