What Does "Board-Certified Orthodontist" Actually Mean — And Why It Matters for Your Child
March 24th, 2026
By Dr. Ross Aronson, DDS, MS | Board-Certified Orthodontist | Aronson Orthodontics, Southbury & Waterbury, CT
If you've been searching for an orthodontist near Southbury or Waterbury, Connecticut, you've probably noticed that some practices advertise a "board-certified orthodontist" while others don't mention it at all. You may have wondered: is that just marketing language, or does it actually mean something?
It means something. Here's exactly what it means — and why it should matter when you're choosing care for your child (or yourself).
What Is Board Certification in Orthodontics?
All orthodontists complete dental school and then a two- to three-year residency in orthodontics. That qualifies them to practice. Board certification is a separate, voluntary process that goes significantly further.
To become board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), an orthodontist must:
- Pass a comprehensive written and clinical examination administered by the ABO
- Submit documented case records — actual patient cases — demonstrating consistently excellent outcomes
- Present those cases before a panel of examiners who scrutinize treatment decisions in detail
- Demonstrate mastery of diagnosis, treatment planning, and results across a wide range of case types
The process typically takes years after residency and requires a genuine commitment to the highest standard of clinical practice. It is not a participation award — many candidates fail on the first attempt.
Fewer than 30% of practicing orthodontists in the United States ever become board certified. Most are licensed and fully qualified to practice — but they have not gone through this additional, demanding process of external peer review.
Why Does It Matter for Your Child?
Orthodontic treatment is not a commodity. The decisions made in the first few months of treatment — about timing, about mechanics, about how to manage a growing jaw — have long-term consequences for your child's bite, facial development, and oral health.
A board-certified orthodontist has:
1. Been independently evaluated on real outcomes. It's not enough to say you get good results. Board certification requires you to prove it, with documented cases reviewed by peers who have no stake in the outcome.
2. Demonstrated mastery across complex case types. The ABO examination includes cases involving difficult bites, growth issues, and multidisciplinary treatment. It tests the full depth of an orthodontist's clinical judgment, not just routine cases.
3. Made a commitment to accountability. Choosing to pursue board certification when it's optional says something about a clinician's values. It signals that they hold themselves to a higher standard than the minimum required to practice.
Is My Orthodontist Board Certified?
This is a fair and reasonable question to ask. You can verify board certification directly at americanboardortho.com, or simply ask the practice when you call for a consultation.
In the greater Southbury and Waterbury, Connecticut area, I am the only board-certified orthodontist. That's not a boast — it's a fact that I believe parents deserve to know when they're choosing care for their children.
Beyond Board Certification: What Else Should You Look For?
Board certification is the clearest credential to check, but a few other factors are worth considering:
The Invisalign provider tier matters. Not all Invisalign providers are equal. Orthodontists are ranked by case volume and outcomes into tiers. I have been among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the world for several years running, and I completed the Invisalign Intensive Fellowship — a distinction most orthodontists, including those in this area, have not pursued.
Will you see the same doctor every visit? In larger multi-location practices, patients often rotate among associates. At Aronson Orthodontics, I am the sole provider. Your child will see me — not a rotating associate — at every single appointment.
Does the practice handle your insurance? Orthodontic insurance paperwork is genuinely complicated, and many practices leave families to navigate it alone. We handle all insurance paperwork in-house and are in-network with Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross, and virtually all major PPO dental insurance plans. If your plan is out-of-network, we'll still file the claims and explain your benefits clearly.
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — while they still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This doesn't mean treatment starts at age 7. For most children, it simply means an expert can identify any developing issues early, monitor jaw growth, and intervene at exactly the right time — often preventing more complex (and more expensive) treatment later.
Early evaluation is always free at Aronson Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Connecticut? No. You can book a free consultation directly without a referral from your dentist, though many families are referred by their pediatric dentist.
Q: Is a board-certified orthodontist more expensive? Not necessarily. At Aronson Orthodontics, our fees are competitive with other practices in the area. We offer 0% APR financing and flexible payment plans. Board certification reflects the quality of care, not the price.
Q: What's the difference between a dentist who does Invisalign and an orthodontist? General dentists can be licensed to provide Invisalign, but orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialty training focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw development. For straightforward cases, either may be appropriate. For children, complex bite issues, or anyone who wants the most precise outcome, a specialist orthodontist — particularly a board-certified one — is the better choice.
Q: Can adults get orthodontic treatment too? Absolutely. About one-third of our patients are adults. Clear aligner treatment (Invisalign) has made orthodontics more accessible and discreet for working adults than ever before.
Q: Where are you located? We have two offices: one in Southbury, CT (convenient to Woodbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Newtown) and one in Waterbury/Middlebury, CT (convenient to Naugatuck, Watertown, Wolcott, and Thomaston).
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself, the first step is a no-pressure, no-cost consultation. We'll take a look, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment — whether or not treatment with us makes sense for your situation.
Call us at (203) 573-8034 or schedule online at beautifulsmiles.com.
We also offer virtual consultations if you'd prefer to start from home.
Dr. Ross Aronson is a board-certified orthodontist and the sole provider at Aronson Orthodontics, serving Southbury, Waterbury, Middlebury, Oxford, Newtown, Naugatuck, Woodbury, and surrounding communities in Connecticut. He is among the top 1% of Invisalign providers worldwide and holds U.S. patents in dental and orthodontic innovations. He completed his residency at the University of North Carolina and received his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
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