Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Clemente, D.M.D. on September 11, 2026
Choosing the right orthodontist for your family is a vital decision that affects their smiles and overall health. It is essential to find a practice that creates a welcoming, comfortable environment for patients of all ages. The right orthodontist will provide excellent care, offer flexible options, and ensure that every visit is a positive experience. However, it is often challenging to find an orthodontist that checks every box.
If you are in need of an experienced orthodontist to support your family’s oral health, look no further than Clemente Orthodontics. Our practice has been dedicated to creating beautiful smiles since the 1970s. As a multigenerational practice, we know the importance of treating our patients like family. We blend decades of experience with the latest orthodontic treatments to ensure personalized care for each patient. With complimentary consultations and flexible payment plans, we make quality orthodontic care accessible and stress-free.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist For Your Family
You and your family deserve to have comprehensive orthodontic healthcare from an experienced and family-centric provider. Consider the following factors when selecting an orthodontist so you can make the best possible decisions for your family’s health:
Family-Friendly Environment
Family-oriented practices offer services tailored to all ages. Finding an orthodontist who understands the unique dental needs of each stage of life, from young children to adults, is essential. A comforting atmosphere helps ensure every patient feels at ease, making dental visits positive experiences. Practices that follow up on visits show a commitment to patient satisfaction, making your family’s orthodontic care pleasant and straightforward.
Reputation and Experience
Choosing an orthodontist with a strong reputation and extensive experience is crucial. Long-standing practices with decades of hands-on experience often provide high-quality service and refined techniques. Reading reviews and testimonials can help you understand why certain practices are trusted choices for your family’s orthodontic care.
Board Certification and Credentials
Not every provider who offers braces or Invisalign® is a board-certified orthodontist. According to the American Board of Orthodontics, board certification is a voluntary credential that requires completing an accredited orthodontic residency beyond dental school and passing written and clinical examinations reviewed by other orthodontists. Before committing to a practice, it is worth confirming that the doctor treating you or your child completed a full orthodontic residency rather than a shorter continuing education course, since this training gap can affect the range of cases a provider is prepared to handle.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Offering several treatment options, from traditional braces to Invisalign®, is essential for meeting every patient’s unique needs. Look for practices that cater to specific needs, such as clear braces for discreet treatment or TMJ therapy for jaw pain relief. Comprehensive care from a single provider ensures convenience and consistency.
Commitment to Hygiene
Hygiene is paramount in orthodontic care. Rigorous protocols for cleaning and sterilizing tools and facilities protect patients from potential infections. Attention to hygiene reflects a commitment to quality care and ensures safe and effective treatment.
Latest Technology
Staying current with the latest technology in orthodontics provides precise, less invasive treatments that may reduce treatment times and enhance patient comfort. Advanced equipment and techniques can minimize anxiety during procedures, ensuring a smoother experience. Investing in practices that prioritize the latest advancements in orthodontic care helps ensure you receive well-informed treatment.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Orthodontic Visit?
Timing matters as much as the provider you choose. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, since this is when a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows an orthodontist to spot developing bite and jaw problems early. Not every early visit leads to treatment, but a family-oriented practice will use that first appointment to build a relationship with your child and set a clear plan for the years ahead, whether that means starting early or simply monitoring growth at future visits.
Questions to Ask During Your First Consultation
A consultation is your opportunity to evaluate a practice just as much as it is theirs to evaluate your case. Consider asking how long the doctor has practiced, whether they are board certified, and how many patients with a case similar to yours they typically treat in a year. It also helps to ask what a full treatment plan and cost estimate will look like before you commit, and whether the practice offers payment plans or works with your specific insurance provider. A practice confident in its experience and pricing will answer these questions directly during your first visit.
Reasons to Entrust Your Family’s Orthodontic Care to Clemente Orthodontics
Clemente Orthodontics has been a trusted provider of orthodontic care for decades. Our multigenerational family practice combines decades of experience with the latest treatment options to deliver exceptional care. A few reasons to choose our practice for your family include the following:
- Decades of hands-on experience
- Recognized as a top Invisalign® provider
- Personalized treatment plans
- Complimentary consultations
- Flexible payment plans
- Advanced technology
- Family-friendly environment
Our commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction at Clemente Orthodontics ensures that every visit is a positive experience for your family. You can learn more about each doctor’s training and background on our meet the doctors page.
Experience the Difference with Clemente Orthodontics
Finding the right orthodontist for your family can be a challenging task, but Clemente Orthodontics is here to make that decision easier. Our practice offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients of all ages, ensuring that everyone feels at ease. With a blend of extensive experience and the latest orthodontic treatments, we provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.
We offer complimentary consultations and flexible payment plans to make quality orthodontic care accessible and stress-free. At Clemente Orthodontics, we treat our patients like family, making every visit a positive and reassuring experience. To learn more about our services and how we can help your family achieve healthy smiles, reach out through our contact form today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist who offers braces?
An orthodontist completes an additional two to three years of specialized residency training beyond dental school, focused entirely on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw development. A general dentist offering braces typically completes shorter continuing education courses rather than a full residency.
How do I verify that an orthodontist is board certified?
You can confirm board certification directly through the American Board of Orthodontics website, which lists certified diplomates. Many practices also display this credential on their team or about page.
Should I choose a practice close to home, or is experience more important?
Both matter, since orthodontic treatment involves regular visits over a year or more. Look for a practice with a strong reputation and appropriate credentials within a reasonable distance from home or work so consistent attendance is easy to maintain.
What should I bring to a first orthodontic consultation?
Bring your dental insurance information, a list of any current dental work or concerns, and a list of questions about treatment options, timelines, and cost. Recent dental x-rays from your general dentist can also be helpful if available.
Can one orthodontist treat my whole family?
Yes. Many family-run practices are set up to treat patients of every age, from a child’s first evaluation through teen and adult treatment, which can make scheduling and continuity of care simpler for the whole household.
About the Author
Founder, Clemente Orthodontics
Dr. Michael Clemente earned his D.M.D. from Rutgers and a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He has practiced orthodontics for more than 50 years, served as an Air Force Captain, and founded the multigenerational family practice now joined by his three daughters.
Medically reviewed by:
The Orthodontic Team at Clemente Orthodontics
September 11, 2026
At Clemente Orthodontics our expert dental team takes great care in providing orthodontic treatment and Invisalign solutions for our patients.
