Is your child ready for braces? Or maybe you’re an adult, and you want to get braces or Invisalign later in life. Either way, trusting your dental care to a board-certified orthodontist provides you with another level of expertise and qualification beyond advanced training following dental school.
Read our guide on why choosing a board-certified orthodontist is essential for your dental care.
What Is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
A board-certified orthodontist is a dentist who earns a voluntary credential through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) that showcases the doctor’s commitment to the specialty and dedication to lifelong learning. They must pass a written examination, complete a clinical examination in front of peer-recognized orthodontic experts, and renew this certification every 10 years. A board-certified orthodontist is committed to lifelong learning in this field.
An Orthodontist Has Advanced Training Beyond Dental School
Every orthodontist has graduated from an accredited dental school. All orthodontists must complete an accredited orthodontic residency program lasting two to three years after graduating from dental school. This residency program consists of an orthodontist learning how to diagnose and treat tooth misalignment and other issues under the direct supervision of a board-certified orthodontist.
Not all orthodontists who complete a residency choose board certification. In fact, roughly 61% of orthodontists who belong to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) are board-certified with the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
Board-certified orthodontists submit case studies to the ABO, demonstrating that they deliver the highest standards of care for their patients. These case studies are reviewed by an expert panel of other board-certified orthodontists.
Becoming a board-certified orthodontist is not easy. The goal is to maintain excellence in care by honing an orthodontist’s knowledge, clinical skills when working with patients, and assessing how best to treat patients under their care.
What Issues Can an Orthodontist Solve?
An orthodontist has expertise and experience in solving issues related to someone’s bite and smile. Having your teeth under the care of an orthodontist is more than just taking care of your smile. It’s also about making sure your jaw aligns correctly, teeth can chew effectively, and mouth can function properly.
An orthodontist has special training to diagnose and treat:
- Overbite, where someone’s upper teeth are far forward compared to the lower teeth.
- Underbite, where someone’s lower teeth are in front of their upper teeth.
- Crossbite, a condition in which an upper tooth crosses behind a lower tooth.
- Impacted teeth, like when wisdom teeth don’t come in completely and stay underneath the gums, could cause the rest of the teeth to misalign.
- Crooked teeth, for which someone might need braces or Invisalign.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, or jaw pain, sometimes caused by misalignment of teeth.
- Spacing of teeth when they are too close or too far apart.
- Breathing problems caused by jaw misalignment.
- And other issues.
How to Choose an Orthodontist for You & Your Family
See our brief list of how to choose an orthodontist in Springfield, Missouri, for you and your family.
- Search for a board-certified orthodontist either through recommendations from people you trust, like a dentist, or by tapping into the ABO’s orthodontist locator tool. Some orthodontists are part of a dental practice with other specialists, while others advertise as a standalone orthodontic practice.
- Find the orthodontist’s website and read patient reviews.
- Call the orthodontist’s office to verify the person’s expertise and credentials.
- Make an appointment to discuss your treatment options. The first appointment with your orthodontist will likely include an examination and possible treatment options.
Meet Dr. Steven Harrison, Our Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Steven Harrison is our board-certified orthodontist. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986, and he continues to provide outstanding care to every patient he sees.
His expertise and knowledge from more than 30 years as a board-certified orthodontist are immense. He graduated from the University of Iowa’s orthodontic residency program in 1986. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists as well as being a visiting clinical professor at St. Louis University/Center for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Harrison oversees the Surgical Orthodontic section of the Orthodontic Residency program at SLU.
He has been a diplomate for the American Board of Orthodontics for his entire career and is a past president of the prestigious Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison has been a featured speaker numerous times for the American Association of Orthodontists and other orthodontic groups. He is a leader within the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and continues his goal of lifelong learning by inspiring the next generation of orthodontists through his work with the ABO.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Harrison
Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Steven Harrison, and his staff can help you or your child have the bright, beautiful smile they deserve. Contact us or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment. Our dedicated orthodontic team will take excellent care of you and your family.
