What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is to teeth what a cardiologist is to the heart. Orthodontists are highly trained specialists who partner with your dentist to provide you with the best oral health care.

Orthodontists are qualified dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two academic yearssometimes more. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely trained experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. The majority of members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and/or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.

Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Creating beautiful smiles through orthodontics is our business.

What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?

Dr. Watterworth is Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

An orthodontist may choose to become Certified by The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is OPTIONAL and a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.

The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status.