A board-certified orthodontist is a specialist who has voluntarily passed rigorous written and clinical exams through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This credential goes beyond required licensure and residency, representing the highest standard of clinical excellence in the field. It’s a mark of expertise that patients can look for when they want proof that a specialist has been tested and validated by fellow experts.
Only about a third of orthodontists pursue this voluntary certification. It signals a deep commitment to quality, continued learning, and peer-reviewed accountability that lasts throughout a career.
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, you get two board-certified orthodontists in Dr. Michael LaFerla and Dr. Kyle Wilson. That means twice the expertise, a double portion of expertise under one roof, giving families confidence that their care meets the strictest standards in orthodontics.
How Board Certification Works: The Process
Board certification isn’t a one-time hurdle. It’s a multi-step, career-long commitment that begins after dental school and continues for decades. Each stage builds on the last, creating a specialist who is tested at every level.
Here’s how the process works:
- Complete dental school. Every orthodontist starts as a dentist, earning a DDS or DMD degree.
- Finish an accredited orthodontic residency. This adds another 2-3 years of specialized training focused only on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction.
- Pass a written board exam. The exam covers biomechanics, growth and development, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
- Present detailed case studies. Candidates submit real patient cases and defend their treatment decisions in front of a panel of peer examiners.
- Recertify every 10 years. Board-certified orthodontists must repeat parts of the process to prove they’ve kept current with new techniques and research.
This ongoing commitment to continuing education is one reason so few orthodontists pursue it. Dr. LaFerla is a diplomat of the american board of orthodontists, and Dr. Wilson has both earned and maintained this credential. Our doctors bring a depth of training you won’t find on every corner, and they stay active in professional development throughout their careers. That dedication shows up in every custom treatment plan they create for the families they serve.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist: Key Benefits
Choosing a board-certified specialist gives you more than a title on the wall. It gives you peace of mind that your care meets standards set by the profession itself. Every family deserves that reassurance, and here’s what it looks like in practice.
What Does Board Certification Guarantee for Your Care?
Board certification confirms that your orthodontist has been evaluated by peers and held to a higher bar. Consider what that means for you:
- Verified expertise. Peer-reviewed evaluation confirms real-world clinical skill, not just book knowledge.
- Commitment to lifelong learning. Recertification keeps your orthodontist current with the latest tools, brackets, and clear aligner systems.
- Higher accountability. Board-certified orthodontists are held to strict quality-of-care standards throughout their careers.
Why Does Board Certification Matter for Kids and Families?
When you’re choosing care for growing smiles, the stakes feel higher. A trained specialist makes all the difference:
- Confidence for parents. When choosing care for kids and teens, a board-certified specialist adds an extra layer of trust for growing smiles.
- True specialist training. Board certification confirms your provider is a trained orthodontist, not a general dentist offering braces or clear aligners on the side.
For families weighing their options, this matters. You’re trusting someone with your child’s smile for the next two years and beyond. Choosing your hometown smile experts, both board-certified, means you know exactly who’s guiding that care every step of the way.
Board-Certified Orthodontist vs. Dentist vs. General Orthodontist
Not all providers offering braces or clear aligners have the same training. Understanding the differences helps you make a smart choice for your family, and a quick comparison makes it clear.
Take a look at how the three compare:
| Provider Type | Training After College | Specialty Residency | Board Certified? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | 4 years of dental school | No | No | Cleanings, fillings, general dental care |
| Licensed Orthodontist | 4 years dental school + 2-3 year residency | Yes | Optional | Braces, clear aligners, bite correction |
| Board-Certified Orthodontist | 4 years dental school + 2-3 year residency + peer-reviewed exams | Yes | Yes, with recertification every 10 years | Complex cases, families wanting verified specialist care |
All orthodontists are licensed, but not all are board-certified. A general dentist may offer clear aligners, but they have not completed the extra residency focused on tooth movement and jaw growth. A licensed orthodontist has that specialty training. A board-certified orthodontist adds a voluntary layer of peer-reviewed validation on top.
When should you see each? A general dentist handles routine care and cleanings. For braces, clear aligners, or bite correction, a board-certified orthodontist gives you specialist expertise plus the added assurance of ongoing certification.
Does Board Certification Affect Treatment Cost?
Board certification itself does not necessarily raise your treatment cost. Fees are based on the type of treatment, complexity of your case, and length of care, not the letters after your orthodontist’s name. In many cases, choosing a board-certified specialist can actually save money long-term by reducing the need for retreatment.
Think of it this way: paying once for expert care done right often costs less than paying twice for care that has to be redone. Board-certified orthodontists are trained to plan carefully, predict outcomes, and adjust when needed. That level of planning helps avoid the surprise costs that come with treatment that misses the mark the first time around.
There’s also real value in knowing your orthodontist stays current through recertification. New brackets, clear aligner systems, and digital scans can make treatment faster and more efficient, which benefits both your smile and your budget. A specialist who invests in ongoing learning brings that efficiency straight to your custom treatment plan.
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we make cost easy to understand. Every neighbor starts with a free consult where Dr. LaFerla or Dr. Wilson reviews your case, walks you through options, and gives you clear pricing before you decide anything. No pressure, no surprises, just honest answers so you can plan with confidence.
How to Choose an Orthodontist and What to Ask
Picking the right orthodontist for your family is a big decision. A little research upfront saves headaches later, so keep a few key questions handy as you compare providers.
Work through this smart checklist before you commit:
- Verify board certification. Check the American Board of Orthodontics directory online to confirm your provider’s status.
- Ask about credentials. How long have they been practicing? Where did they complete residency? Do they stay involved with groups like the AAO?
- Review treatment options. Do they offer clear aligners (like Angel Aligners and Invisalign), metal braces (like Damon braces), and clear braces? More options mean better custom treatment plans.
- Evaluate the consultation. Do they take time to answer questions? Do they use digital scans and modern imaging? Do they explain your options clearly?
- Look at team culture. A welcoming team makes every visit easier, especially for kids and teens.
Anyone weighing options for family orthodontic care is an ideal candidate for this checklist. Whether it’s your first-grader’s early check-up or an adult looking at clear aligners, the same questions apply. At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we welcome those questions during every free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a board-certified orthodontist better than a regular orthodontist?
A board-certified orthodontist has passed voluntary peer-reviewed exams that go beyond standard licensure. While all licensed orthodontists complete specialty residency, board certification adds an extra layer of verified expertise and ongoing accountability. For many families, that added assurance is worth seeking out, especially for complex cases or children’s care.
How can I verify if my orthodontist is board certified?
You can verify board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) online directory. Just search by name or location to confirm current status. You can also ask your orthodontist directly. Board-certified doctors are typically happy to share their credentials.
How often must orthodontists recertify?
Board-certified orthodontists must recertify every 10 years to maintain their credential. This process includes continuing education and case reviews, ensuring your doctor stays current with the latest research, techniques, and technology in the field.
Can a dentist do orthodontic treatment?
Legally, general dentists can offer some orthodontic services like clear aligners. However, they haven’t completed the 2-3 year residency that orthodontists have, which focuses specifically on tooth movement and jaw development. For braces, complex bite issues, or growing smiles, a board-certified orthodontist is the specialist trained for that work.
Does board certification mean more expensive care?
Not usually. Treatment cost is based on the type of care, case complexity, and length of treatment, not certification status. Many families find that choosing a board-certified specialist actually saves money by getting the treatment right the first time. Ask about pricing during your free consultation to see what your case looks like.
Ready to see what board-certified care looks like in person? Our LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics offices welcome kids, teens, and adults with two board-certified orthodontists, 25+ years of putting patients first, and a team that treats you like a neighbor. Start with a free consultation and meet Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson, your hometown smile experts.