How to Choose an Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment often continues for several months and requires regular clinical follow-up. For this reason, choosing an orthodontist should not be based only on clinic location, the treatment system being used or recommendations from other people.

The orthodontist's specialist training, diagnostic and treatment-planning approach, ability to explain different treatment options, follow-up system and approach to post-treatment retention should be considered together.

Because every patient has different tooth positions, bite relationships and treatment needs, the main objective when choosing an orthodontist is to evaluate whether the clinician provides an individualized and clinically sustainable treatment process.

Who Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training in orthodontics after dental school.

Orthodontics includes the assessment of tooth position, dental crowding, spaces between teeth, upper and lower bite relationships and certain jaw relationships.

Fixed braces, clear aligner systems and different orthodontic appliances may be used during orthodontic treatment.

What Should You Look for First When Choosing an Orthodontist?

One of the first factors to consider is the clinician's professional training in orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment planning is not limited to making the teeth appear straighter. The relationship between the teeth, how the upper and lower teeth meet, the movements required and how the final result will be maintained after treatment are all considered.

For this reason, the specialist training and treatment-planning approach of the clinician managing the orthodontic process are important.

Why Is Specialist Training Important?

Orthodontic specialist training includes advanced education in the biomechanics of tooth movement, bite relationships, growth and development, orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and the use of different orthodontic systems.

Decisions such as which teeth need to move, in which direction they should move, how space should be managed and how bite relationships should be addressed form the foundation of an orthodontic treatment plan.

Therefore, when choosing an orthodontist, it is useful to consider not only the appliance being used but also the clinician's diagnostic and planning approach.

What Should Be Evaluated During the First Orthodontic Examination?

An orthodontic examination should not focus only on the appearance of the front teeth.

The position of the teeth within the dental arches, the amount of crowding or spacing, upper and lower bite relationships and, when appropriate, jaw structures may all be assessed.

The patient's age, general oral health, previous dental treatment and expectations may also be included in the treatment-planning process.

Why Are Orthodontic Records Used in Treatment Planning?

Different diagnostic records may be used in addition to the clinical examination.

Depending on the patient's needs, these may include intraoral and facial photographs, radiographic images and digital intraoral scans.

These records support treatment planning and can provide more detailed information about the current position and relationships of the teeth.

Is Digital Scanning Alone Enough?

No. Digital intraoral scans and three-dimensional models are technological tools that can support orthodontic assessment.

However, the quality of an orthodontic treatment plan is not determined by the device alone.

Digital information must be interpreted together with the clinical examination, bite analysis and any other diagnostic information considered necessary.

Why Should the Treatment Plan Be Explained to the Patient?

Before orthodontic treatment begins, it is important for the patient to understand the existing orthodontic condition, the main treatment objectives and the treatment method being considered.

Clear communication between the orthodontist and patient can help manage issues such as the effect of treatment on daily life, appointment schedules, oral hygiene and patient compliance.

Being able to ask questions and understand why certain treatment alternatives are being considered is an important part of clinical communication.

Should an Orthodontist Focus on Only One Treatment Method?

The orthodontic treatment method should be selected according to the patient's clinical needs.

Fixed braces, aesthetic bracket systems, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances may each be considered in different situations.

A treatment system being newer, less visible or more popular does not automatically mean that it is the most appropriate option for every patient.

Braces or Clear Aligners?

Fixed braces and clear aligners are orthodontic systems with different clinical and practical characteristics.

The choice between them may depend on the tooth movements required, bite relationships, the patient's daily routine and expected treatment compliance.

For this reason, when choosing an orthodontist, it may be useful to consider whether different treatment options are assessed according to clinical requirements rather than whether one particular system is offered.

Should the Clear Aligner Brand Determine the Choice of Orthodontist?

Different commercial systems may be used for clear aligner treatment.

Invisalign is one of the commercial clear aligner systems available. However, it would not be appropriate to associate the treatment process solely with the brand being used.

Orthodontic diagnosis, planned tooth movements, clinical monitoring and the patient's adherence to the recommended aligner-wearing schedule are all important components of treatment.

Can the Treatment Duration Be Predicted Exactly at the Beginning?

Orthodontic treatment duration varies between patients.

The complexity of the orthodontic problem, required tooth movements, bite relationships, treatment system and patient compliance may all influence treatment time.

For this reason, it is not appropriate to provide one exact treatment duration that applies to every patient without clinical assessment.

Why Are Orthodontic Follow-Up Appointments Important?

Orthodontic treatment is an active clinical process.

During follow-up appointments, the orthodontist assesses whether tooth movement is progressing according to plan and evaluates the condition of the orthodontic appliance or system.

When necessary, clinical adjustments may be made to the treatment mechanics or to specific stages of the plan.

Why Is Regular Attendance Important?

Orthodontic follow-up involves more than checking the appliance itself.

The changes in tooth position and bite relationships throughout treatment are regularly evaluated.

The interval between appointments may vary according to the treatment system and the patient's clinical condition.

Why Is Communication Important When Choosing an Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment may require a long-term clinician-patient relationship.

Adaptation issues, appliance-related problems, oral hygiene concerns and treatment-related questions may arise during the process.

Having changes and treatment decisions explained in a clear and understandable way can help the patient remain informed throughout treatment.

How Important Is Patient Compliance in Orthodontic Treatment?

Patient compliance is an important component of some orthodontic treatment methods.

In particular, removable orthodontic appliances and clear aligners need to be used according to the recommended schedule.

For patients with fixed braces, maintaining oral hygiene, protecting the appliances and attending regular appointments are also important.

Should Oral and Dental Health Be Evaluated Before Treatment?

Orthodontic planning should consider not only tooth position but also general oral and dental health.

When necessary, dental caries, periodontal conditions or other dental needs may need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment or in coordination with other dental disciplines.

Can Cooperation with Other Dental or Medical Specialties Be Necessary?

Some orthodontic cases may require multidisciplinary evaluation with other dental or medical specialties.

Missing teeth, periodontal problems, restorative needs or certain jaw relationships may make this approach appropriate.

In such cases, coordination between the relevant clinicians can be an important part of treatment planning.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing an Orthodontist for a Child?

Orthodontic assessment in children may include not only the current alignment of the teeth but also tooth eruption and growth and development.

An early orthodontic examination does not mean that treatment needs to begin immediately.

In some cases, periodic monitoring of growth and dental development may be the appropriate approach.

Is Choosing an Orthodontist Different for Adults?

Adult orthodontic treatment planning may need to consider additional factors such as existing restorations, missing teeth, dental implants or periodontal health.

For this reason, orthodontic planning in adults should be considered together with the patient's overall oral condition.

Should You Ask About What Happens After Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not necessarily end when active tooth movement has been completed.

A retention phase may be planned to help maintain the positions achieved during treatment.

Fixed or removable retainers may be considered according to the individual treatment result.

Why Is Retention Important?

Natural changes in tooth position can occur throughout life.

For this reason, following the recommended retainer protocol after active orthodontic treatment is important.

When choosing an orthodontist, it may also be useful to understand how the retention and post-treatment follow-up process is managed.

Are Patient Reviews Enough to Choose an Orthodontist?

Patient experiences may provide general information about a clinician or clinic, but they should not be considered the sole indicator of clinical suitability.

Every patient's orthodontic condition, expectations and treatment process are different.

The experience or treatment result of another patient does not mean that the same outcome will apply to someone else.

How Should Before-and-After Images Be Viewed?

Orthodontic treatment results can be influenced by the patient's initial condition, treatment plan, biological response and treatment compliance.

For this reason, another patient's treatment result should not be interpreted as a guarantee of an individual outcome.

Your own orthodontic treatment plan should be based on your clinical assessment.

Should Clinic Location Be the Main Factor When Choosing an Orthodontist?

Because orthodontic treatment usually requires regular appointments, accessibility and clinic location may be practical considerations.

However, the orthodontist's specialist training, treatment-planning approach, follow-up system and communication should also be considered.

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist in Izmir?

For patients planning orthodontic treatment in Izmir, clinic accessibility, the practicality of attending regular appointments and the specialist training of the orthodontist may all be considered together.

Particularly for longer treatment processes, it can be useful to think beyond the first consultation and consider the entire process, including active treatment and retention.

Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal provides orthodontic assessment and individualized treatment planning in Izmir based on each patient's tooth positions and bite relationships.

What Questions Can You Ask During the First Orthodontic Consultation?

Patients may ask a variety of questions during their orthodontic assessment.

For example, the following points may be useful to discuss:

• What is my current orthodontic problem?
• What are the main objectives of treatment?
• Which treatment methods may be considered?
• Why is the recommended method being considered?
• Which factors may influence the expected treatment duration?
• How will follow-up appointments be scheduled?
• What should I pay attention to regarding oral hygiene during treatment?
• Will I need to use a retainer after treatment?

Understanding these points can help patients better understand the orthodontic process before treatment begins.

No Single Factor Is Enough When Choosing an Orthodontist

Choosing an orthodontist solely on the basis of a particular device, treatment brand, clinic appearance, social media presence or the experience of another patient may not provide a complete picture.

Specialist training, clinical assessment, individualized treatment planning, explanation of alternative treatment methods, regular follow-up and post-treatment retention should be considered together.

Orthodontic treatment decisions should ultimately be based on the individual's own clinical findings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist

Are an orthodontist and a dentist the same thing?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training in orthodontics after dental school.

Is technology important when choosing an orthodontist?

Digital scanning and other technologies can support diagnosis and treatment planning. However, technology alone does not determine the quality of treatment; clinical assessment and appropriate treatment planning remain fundamental.

Is it enough to choose an orthodontist who provides clear aligner treatment?

The specific clear aligner system is less important than correctly evaluating the orthodontic problem and planning the required tooth movements according to the patient's clinical needs.

Can an orthodontic treatment result be guaranteed in advance?

Orthodontic treatment is a biological process. Treatment objectives and a clinical plan can be established, but it would not be appropriate to guarantee a specific outcome for every patient.

Can there be more than one orthodontic treatment option?

Yes. Depending on the patient's clinical condition, different orthodontic treatment methods may be considered. The advantages and limitations of each option should be evaluated individually.

Is post-treatment follow-up important when choosing an orthodontist?

Yes. After active orthodontic treatment, a retention phase may be planned to help maintain the new positions of the teeth. Post-treatment follow-up is therefore an important part of the overall orthodontic process.

Content Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The need for orthodontic treatment, appropriate treatment methods, treatment duration and follow-up schedule are determined following a clinical examination and individualized orthodontic assessment.