Choosing an orthodontist is one of those decisions that looks simple from the outside but gets complicated fast once you start. If you have been searching for how to find the best orthodontist in your area, you have probably already noticed the options multiply quickly and the stakes feel high, because orthodontic treatment is a commitment that lasts months or years and shows up every time you look in the mirror.
Here is something worth knowing before you start: a study tracking U.S. orthodontic trends over 15 years found that 54.2% of patients chose their orthodontic provider based on a dentist recommendation, while a notable shift toward general dentists for orthodontic work has occurred. That shift matters because not all providers have the same depth of specialist training. Knowing what to look for helps you make a better call, regardless of who recommends whom.
1. Check for Specialist Credentials, Not Just a Dentist Who Does Braces
There is a meaningful difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist who offers orthodontic treatment. A board-certified orthodontist completes two to three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school, focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw development, and bite correction. That extra training is not a formality. It shapes how a practitioner diagnoses common dental problems and builds treatment plans for cases ranging from simple crowding to complex skeletal issues.
When evaluating any provider, look for a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics designation. It means the orthodontist has completed rigorous examination beyond the basic specialty requirements and maintains that standard through ongoing evaluation.
2. Ask About Their Experience With Your Specific Type of Case
General credentials are a starting point, but experience with your particular situation matters more. A provider who has treated thousands of standard teen cases may have limited experience with complex adult bite correction or cases that may require orthognathic jaw surgery. Ask directly. How many cases like mine have you treated? What does the typical outcome look like? A confident, specific answer tells you a lot.
Research insight: A 2024 systematic review of 14 studies involving 1,718 patients found post-treatment satisfaction above 91%, with fixed appliances consistently outperforming removable ones for complex cases. Treatment type and case matching both contribute to that outcome.
3. Pay Attention to How the Consultation Is Handled
The consultation is your clearest window into how a practice operates. A good orthodontist does not just tell you what treatment they recommend. They explain why. They take diagnostic records, review them with you, and connect their recommendation to your specific situation. If you leave a consultation with a treatment plan but no real understanding of how it was determined, that is worth noting.
Also notice whether you feel rushed. Orthodontic consultations are typically free, so a short, pressured first visit is not a good sign for how follow-up appointments will feel over the next two years.
4. Look at the Range of Treatment Options They Offer
One of the most practical ways to choose the best orthodontist for your case is to evaluate the range of treatments they actually offer. A practice that only offers one or two options will naturally steer most patients toward those options regardless of fit.
A well-equipped orthodontist should be able to offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign at a minimum, with the clinical judgment to match the treatment to the case rather than the patient’s preference alone. For teen patients especially, this flexibility matters because the right treatment depends heavily on the stage of jaw development and how reliably the patient will follow wear instructions.
| Treatment Type | Best Suited For | Key Consideration |
| Metal braces | Complex cases, kids, teens | Most precise for difficult corrections |
| Clear ceramic braces | Teens and adults wanting discretion | Same mechanics as metal, less visible |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate cases, adults | Requires strong compliance |
| Jaw surgery + braces | Skeletal discrepancies | Specialist coordination required |
5. Read Reviews Carefully, Not Just the Star Rating
Star ratings are a starting point but a 4.9 average across 30 reviews and a 4.7 average across 400 reviews tell very different stories. Look at the volume, the recency, and what patients specifically mention. Consistent comments about wait times, clear communication, and outcomes carry more weight than vague five-star ratings.
Reviews that mention the orthodontist by name, describe specific treatment experiences, or reference how problems were handled are particularly useful. Any practice can accumulate enthusiastic reviews from patients who had straightforward cases. Look for evidence of how they handle complications.
6. Consider the Full Duration and Accessibility of Care
You will see your orthodontist regularly for anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Location and office hours matter. So does how the practice handles emergencies, missed appointments, and mid-treatment questions.
Ask whether the orthodontist themselves sees patients at each visit or whether most appointments involve only staff. For adult patients juggling work schedules, flexible appointment times and easy communication channels are practical priorities worth asking about upfront.
7. Trust What the Doctor Tells You, Even If It Is Not What You Expected
Sometimes the best orthodontist for your situation is the one willing to tell you something you did not want to hear: that you need a different treatment than you were hoping for, that starting later would actually produce better results, or that your case is more involved than it appears.
The willingness to give an honest recommendation over an easy one is one of the clearest markers of a practice that prioritizes outcomes. When you meet Dr. Bowers, that philosophy is evident from the first appointment. Over 30 years in Bloomington-Normal and more than 10,000 treated patients means that approach has been put to the test at every level of complexity.
Looking for the Best Orthodontist in Bloomington, IL?
If you are searching for a trusted orthodontist in Bloomington, IL, Bowers Orthodontic Specialists has been serving the Bloomington-Normal community since 1993. Dr. Kurt Bowers is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a graduate of the University of Iowa, and has completed seven Ironman triathlons, which tells you something about his commitment to doing hard things well.
Our office is at 2810 E. Empire St. Suite A, Bloomington, IL 61704. Call us at 309-663-0415 to schedule a consultation.
Book Your Consultation at Bowers Orthodontic Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist who offers braces?
An orthodontist completes two to three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school, focused exclusively on moving teeth and correcting bites. A general dentist who offers Invisalign or braces has not completed that specialty training. For straightforward cases, this distinction may matter less. For anything involving bite correction, jaw development, or complex alignment, specialist training makes a meaningful difference.
How do I know if an orthodontist is board certified?
Look for the designation Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This means the orthodontist has passed a voluntary examination process beyond the basic specialty requirements. You can also verify board certification directly through the American Board of Orthodontics website.
Should I get a second opinion on my treatment plan?
Yes, especially for complex cases or if you are uncertain about a recommended treatment. A confident, well-reasoned orthodontist will not be unsettled by a patient seeking another perspective. Second opinions are particularly worth considering before committing to surgical orthodontic treatment or extended, expensive treatment timelines.
At what age should children first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation at age seven. At that point, a specialist can identify whether jaw development or tooth eruption patterns will require early intervention or whether monitoring is the right approach. Early evaluations do not always lead to early treatment, but they give your orthodontist a baseline.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Most cases take between 12 and 24 months, though simpler corrections can finish in less time and complex cases can run longer. Your orthodontist should give you a realistic timeline at your consultation, along with the factors that could extend or shorten it.
