Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision. Treatment may last for months or years, so you want a doctor and team who provide expert care, communicate clearly, and make every member of your family feel comfortable.
The best orthodontist for your family should offer more than braces or clear aligners. You should look for specialized training, personalized treatment planning, convenient care, and a patient experience built around your family’s needs.
At Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Brad Johnson provides customized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults throughout Mentor, Chagrin Falls, Willoughby, Solon, Bainbridge Township, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.
Confirm That the Doctor Is an Orthodontic Specialist
Orthodontists first complete dental school and then receive additional education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. This specialty training focuses on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw development, and facial balance.
The American Association of Orthodontists explains that only doctors who complete the required post-dental-school orthodontic education may call themselves orthodontists.
When comparing providers, ask whether the doctor is an orthodontic specialist rather than a general dentist who also offers clear aligners or limited orthodontic services.
Specialized training becomes especially important when treatment involves significant crowding, bite correction, jaw growth, impacted teeth, or other complex concerns.
Look for Board Certification
Board certification is another meaningful credential to consider.
The American Board of Orthodontics describes board certification as a voluntary achievement that goes beyond the minimum requirements for dental licensure. Orthodontists earn this credential by completing written and clinical examinations and demonstrating a commitment to continued education and high standards of care.
Dr. Brad Johnson is a board-certified orthodontist. This distinction reflects his commitment to clinical expertise, lifelong learning, and providing patients with a high standard of orthodontic care.
Consider the Range of Treatment Options
Every patient has different orthodontic needs, preferences, and goals. A practice should offer multiple treatment options rather than recommending the same solution for everyone.
Johnson Orthodontics provides:
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Early orthodontic evaluations
- Treatment for teens
- Adult orthodontics
The right recommendation should be based on your teeth, bite, age, lifestyle, and ability to follow treatment instructions.
An experienced orthodontist can explain the advantages and limitations of each option and help you make an informed decision.
Ask About Invisalign Experience
Invisalign treatment depends heavily on the orthodontist’s diagnosis, planning, and clinical supervision. Clear aligners are tools, but the doctor directing the treatment determines how the teeth should move and how the bite should function.
Dr. Johnson is a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider and has completed additional intensive Invisalign training beyond his orthodontic specialty education.
For patients considering Invisalign, ask:
- How much experience does the orthodontist have?
- Does the doctor treat both simple and complex cases?
- Who creates and supervises the treatment plan?
- How will progress be monitored?
- What happens if refinements are needed?
The answers can help you understand the level of care and oversight you will receive.
Evaluate the Patient Experience
Orthodontic care should feel welcoming, organized, and supportive from the first consultation through the final appointment.
Pay attention to how the practice communicates with your family. Does the team take time to answer questions? Are treatment recommendations explained clearly? Does your child feel comfortable? Do you feel pressured to make an immediate decision?
A positive patient experience includes:
- Friendly and respectful communication
- Clear explanations
- Personalized attention
- Efficient appointments
- A clean, comfortable environment
- Support when problems or emergencies arise
For children who are nervous or have special needs, patience and flexibility can make an especially meaningful difference.
Review the Technology and Convenience
Modern technology can make orthodontic treatment more accurate and convenient, but it should always support the doctor’s expertise rather than replace it.
Ask whether the practice uses digital imaging, digital scans, and customized treatment planning. Invisalign patients at Johnson Orthodontics may also benefit from Dental Monitoring, which allows Dr. Johnson to review treatment progress remotely when appropriate.
Location and scheduling matter as well. Choosing an orthodontist with convenient offices can make regular appointments easier to manage around school, work, and family activities.
Johnson Orthodontics has offices in Mentor and Chagrin Falls, providing convenient access for families across Northeast Ohio.
Understand the Financial Details
Before beginning treatment, you should receive a clear explanation of the expected cost, insurance benefits, payment requirements, and available financing options.
Ask the practice to explain:
- The estimated total treatment cost
- What is included in the fee
- How insurance benefits may apply
- Available monthly payment options
- Whether retainers are included
- How unexpected treatment changes are handled
The lowest price does not always represent the best value. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your family’s health, function, and confidence, so experience, supervision, and quality of care should remain central to your decision.
Read Reviews, but Look for Patterns
Online reviews can offer valuable insight into how a practice treats its patients.
Rather than focusing only on the total number of reviews, look for recurring themes. Patients may consistently mention the doctor’s communication, attention to detail, friendliness, efficiency, or ability to make nervous children feel comfortable.
Reviews should support what you experience during your consultation, not replace your own judgment.
Schedule a Consultation Before Deciding
A consultation gives your family the opportunity to meet the orthodontist, explore the office, ask questions, and understand the recommended treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists emphasizes that orthodontists have specialized knowledge to evaluate the many variables involved in treatment and create individualized plans.
During your visit, consider asking:
- What orthodontic concerns do you see?
- Which treatment do you recommend and why?
- How long might treatment take?
- How often will appointments be needed?
- Who will oversee the treatment?
- What happens if we have an emergency?
- What will treatment cost?
You should leave the consultation feeling informed, comfortable, and confident about the next step.
Discover the Johnson Orthodontics Difference
Dr. Brad Johnson combines board-certified expertise, advanced Invisalign experience, and personalized care for patients of all ages.
Every treatment plan is built around the individual patient rather than a standardized approach. Our team works to make orthodontic care comfortable, understandable, and rewarding from beginning to end.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at Johnson Orthodontics in Mentor or Chagrin Falls and discover whether our practice is the right fit for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should an orthodontist have?
An orthodontist should have completed dental school followed by an accredited orthodontic specialty residency. Board certification provides an additional voluntary credential.
Is a board-certified orthodontist better?
Board certification demonstrates that an orthodontist has completed additional examinations and made a continued commitment to professional standards and education.
Should I choose an orthodontist based only on price?
Cost is important, but experience, treatment quality, supervision, communication, and convenience should also influence your decision.
Can one orthodontist treat my entire family?
Yes. Many orthodontists provide treatment for children, teens, and adults using braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign.
Does Johnson Orthodontics offer complimentary consultations?
Yes. Johnson Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations at its Mentor and Chagrin Falls offices.