7 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Orthodontist for You

Finding the right orthodontist is one of the most important steps in achieving the healthy, confident smile you’ve always wanted. With so many options for orthodontic treatment in Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, and throughout Orange County, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

So, how do you choose the best orthodontist for you or your child?

In this guide, we’ll cover seven essential factors to consider when selecting an orthodontist. We’ll also share why Life Orthodontics is proud to be a trusted choice for families in Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, and all of Orange County.

1. Who Will Be Providing Your Orthodontic Care?

Not all orthodontic care is the same. As we discussed in our previous blog post, orthodontic treatment is offered in different settings, from corporate practices to general dental offices to boutique orthodontic practices, and the quality of care and cost often varies significantly.

At boutique practices like Life Orthodontics, our orthodontists own the office and take pride in providing the highest quality of care. You’ll see our orthodontists, Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Sarah Pi, throughout your treatment, ensuring consistency, personalized attention, and superior results.

By comparison, large corporate chains and general dentists typically do not provide the same level of care and results as boutique orthodontic practices. Large corporate chains (e.g., Western Dental, Pacific Dental Services, etc.) often focus on high patient volume, while general dentists did not receive the same specialized training of a board-certified orthodontist.

Questions to Ask:

• If it’s a general dentist: How much of your practice is dedicated to orthodontics, and what specialized training have you had? Compared to general dentists, Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Sarah Pi completed an additional three-year orthodontics residency program at UCSF.
• If it’s an orthodontist: How directly will you be involved in my treatment? Compared to most other orthodontists, Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Sarah Pi spend significantly more time treatment planning and at the chairside for their patients to ensure the best results for their patients. Typically, the more time an orthodontist spends on your case, the smoother the treatment and better the results.

2. Experience and Reputation

When searching for the best orthodontist in Orange County, experience and reputation matter. Online reviews give insight into patient experience, while awards and professional recognition highlight clinical expertise.

At Life Orthodontics, we’re proud to say that our orthodontists are experts at the three main categories of orthodontic treatment with significant achievements in all three modalities. In traditional braces, our orthodontists were awarded case of the year, with clear aligners, they were chosen to teach at their alma mater UCSF, and with behind-the-teeth braces, they are the co-inventors and foremost authorities of InBrace/InSmile.

Questions to Ask:

• How long have you been practicing orthodontics?
• Do you have experience treating cases like mine?

3. Services and Specialties

Every orthodontist offers braces and clear aligners, but not all orthodontists have the same level of expertise as our orthodontists and most don’t offer behind-the-teeth/lingual braces.

At Life Orthodontics, we specialize in all three major orthodontic treatments:

• Braces  – our doctors use digital treatment planning to make the treatment more efficient and have also won national case of the year with one of their cases they treated with traditional braces.
• Clear Aligners – Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Sarah Pi are experts who teach other orthodontists how to use clear aligners predictably and efficiently.
• Behind-the-Teeth Braces (InBrace / InSmile) – our doctors are the co-inventors and leading experts who advise all orthodontists across the nation on how to use InBrace/InSmile.
• In comprehensive cases, we also include finishing touches like whitening and gum contouring, at no extra charge, to further enhance your smile.
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Questions to Ask:

• How do you personalize the treatment plan for each patient?
• Are smile enhancements like gum contouring and whitening included in my treatment plan?

4. The Orthodontist’s Commitment to Patients

The best orthodontist is one who cares deeply about both their patients and their work. While this can be difficult to measure at a first consultation, one way to tell is whether they stand behind their results.

At Life Orthodontics, we offer our Smile for Life Guarantee because we want every patient to feel supported long after treatment ends. This guarantee is proof to our patients that we’re here for them for life and that we’re confident that our work will stand the test of time.

Questions to Ask:

• How do you ensure quality throughout treatment?
• What happens if I need additional care after treatment?

5. Do You Feel Comfortable With the Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment usually lasts 1–2 years, so you’ll want to feel comfortable and confident with your orthodontist and their team.

At Life Orthodontics, we treat every patient like family. From your first consultation, we’ll listen to your goals, clearly explain your options, and ensure you feel at ease every step of the way.

Questions to Consider:

• Did the orthodontist take time to listen and explain clearly?
• Did I feel comfortable during the consultation?
• Do I feel confident this is the right provider for me?

6. Location and Convenience

Orthodontic treatment requires regular appointments, so convenience matters. Whether you’re looking for an orthodontist in Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, or elsewhere in Orange County, location and accessibility should fit your lifestyle.

Life Orthodontics is conveniently located just off the 55freeway in Tustin with plenty of free parking. As the first fully digital orthodontic practice in Tustin, we also use advanced technology to plan your smile efficiently, which can mean fewer in-person visits overall.

Questions to Consider

• Is the office location convenient to my home, work, or school?
• Do office hours fit my schedule?
       

7. Cost of Treatment and Insurance Options

When choosing an orthodontist, cost is often top of mind. While corporate or general dental offices may appear less expensive, the quality of results can vary greatly and often may cost you more in the long run.

At Life Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality orthodontic treatment in Tustin and Orange County. That’s why we offer:

• Flexible, in-house zero-interest payment plans
• All-inclusive pricing (no hidden fees for retainers, repairs, or finishing touches)
• Our exclusive Smile for Life Guarantee, which includes Retainer and Life Smile Insurance - saving you money and giving you peace of mind for years to come. With this guarantee, we’re confident we provide the greatest value in orthodontic treatment as retainer costs will add up at other offices.

While we are an out-of-network provider, insurance coverage for orthodontics is often the same whether in-network or out-of-network. We’ll work directly with your provider to maximize your benefits.

Questions to Ask:

• What is the total cost of treatment, and what’s included?
• Are there hidden fees for retainers or extended treatment?
• Do you offer financing, and is it interest-free?
• How do you handle unexpected costs?

Why Families Choose Life Orthodontics in Tustin

Choosing the right orthodontist isn’t just about straighter teeth, it’s about finding a provider who combines expertise, technology, and compassion to give you the best possible experience.

At Life Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a top choice for families seeking orthodontic treatment in Tustin, Irvine, and across Orange County. With award-winning doctors, cutting-edge technology, flexible financing, and a lifetime guarantee, we’re here to make your smile transformation both comfortable and rewarding.

Schedule your consultation today and discover why Life Orthodontics is the right choice for you in Tustin and Orange County!

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