Why Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist in Rhode Island?
Posted on 9/11/2026
A board-certified orthodontist has completed specialized orthodontic training and additional certification requirements demonstrating advanced knowledge in diagnosing and treating tooth and bite problems. For Rhode Island patients considering braces or clear aligners, board certification provides another important credential to consider when choosing an orthodontist.
If you or your child is thinking about getting braces or clear aligners, you may be wondering: Does it really matter who straightens your teeth?
After all, many general dentists now offer Invisalign and other clear aligner treatments. So why should you consider seeing an orthodontist—and why does it matter if that orthodontist is board-certified?
The short answer: straightening teeth is about much more than making a smile look straight.
What Does "Board-Certified Orthodontist" Mean?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school and then received additional, specialized education focused specifically on moving teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw and facial development.
A board-certified orthodontist has taken the additional step of meeting the requirements of the American Board of Orthodontics, including a rigorous examination process demonstrating advanced knowledge and expertise in orthodontics.
In other words, all orthodontists are dentists—but not all dentists are orthodontists.
And not every orthodontist is board-certified.
That extra distinction can matter when you are trusting someone with your smile—or your child's developing smile.
Straight Teeth Don't Always Mean a Healthy Bite
Imagine hanging a picture on the wall.
You can make the frame look straight from across the room. But if the nail isn't secure, the picture may eventually shift or fall.
Orthodontic treatment can be a little like that.
It is possible to focus only on making the front teeth look straighter. But a healthy orthodontic result also considers questions like:
- Do the upper and lower teeth fit together properly?
- Is there enough room for all of the teeth?
- Are teeth being moved in a healthy and stable way?
- Is the bite functioning correctly?
- Could the teeth shift after treatment?
- Is jaw growth a factor?
- Are there impacted or missing teeth to consider?
- Is clear aligner treatment really the best option for this particular case?
A beautiful smile is important—but what is underneath that smile matters too.
Why See an Orthodontist Instead of a General Dentist for Braces or Aligners?
A general dentist plays an incredibly important role in your oral health. They help care for your teeth, gums, cavities, crowns, cleanings, and overall dental health.
But orthodontists spend their careers focused specifically on straightening teeth and correcting bites.
Think of it this way: If you had a heart problem, you would probably start by calling a cardiologist rather than asking your primary care doctor to perform heart surgery.
Both are highly trained medical professionals—but they have different areas of specialization.
The same idea applies when you want to move your teeth.
A general dentist can offer orthodontic treatment. But an orthodontist has years of additional specialty training dedicated specifically to:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Bite correction
- Complex tooth movement
- Jaw and facial growth
- Crowding and spacing
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Impacted teeth
- Retainers and long-term stability
When it comes to something as important as changing your smile, it makes sense to consider a professional whose specialty is orthodontics all day, every day.
Why Board Certification Can Give Patients Additional Confidence
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Orthodontic treatment can take months or years, and the results can affect your smile for a lifetime.
Patients want to know:
"Am I in good hands?"
While board certification is not the only measure of a great orthodontist, it is one additional credential that can give patients confidence that their doctor has pursued advanced standards in the specialty.
A board-certified orthodontist has demonstrated a commitment to excellence beyond simply completing orthodontic residency training.
For patients and parents, that can provide valuable peace of mind.
Your Smile Deserves More Than a One-Size-Fits-All Plan
No two smiles are exactly alike.
One person may need a simple alignment correction. Another may have severe crowding. A teenager may still be growing. An adult may have worn teeth, gum concerns, missing teeth, or a bite problem that has developed over many years.
That's why orthodontic treatment should never feel like picking a product off a shelf.
Whether you are considering braces, Invisalign, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment, the first step should be understanding what is actually happening with your teeth and bite.
An experienced orthodontist can evaluate your individual needs and help determine the best treatment approach for your smile—not someone else's.
Braces or Clear Aligners? Start With an Orthodontic Evaluation
Clear aligners have become incredibly popular—and for good reason. They can be comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible.
But clear aligners are a tool, not a treatment plan.
Braces are also a tool.
The important question isn't simply:
"Do I want braces or aligners?"
A better question is:
"What is the best way to treat my specific smile and bite?"
That is where seeing an orthodontic specialist first can make a real difference.
You deserve to understand your options before committing to treatment.
Looking for a Board-Certified Orthodontist in Rhode Island?
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth—or wondering whether braces or clear aligners are right for your child—consider scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist.
At Tollgate Orthodontics, patients can meet with Dr. Daniel Eves, a board-certified orthodontist, to discuss their smile, bite, treatment options, and payment choices.
Whether your goal is a straighter smile, a healthier bite, or simply more confidence when you look in the mirror, getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan is an important place to start.
Don't choose orthodontic treatment based only on who can offer you aligners. Choose the professional whose specialty is creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
Ready to Straighten Your Teeth?
If you live in Warwick, Providence, Cranston, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Newport, or anywhere in Rhode Island, call Tollgate Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.
When it comes to moving your teeth, why not start with an orthodontist?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does board-certified orthodontist mean?
A board-certified orthodontist is an orthodontic specialist who has completed additional requirements established by the American Board of Orthodontics, including a rigorous examination process. Board certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and a commitment to high standards within the orthodontic specialty.
Is a board-certified orthodontist different from a dentist?
Yes. All orthodontists first train as dentists, but orthodontists complete additional specialized education focused on moving teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw and facial development. Not every dentist is an orthodontist, and not every orthodontist is board-certified.
Can a general dentist provide Invisalign?
Yes. A general dentist can provide orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. However, orthodontists have additional specialty training dedicated specifically to braces, clear aligners, bite correction, complex tooth movement, jaw growth, crowding, spacing, and other orthodontic concerns.
Should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign or clear aligners?
An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether Invisalign, another clear aligner system, or braces is the best option for your particular smile and bite. Clear aligners are a treatment tool, but choosing the right treatment begins with understanding your individual orthodontic needs.
Does board certification matter when choosing an orthodontist?
Board certification is not the only measure of a great orthodontist, but it is an additional credential patients can consider when choosing a provider. It demonstrates that the orthodontist has pursued advanced standards beyond completing orthodontic residency training.
How do I find a board-certified orthodontist in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island patients can schedule a consultation with Tollgate Orthodontics and meet with Dr. Daniel Eves, a board-certified orthodontist, to discuss their smile, bite, braces, clear aligners, treatment options, and payment choices. Tollgate Orthodontics serves patients from Warwick, Providence, Cranston, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Newport, and communities throughout Rhode Island.