How to Choose the Right Orthodontist
Finding the right orthodontist shapes your entire smile experience. The choice affects your comfort, your results, and how you feel walking into the office every few weeks for the next year or two. This guide walks you through how to choose the right orthodontist, so you can start treatment feeling calm, informed, and genuinely excited about the smile ahead.
At Hann Orthodontics, Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann have spent decades helping families find the smile of their dreams. Here’s what to look for.
What It Means to Choose the Right Orthodontist
Choosing the right orthodontist means finding a specialist whose credentials, treatment options, communication style, and office experience match your goals and lifestyle. Orthodontists complete 2-3 years of specialty training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on tooth and jaw alignment. The right fit balances expertise, comfort, convenience, and trust, which directly shapes your treatment outcome.
Not every provider who offers aligners is an orthodontist. That distinction matters. An orthodontist has the depth of training to plan complex cases, choose the best appliance for your teeth, and adjust the plan as your smile changes.
The “right” orthodontist isn’t the same for everyone. A busy adult may prioritize evening hours and Invisalign options. A parent may want a warm, kid-friendly office. A teen may care most about discreet treatment. Getting this decision right pays off in smoother appointments, better results, and a more comfortable experience from start to finish.
How to Evaluate and Choose an Orthodontist Step by Step
Choosing an orthodontist comes down to five clear steps: verify their credentials, review their treatment options, book a free exam, check reviews and results, and consider office convenience. Working through each step helps you compare providers on what actually matters, not just marketing.
Take them one at a time:
- Verify credentials and specialty training. Confirm the provider is a licensed orthodontist, not a general dentist offering aligners. Orthodontists complete years of additional specialty training beyond dental school. Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann each bring more than a decade of hands-on experience in practice focused specifically on orthodontics.
- Review the treatment options offered. A quality modern office should offer several paths, including Invisalign, clear braces, and modern metal braces. Multiple options mean the provider can match the treatment to your case, not the other way around.
- Book a free exam or virtual exam. This is the best way to gauge communication style, chairside manner, and how well the team answers your questions. Hann Orthodontics offers a free consultation with no strings attached.
- Check reviews, before-and-after cases, and technology. Ask to see real before-and-after photos of patients with cases similar to yours. Look for a modern office with digital x-rays and digital photographs.
- Consider scheduling flexibility and convenience. Same-day treatment starts, easy appointment scheduling, and a convenient location all matter over the course of a 12-24 month treatment.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Orthodontist
Pick the right orthodontist and you gain three things fast: a plan built around your teeth and lifestyle, access to modern treatment tools, and a team you actually trust visit after visit. The benefits go far beyond straight teeth. Here’s what you gain:
- Treatment plans built around you. Your teeth, bite, and lifestyle are unique. An experienced orthodontist creates a plan that fits you, whether that’s Invisalign, clear braces, or traditional metal braces.
- Access to modern treatment options. A well-equipped modern office offers newer aligner systems, digital scanning, and same-day treatment starts. That means less waiting and more precise care.
- Better outcomes with fewer complications. Specialty training pays off in complex cases. An orthodontist can spot issues early and adjust the plan before small concerns become bigger ones.
- Upfront, honest pricing. The right office explains fees clearly and offers flexible payment plans. At Hann Orthodontics, that includes no money down payment plans and third-party financing options.
- A comfortable, trusting relationship. You’ll be visiting this office every few weeks for a year or more. Choosing a team that treats you like family makes every appointment easier.
Children, teens and adults all deserve beautiful smiles, and the right orthodontist makes the difference between an okay experience and a great one.
Orthodontist vs General Dentist: Which Should You Choose?
Orthodontists specialize exclusively in tooth and jaw alignment, while general dentists focus on overall oral health. Both play important roles, but for transforming smiles, an orthodontist offers the specialty training, case experience, and range of treatment options needed for the best results.
General dentists may offer basic aligners, but they haven’t completed the additional years of orthodontic residency. For simple cases, that might be fine. For complex bites, crowding, or jaw alignment issues, a dedicated orthodontist is the better choice.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Factor | Orthodontist | General Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Training | 2-3 years beyond dental school | None specific to orthodontics |
| Primary Focus | Tooth and jaw alignment only | Overall oral health |
| Case Complexity | Simple to complex bites and jaw issues | Typically mild alignment cases |
| Treatment Options | Invisalign, clear braces, metal braces, appliances | Often limited to basic aligners |
| Ongoing Adjustments | Trained to plan and modify treatment | Limited specialty experience |
If your case involves crowding, spacing, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or any concern beyond mild crookedness, choose an orthodontist. Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann handle the full range of cases, from the simplest to the most involved.
Cost Factors to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist
Orthodontic cost depends on three main factors: the treatment type you choose, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. Invisalign, clear braces, and metal braces each have different price points, and more complex cases typically cost more because they take longer and require more appointments.
A few things shape the final price more than anything else:
- Treatment type. Invisalign and clear braces generally cost more than modern metal braces. Each option has its own advantages.
- Case complexity. Minor crowding costs less to correct than a complex bite issue that also involves jaw alignment.
- Treatment length. Longer treatment means more appointments and more materials. Most cases run 12-24 months.
- Payment plans and financing. It always helps to ask about no money down plans, low monthly payments, and third-party financing. Ask if the office helps file insurance claims, too.
- Free exams reduce upfront cost. A free consultation lets you get a real estimate without spending anything to learn what treatment would cost.
The lowest price isn’t always the best value. An experienced orthodontist who gets your case right the first time is worth more than a rushed treatment that needs correction later. At Hann Orthodontics, affordable payment plans are built around your family’s budget.
How to Know If You’re Ready for Orthodontic Treatment
You may be ready for orthodontic treatment if you notice crowding, gaps, crooked teeth, or a bite that doesn’t line up. Orthodontics serves all ages, from children as young as 7 to adults in their 60s and beyond. A free consultation is the best way to know for sure.
Common signs it’s time to book a free exam:
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when you bite down
- Jaw discomfort or clicking
- Difficulty cleaning between certain teeth
Adults often assume it’s too late to correct oral issues. It isn’t. Invisalign for teens and adults offers a discreet way to straighten teeth without the look of traditional braces. Clear braces are another popular option for patients who want subtle treatment.
For children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. It gives Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann a chance to monitor growth and plan the best timing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist
How do I know if an orthodontist is qualified?
Look for a licensed orthodontist who has completed 2-3 years of specialty training beyond dental school. Ask about their years in practice, the range of cases they treat, and whether they’re a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. A qualified specialist will be happy to answer these questions.
Should I get a second opinion before starting treatment?
Yes, second opinions are a smart move, especially for complex cases or bigger financial commitments. Many orthodontists, including Hann Orthodontics, offer a free consultation with no obligation. Comparing recommendations, treatment plans, and cost estimates helps you feel confident in your final choice.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though timing varies based on your case. Minor corrections may finish in less than a year, while complex bite issues can take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized estimate at your free exam.
Can I choose Invisalign over braces?
For many patients, yes. Invisalign works well for a wide range of cases, from mild crowding to more involved alignment issues. Some complex cases still respond better to clear braces or modern metal braces. A consultation with Dr. Frank Hann or Dr. Kristen Hann will determine which option fits your case best.
What questions should I ask at my first visit?
Ask about the treatment options that fit your case, the estimated timeline, total cost, and available payment plans. Ask how many similar cases the orthodontist has treated and what results you can realistically expect. Also worth asking: how often you’ll come in for appointments, and what happens if you need adjustments between visits. When you’re ready to explore your options, Dr. Frank Hann and Dr. Kristen Hann offer a free consultation with no strings attached, and we can’t wait to do the same for you that we’ve done for so many families over the years. Your smile is our specialty, and we’d love to help you find the smile of your dreams. Get braces and smile more, it’s that simple.