Choosing an orthodontist starts with understanding what sets these specialists apart. Orthodontists complete two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. This specialized expertise matters because the right orthodontist will deliver better results, a more comfortable experience, and a smile you’ll love for years to come.
What Is an Orthodontist and Why Choosing the Right One Matters
If you’re searching for orthodontic care for yourself or your family, you want someone who combines clinical skill with genuine warmth. At Cox Orthodontics, your Franklin orthodontist Dr. Evan Cox brings years of specialized training to every patient, paired with memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists and American Dental Association. That means your smile is in expert hands.
The distinction between a general dentist and an orthodontist matters more than many families realize. While both attend dental school, only orthodontists pursue the extra residency that qualifies them to diagnose and correct complex bite and alignment issues. That deeper expertise translates into better planning, smoother visits, and stronger results over time.
How to Choose an Orthodontist: Step-by-Step
Finding your orthodontist is easier when you break it down into clear steps. Most families approach it this way. Schedule a free consult, verify credentials, read reviews, tour the office in person, talk through treatment options, then trust how the team makes you feel. Follow these six steps to find the right fit.
- Schedule a free consult. Most orthodontists offer complimentary first visits. Use this time to meet Dr. Cox, tour the office, and discuss your goals without any pressure.
- Verify credentials. Look for AAO membership and board certification. These point to specialized training and a commitment to ongoing education.
- Read family reviews. Real experiences from other families tell you a lot. Pay attention to comments about communication, wait times, and how the team handles concerns. Cox Orthodontics shares patient stories on our reviews page.
- Tour the office. Notice the technology they use. Digital scans, for example, mean no goopy, gaggy impressions. A clean, modern environment reflects how the practice operates.
- Discuss treatment options. A good orthodontist explains your choices clearly. Ask about timelines and what to expect from start to finish.
- Trust your gut. You’ll spend months, sometimes years, with this team. You should feel comfortable and heard from day one.
The same doctor every time makes a real difference. When you see the same orthodontist at every visit, they know your case inside and out. There’s no explaining your history to a new face each appointment.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Orthodontist
Working with a qualified specialist pays off in ways you might not expect. At Cox Orthodontics, Dr. Cox sees these benefits play out for families every day.
How Do More Treatment Options Help?
Experienced orthodontists offer everything from metal braces to Invisalign to clear braces. You get the approach that fits your lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. That flexibility matters for teens who want something discreet, adults balancing professional appearances, and kids who need Phase 1 treatment.
Why Does Faster, More Efficient Treatment Matter?
Specialists see complex cases daily. That experience often means shorter timelines and fewer surprises. A seasoned orthodontist can diagnose and plan a case more efficiently than a generalist working outside their primary focus.
What About Long-Term Outcomes?
Proper diagnosis and personalized treatment planning reduce the chance of needing retreatment later. A specialist looks at the whole bite, not just the front teeth, so your results hold up over time.
Other benefits worth weighing:
- High-tech tools like digital X-rays and intraoral scanning make visits quicker and more comfortable. No messy impressions.
- Family-friendly scheduling fits busy lives. Evening or weekend hours, multiple family members seen back-to-back, and convenient locations all help.
- A welcoming environment puts everyone at ease. When you’re part of the family, every visit feels easier.
Comparing Treatment Options
Four main options cover most cases. Metal braces handle the widest range of corrections. Clear braces offer the same mechanics with a more subtle look. Invisalign uses removable aligners for mild to moderate cases. Invisalign First is built for younger children whose adult teeth are still coming in. Here’s a quick side-by-side.
| Treatment Type | Best For | Visibility | Removable? | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Complex cases, all ages | Visible | No | 12-24 months |
| Clear Braces | Aesthetic concerns, teens/adults | Less visible | No | 12-24 months |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate cases, adults/teens | Nearly invisible | Yes | 12-18 months |
| Invisalign First | Children (ages 6-10) | Nearly invisible | Yes | 6-18 months |
Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the gold standard for complex corrections. Today’s brackets are smaller and sleeker than ever. They work well for families of all ages and handle difficult cases reliably.
Clear Braces
Clear braces use tooth-colored or ceramic brackets. They work just like metal braces but blend in more naturally. Many teens and adults prefer this option.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners. You can eat, brush, and floss like normal. For the right candidate, results match metal braces.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First is designed for younger children whose permanent teeth are still coming in. Phase 1 treatment can guide jaw development and create space for adult teeth.
Dr. Cox will recommend the best option based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, this is when enough permanent teeth have emerged for a specialist to spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth concerns. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it lets your orthodontist monitor growth and step in at the right time.
Good candidates for orthodontic treatment include:
- Children (ages 7 and up) with emerging alignment or bite issues
- Teens with crowding, gaps, or jaw issues during growth spurts
- Adults of any age who want straighter teeth and a healthier bite
- Anyone with healthy teeth and gums ready to commit to treatment
Common issues orthodontists treat:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Open bite
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when chewing
Whether you’re 7 or 70, treatment can change your life. Dr. Cox provides orthodontic care for all ages, helping families love their smiles at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an orthodontist is qualified?
Look for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, which confirms the doctor completed an accredited orthodontic residency. Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics shows extra focus on quality. Dr. Cox holds memberships in the AAO, ADA, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and Tennessee Dental Association.
What questions should I ask at my first free consult?
Ask about the orthodontist’s experience with your specific concerns, what treatment options they recommend, and why. Find out how long treatment typically takes, what technology they use, and how they handle emergencies.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
Most cases take 12 to 24 months, though this varies based on complexity. Phase 1 treatment for children often runs 8 to 12 months. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized timeline during your free consult at Cox Orthodontics.
Is Invisalign as effective as metal braces?
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign delivers excellent results comparable to metal braces. Complex cases may still do better with metal braces. Dr. Cox will recommend the best option for your specific situation.
Do orthodontists offer free consults?
Many do. A free consult lets you meet the team, discuss your goals, and understand your options without any financial commitment. It’s the best way to find the right fit before starting treatment.
What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. After dental school, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training focused exclusively on moving teeth and aligning jaws. That extra training makes a difference for complex cases.
Choosing an orthodontist is a personal decision, and the right one will help you feel confident from your first visit through your final smile reveal. Take your time, ask plenty of questions, and trust the office that makes your family feel at home. Schedule a free consult at Cox Orthodontics to get started.