Not every provider who offers braces or clear aligners is an orthodontist, and that distinction matters for your treatment outcome. Orthodontists complete two to three additional years of training beyond dental school focused specifically on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw development, on top of the general dental education every dentist receives.
At Clemente Orthodontics, our multigenerational family practice has been treating patients throughout Bergen and Rockland County since the 1970s. Dr. Michael, Dr. Nicole, and Dr. Marissa each bring years of focused training and hands-on experience to every treatment plan, so you never have to wonder whether you are working with the right provider for your smile.
What Makes an Orthodontist Different From a General Dentist
Orthodontics is a distinct area of dentistry. Orthodontists complete additional training focused on the anatomy of the mouth and how to move teeth into proper alignment, while general dentists focus more broadly on issues like tooth decay and gum disease. This additional training gives orthodontists a deeper understanding of how bite problems, spacing issues, and jaw development interact with one another, which helps them recognize which concerns need treatment to prevent future problems and which are purely cosmetic.
Why Experience Matters
When you are dealing with your family’s dental health, working with an experienced provider matters. An orthodontist with years of hands-on practice has a deeper understanding of how your current issues will play out over time and can walk you through how your treatment plan affects your long-term dental health. That experience is a primary reason to choose an orthodontist for braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments.
What to Look for When Choosing an Orthodontist
A few practical factors can help you compare providers before committing to treatment:
- Education and training: Confirm the provider completed a dedicated orthodontic residency after dental school, not just a weekend course in aligner therapy.
- Years in practice: A longer track record with a wide range of cases often means more experience with situations like yours.
- Treatment options offered: Look for a provider who offers both traditional braces and Invisalign so your treatment plan can be built around your needs, not limited to one product.
- Location and scheduling: Multiple office locations and flexible appointment times make it easier to stick with a multi-year treatment plan.
- Patient reviews and reputation: Feedback from other families in your area can tell you a lot about the day-to-day experience of being a patient.
Comparing providers on these points, rather than settling for whichever office is closest, gives you a clearer picture of who is right for your family.
Should You Choose an Orthodontist?
When you need braces or Invisalign, an orthodontist is always the right choice for that treatment. It is understandable that your first instinct is to stay with a provider you are already comfortable with, but when the time comes to choose, consider the provider’s education, length of time in practice, and reputation.
The Clemente Orthodontics team has the education, experience, and knowledge to provide the highest quality orthodontic care to you and your family. Contact us for a complimentary consultation today. We can’t wait to help you achieve your best smile!
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist?
A general dentist completes dental school and typically focuses on overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and gum health. An orthodontist completes additional years of training after dental school focused specifically on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw development.
How long does orthodontic training take beyond dental school?
Orthodontic residency programs typically take two to three additional years beyond the four years of dental school, giving orthodontists dedicated, hands-on training in tooth movement and bite correction before they treat patients independently.
Should I get more than one consultation before choosing an orthodontist?
It can help, especially if your case is complex or you want to compare treatment timelines and approaches. Many practices, including ours, offer a complimentary consultation, so getting a second opinion typically costs you only time.
Can a general dentist provide braces or Invisalign instead of an orthodontist?
Some general dentists do offer these treatments after completing shorter certification courses, but they have not gone through a full orthodontic residency. For more involved cases, an orthodontist’s additional years of dedicated training can make a meaningful difference in your results.
What questions should I ask during my first consultation?
Ask about the provider’s training and years in practice, what treatment options fit your situation, how long treatment is expected to take, and what the full cost includes. A good provider will walk you through each answer clearly before you commit to a plan.
Medically reviewed by:
The Orthodontic Team at Clemente Orthodontics
August 6, 2026
At Clemente Orthodontics our expert dental team takes great care in providing orthodontic treatment and Invisalign solutions for our patients.
