The Three Levels of Orthodontics

1. Orthodontics provided by a general dentist:

Family dentists can provide any type of dental services that they choose to, including orthodontic care. Family dentists have not received a certificate from an accredited post-graduate orthodontic program.

2. Orthodontics provided by an orthodontic specialist:

Orthodontic specialists have undergone three or more years of training in an accredited post-graduate orthodontic program after they have completed dental school. These specialists limit their practices to nothing but orthodontic care. Post-graduate orthodontic programs only accept the most exceptional dentists into their programs. Most orthodontic specialists graduated in the top 5% of their dental classes.

3. Orthodontics provided by a Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist:

Orthodontists who have been Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics are the elite few in the specialty of orthodontics. These orthodontic specialists have passed an extensive two day written exam covering advanced topics in orthodontics today. They have passed an oral and clinical exam given by distinguished senior members of the American Board of Orthodontics. And they participate in a periodic re-certification process to assure that they stay in the elite segment of the orthodontic specialist population.

As of 2005, only 17% of orthodontic specialists had been board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Colin Gibson is proud to be one of these elite orthodontists.

Board certified orthodontists go above and beyond the requirements in their field so that they can perform at a higher level and provide better treatment for you and your family. Board certified orthodontists have a higher understanding of treatment modalities and technological advances in the field of orthodontics.

Choosing an orthodontic care provider can be a difficult decision. We recommend that you make sure the orthodontic provider you choose is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. You should choose only the best when it comes to you or your children's face, teeth, and overall health.

To verify that an orthodontic provider is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, go to: www.americanboardortho.com and click on "Find a Diplomate".

1ST IMPRESSIONS Orthodontics: 303-452-2277