Choosing an orthodontist means getting expert smile care from a true specialist who focuses on your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment every single day. The benefits of seeing an orthodontist include specialty training, consistent follow-up, hands-on adjustments, and fast help when questions or emergencies pop up. With Dr. Pedersen, you get specialty expertise paired with the warmth of relationship-based care.
What Is an Orthodontist and Why Does It Matter?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completed 2-3 years of extra training beyond dental school, focused entirely on aligning teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw positioning. Choosing a specialist means accurate treatment planning, consistent follow-up, and a provider who gets to know you by name.
Dr. Pedersen is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is dedicated to personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. That level of training goes far beyond what a general dentist offers. While your family dentist handles cleanings and fillings, an orthodontist focuses on tooth movement and bite correction all day, every day.
Staying with one dedicated specialist also makes long-term care simpler. Orthodontic treatment takes months, sometimes longer, so a consistent office makes it easier to keep every visit on track. You and your family build a real relationship with the team, which helps you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing goals along the way.
How Seeing an Orthodontist Works
Getting started with an orthodontist takes just a few simple steps. Everything begins with a free consult, then you choose a treatment option that fits your goals, and finally you visit the office every few weeks for check-ins. Digital tools and virtual visits add flexibility, and each step keeps your care organized and easy to follow.
Here’s what to expect step by step:
- First free consultation. Dr. Pedersen reviews your smile, discusses your goals, and answers every question. No pressure, no obligation.
- Digital scans and photos. We use digital scanners instead of messy putty impressions, so treatment planning is more accurate and much more comfortable.
- Treatment options review. During this step, you’ll learn about metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners, along with which option fits your smile best.
- Regular check-ins. Most patients visit every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. These visits fit into your day, not around it.
- Virtual visits when helpful. Between in-office check-ins, virtual consults can save you a trip for quick questions or minor concerns.
Many treatment options can begin right after your first free consultation, so your smile transformation can get moving without long delays.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist in Your Local Community
Picking the right orthodontist isn’t just about the drive. It shapes the entire experience, from how easy it is to keep visits to how quickly you can get help if something feels off. Here are the biggest reasons families choose specialty orthodontic care.
Why Does Choosing an Orthodontist Improve Your Experience?
- Convenient scheduling. Well-planned visits mean fewer missed check-ins, less time off work, and easier after-school appointments for kids.
- Relationship-based care. You see the same faces every time. Dr. Pedersen and the team get to know you, your preferences, and your smile goals.
- Fast help for urgent issues. A poking wire or loose bracket can be uncomfortable. A dedicated office can usually see you within a day or two, not weeks later.
How Does Orthodontic Care Support Your Long-Term Health?
- Better bite, better health. Orthodontic treatment does more than straighten teeth. It improves chewing, speech, and long-term oral health by putting your bite in the right position.
- Options for every age. Kids, teens, and adults all benefit from treatment. It’s never too late to smile with confidence.
- Care that fits real life. A dedicated provider understands work schedules and family rhythms, which makes planning treatment around your day much easier.
Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, which can help reduce hard-to-clean areas where plaque tends to build up. A healthier bite can also support more comfortable chewing, better long-term function, and a smile that is easier to maintain.
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist vs. Mail-Order Aligners
Not all smile care is created equal. Here’s how a board-certified orthodontist compares to two other common options.
| Feature | Orthodontist | General Dentist | Mail-Order Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty training | 2-3 years beyond dental school | General dental training | No in-person clinician |
| In-person exam | Yes | Yes | No |
| X-rays and full diagnostics | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Hands-on adjustments | Yes | Limited | No |
| Emergency support | Fast response | Varies | Mail or phone only |
| Bite correction | Full scope | Limited scope | Aesthetic focus only |
General dentists are wonderful for cleanings and everyday care, but complex tooth movement and bite correction fall outside their daily focus. Mail-order aligner companies skip the in-person exam entirely. That means no X-rays, no hands-on monitoring, and no one watching for issues like gum recession or root problems as your teeth shift.
With Dr. Pedersen, a board-certified orthodontist, you get direct supervision at every step. If something needs adjusting, he catches it early. Should you have a question, you get a real answer from someone who has seen your smile in person. That safety net matters when you’re moving teeth and reshaping bites over many months of care.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic costs depend on treatment type, case complexity, and how long treatment lasts. Metal braces are often the most budget-friendly option, while clear aligners and clear braces may cost a bit more for their discretion. Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics offers flexible payments and financing so quality care stays within reach for you and your family.
What Factors Affect Your Cost?
Here’s what affects your cost:
- Treatment type. Metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners each have different price points.
- Case complexity. Minor spacing corrects faster and costs less than full bite correction.
- Treatment length. Longer plans typically require more visits and materials.
- Age and growth stage. Some kids benefit from two phases of treatment, which affects the total.
How Does Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics Keep Care Affordable?
Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics offers flexible payments and works with your insurance because quality treatment shouldn’t break the bank. Your first free consultation includes a clear breakdown of costs, so there are no surprises before you decide. We’ll walk through every option together, answer your questions, and help you find a plan that fits your budget and your goals for a healthy, confident smile.
Are You a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Most people are candidates for some type of orthodontic care. If your teeth are crowded, crooked, or gapped, treatment can help. Bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite also benefit from care. Both kids and adults can be great candidates, and a free consult is the best way to know your options.
What Signs Suggest You Need Orthodontic Care?
Common reasons to see Dr. Pedersen include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Teeth that shifted after previous treatment
When Should Kids and Adults Start Treatment?
For children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. It gives Dr. Pedersen a chance to spot developing issues and plan the right timing for care, whether that’s now or a few years down the road. Learn more about orthodontics for children.
Adults are welcome too. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and clear aligners make treatment discreet enough to fit into any lifestyle. We also offer orthodontics for adults, orthodontics for teens, and orthodontics for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take on average?
Most treatment plans last 12-24 months, though timing varies based on your specific case. Minor corrections can wrap up in as little as 6 months, while full bite corrections may take longer. Dr. Pedersen will give you a clear timeline at your first free consultation.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral needed. You can schedule a free consult with Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics directly, whether or not you’ve spoken with your family dentist first. Many families come to us on their own, and we’re happy to coordinate with your dentist if you’d like.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
A dentist handles general oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and crowns. An orthodontist completes 2-3 years of extra specialty training focused only on aligning teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw growth. For tooth movement and bite work, an orthodontist is the specialist.
Can adults get braces or clear aligners?
Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients. Clear aligners and clear braces are popular with adults because they’re discreet options that fit into professional and social life without drawing attention.
How much do braces or aligners cost?
Cost depends on treatment type, complexity, and length. Metal braces are typically the most budget-friendly, while clear aligners may cost more. Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics offers flexible payments and financing options, and your free consult includes a full cost breakdown so you can decide with confidence.
Are virtual orthodontic consultations effective?
Virtual consults are a helpful starting point and work well for quick check-ins between visits. That said, an in-person exam with X-rays and digital scans gives Dr. Pedersen the full picture needed for accurate treatment planning. Most patients use a mix of both for the best experience.
Curious what specialty smile care can do for you? Learning how an orthodontist works is the first of many steps to your new smile, and understanding your options helps you make a confident, informed choice for you and your family. Whenever you’re ready, a free consult is a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore what’s possible. It’s never too late to smile with confidence, and we can’t wait to get to know you!