The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Orthodontist
When you’re researching orthodontists, you’ll notice that not every provider uses the same credentials. Some list years of experience. Some highlight their technology. And a smaller group, the ones who have gone the extra mile, are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Here’s what that distinction means and why it matters for you and your family.
What Does Board Certification Actually Mean?
All orthodontists complete dental school followed by two to three years of accredited orthodontic residency training. That’s the baseline required to practice orthodontics as a specialty.
Board certification is a separate, voluntary achievement that goes well beyond that baseline. To become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), an orthodontist must:
- Pass a rigorous written examination covering orthodontic knowledge and clinical science
- Submit a portfolio of actual patient cases for independent clinical review
- Demonstrate consistent, high-quality outcomes across a range of case types and complexity levels
- Pass an oral clinical examination before a panel of examiners
The process is demanding, and because it’s voluntary, not every licensed orthodontist pursues it. Those who do are making a clear statement about their commitment to clinical excellence.
Why It Matters More Than You Might Think
You might wonder, if all orthodontists go through residency training, how much difference can board certification really make?
The answer comes down to accountability and verification. Residency training prepares orthodontists to practice. Board certification independently verifies that they are practicing at a high standard. It’s a third-party review of real patient outcomes, not just a test of textbook knowledge.
For patients, that distinction matters most in complex cases, in early treatment planning, and in situations where the difference between a good result and a great result depends on nuanced clinical decision-making. Board-certified orthodontists have had their work examined by some of the most respected clinicians in the field. That’s a level of vetting that typical credentials simply don’t include.
Not All Orthodontic Providers Are Orthodontists
This is something many patients don’t realize until they’re already deep in the process. In addition to board-certified orthodontists, licensed orthodontists, and general dentists who have completed additional aligner training, there are now direct-to-consumer aligner companies that operate with little to no in-person clinical oversight.
The risk profile goes up significantly as you move away from credentialed, in-person specialist care. Bite issues, root health, jaw development, and tooth structure all require clinical evaluation that a mail-in impression kit cannot provide. Board certification is on the far end of the quality spectrum, representing the highest level of verified clinical care available.
The Only Board-Certified Female Orthodontist in Cerritos
Dr. Susan Bae of Bae Orthodontics is the only board-certified female orthodontist in Cerritos, California. She pursued ABO certification because she believes her patients deserve care that has been independently verified, not just self-reported.
That commitment shows up in every aspect of the practice, from the precision of treatment planning using iTero 5D digital scans and 3D-printed appliances, to the personalized attention every patient receives from consultation through retention.
What Board Certification Means for Your Treatment
In practical terms, choosing a board-certified orthodontist means:
More predictable outcomes. The ABO case review process specifically evaluates clinical results. Orthodontists who achieve certification have demonstrated that their patients consistently finish treatment with excellent alignment, healthy bites, and stable long-term results.
Stronger diagnostic skills. Board-certified orthodontists have been tested on a wide range of case types, which builds the diagnostic depth needed to identify issues early and plan treatment that accounts for the full picture, not just the teeth you can see.
Higher standard of continuing education. The culture of accountability that comes with board certification tends to carry through into ongoing learning. Orthodontists who invest in earning and maintaining certification typically stay current on the latest research, techniques, and technology.
Confidence in your investment. Orthodontic treatment is not inexpensive. Choosing a board-certified provider is one of the most straightforward ways to protect that investment and increase the likelihood that your results last.
Ask the Question Before You Commit
When you’re comparing orthodontists in Cerritos or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, don’t hesitate to ask directly: Are you board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics? It’s a fair question, and any provider confident in their credentials will be happy to answer it.
Experience the Difference at Bae Orthodontics
At Bae Orthodontics, board-certified care is paired with cutting-edge technology, flexible financing, and a warm, personalized experience for patients of all ages. Dr. Bae offers complimentary consultations with no wait times, so you can see the difference from the very first visit.
Schedule your free consultation today and put your smile in the most qualified hands in Cerritos.