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How to hire a Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and other devices. They complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school. Choosing the right orthodontist affects both the aesthetics and long-term health of your smile.

$3,000 to $7,500

per treatment

10 steps

Full hiring checklist

8 red flags

Warning signs to catch

The hiring checklist.

Work through these before you hire any orthodontist. Skip a step and it's usually the one that comes back to bite you.

  1. 01

    Verify specialist status

    Confirm they completed an accredited orthodontic residency (2-3 years beyond dental school). General dentists offering aligners lack this specialized training.

  2. 02

    Check board certification

    Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is voluntary but indicates the highest level of competence.

  3. 03

    Ask about treatment options

    A good orthodontist discusses multiple options (traditional braces, ceramic, lingual, clear aligners) and helps you choose the best for your case.

  4. 04

    Review before-and-after photos

    Ask to see cases similar to yours demonstrating experience with your type of misalignment.

  5. 05

    Understand the total cost

    Get a comprehensive quote including all appointments, retainers, and pre-treatment work. Ask about payment plans.

  6. 06

    Ask about treatment timeline

    Get a realistic estimate. Be wary of promises that seem too short for your correction needs.

  7. 07

    Evaluate office technology

    Modern offices use digital scanning, 3D treatment planning, and custom appliances for better outcomes.

  8. 08

    Ask about retention

    Retainers are critical after treatment. Ask about type and long-term protocol.

  9. 09

    Schedule a consultation

    Most orthodontists offer free or low-cost consultations to evaluate your case.

  10. 10

    Check insurance coverage

    Many dental plans cover orthodontics for children ($1,000-$2,000). Adult coverage is less common.

Red flags to watch for.

Any one of these should give you pause. Two or more, and it's time to walk away.

  • Is a general dentist without orthodontic residency training
  • Offers only one treatment option without alternatives
  • Makes unrealistic promises about treatment time
  • Does not take diagnostic records before planning treatment
  • Requires full payment upfront with no payment plans
  • Uses outdated equipment and techniques
  • Does not discuss retention after treatment
  • Has many negative reviews about results or duration

Questions to ask first.

Ask these before you sign anything. The answers tell you fast who knows the work and who's improvising.

  1. 01Did you complete an orthodontic residency? Are you board-certified?
  2. 02What treatment do you recommend for my case and why?
  3. 03How long will treatment take?
  4. 04What is the total cost, including retainers and follow-ups?
  5. 05Do you offer payment plans? Do you coordinate with insurance?
  6. 06What happens if I need refinements?
  7. 07What type of retainer will I need?
  8. 08Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?

What to verify.

Confirm every one of these in writing before you sign a contract with any orthodontist.

  • Orthodontic residency completion (accredited program)
  • Board certification (ABO, optional but recommended)
  • State dental license (active, no disciplinary actions)
  • Insurance network participation
  • Before-and-after case photos
  • Patient reviews and satisfaction ratings

Average cost

$3,000 to $7,500

per treatment

Prices swing with location, project complexity, and the orthodontist's experience. Always get multiple written estimates and compare them line by line, not just on the bottom number, before you decide.

Find licensed orthodontists near you.

Browse verified listings with ratings, reviews, and licensing details in the free Vemra directory, then request quotes from the ones you've vetted.

Search orthodontists

Common questions.

How much do braces cost?
Traditional metal braces cost $3,000 to $7,500. Ceramic braces cost $4,000 to $8,500. Clear aligners cost $3,500 to $8,000. Lingual braces cost $5,000 to $13,000. Many orthodontists offer no-interest payment plans.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist completed an additional 2-3 year residency specializing in tooth and jaw alignment. While some general dentists offer aligners, orthodontists have specialized training for complex cases.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends a first evaluation at age 7. Early evaluation allows monitoring of growth and identification of problems that may benefit from early intervention.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate cases. Traditional braces may be more effective for complex corrections involving significant bite issues or rotations.

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