How to Find the Best Orthodontist Near You

If you’ve searched Google or asked AI, “Who is the best orthodontist near me?”, you’ve probably found many offices offering braces and Invisalign.

The harder question is figuring out which orthodontist is right for you or your child.

I’m Dr. Pejman Nasibi, an orthodontist in Anaheim Hills. Before becoming a dentist and orthodontist, I worked as an engineer. I’m also a father of four. Both experiences have strongly influenced how I approach orthodontic treatment.

To me, orthodontics isn’t simply about straightening teeth. It combines biology, biomechanics, growth, function, esthetics, psychology, and human connection.

What I Would Look for in an Orthodontist

If I were choosing an orthodontist for myself or one of my own children, these are some of the qualities I would consider most important.

1. Look Beyond Straight Teeth

A beautiful smile matters. But orthodontics should involve more than lining up the teeth that show when you smile.

When I evaluate a patient, I consider the bite, tooth position, jaw relationships, facial balance, eruption, periodontal considerations, oral habits, tongue function, and long-term stability.

For children and teenagers, growth and development are particularly important. For adults, we may also need to consider existing dental work, missing teeth, gum and bone support, previous orthodontic treatment, relapse, wear, and restorative goals.

2. Ask Why Treatment Is Being Recommended—and Why Now

One of the most important things an orthodontist can do is recognize the right time to treat.

I’ve told many families:

An orthodontic evaluation does not automatically mean treatment needs to begin.

If a child is in mixed dentition and there is no meaningful reason for early treatment, sometimes observation is the appropriate recommendation.

On the other hand, certain problems may benefit from earlier intervention, depending on the individual child. These may include significant crossbites, growth discrepancies, severe crowding, open bites, persistent oral habits, or eruption concerns.

The important question isn’t simply: “Can we start treatment?”

It’s: “Is this the right time to start treatment?”

3. Braces and Invisalign Are Tools—Not the Diagnosis

I use both braces and Invisalign in my practice.

I don’t consider one universally better than the other.

For some adults and teenagers, Invisalign can be an excellent choice. For others, braces may give us better control over the movements we need.

If your orthodontist recommends Invisalign, ask why. If braces are recommended, ask why.

A thoughtful orthodontist should be able to explain the advantages, limitations, and alternatives.

You can also read my guide comparing Invisalign vs. braces in Anaheim Hills .

4. Ask How Involved the Orthodontist Will Be

Orthodontic assistants are important members of an orthodontic team. But I believe the orthodontist should remain closely involved in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progress.

At My Orange County Orthodontist, I intentionally maintain a hands-on approach. I personally place braces and perform many wire changes and clinical procedures myself.

There is a reason for that.

Every appointment gives me information. Sometimes I notice something while changing a wire, examining the bite, or talking with a patient that influences what I want to do next.

Being hands-on also gives me an opportunity to really know my patients.

5. Private Practice or Larger Group? Ask the Right Question

The ownership structure of an office alone doesn’t determine the quality of care. Excellent orthodontists practice in many different settings.

But there is an important question I would ask:

Orthodontic treatment may last many months or longer. Consistency and communication matter.

At our practice, patients know who their orthodontist is. It’s me.

I live in this community. My children go to school here. I see many of our families at school activities, soccer, basketball, restaurants, and around town.

My patients aren’t simply names on a schedule. They’re adults, children, parents, and families from the community I live in.

You can learn more about my background and training on the Meet Dr. Nasibi page.

6. Adults and Children Need Different Orthodontic Thinking

7. Ask About Extractions—and Ask Why

Many patients and parents ask: “Will teeth need to be removed for orthodontic treatment?”

Whenever reasonably possible, I prefer to preserve healthy teeth. Many orthodontic patients can be successfully treated without extracting permanent teeth.

But I also don’t believe in promising non-extraction treatment to every patient.

There are cases where avoiding an indicated extraction could contribute to excessive forward movement of the teeth, periodontal concerns, compromised esthetics, bite problems, or reduced stability.

The better question is:

Your orthodontist should be able to show you the problem and explain the reasoning behind the recommendation.

8. A Consultation Should Educate You, Not Pressure You

My new-patient consultations are generally about 30 minutes.

We obtain the diagnostic information appropriate for the individual patient, which may include digital scans and 3D CBCT imaging when clinically indicated.

Then we talk.

You should leave your consultation understanding your diagnosis and your options—not simply knowing the price.

9. Technology Matters—but Judgment Matters More

I believe strongly in modern orthodontic technology.

Our office uses tools such as 3D CBCT imaging, iTero digital scanning, modern braces and clear aligner systems, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) when appropriate.

But technology itself doesn’t make someone a good orthodontist.

I continually pursue continuing education because orthodontics continues to evolve, and I believe my responsibility is to continue learning with it.

10. Think About Habits, Function, and Relapse

I want to think beyond the day the braces come off or the last aligner is finished.

Tongue thrust, thumb sucking, oral posture, and other habits may influence the bite and long-term stability of treatment.

When appropriate, these issues should be recognized and may require collaboration with other dental or healthcare professionals.

Retention matters too. I don’t believe retention should be an afterthought. The appropriate retention strategy should be based on the individual patient and the movements that were accomplished.

11. Connection Matters—Whether You’re 8 or 48

Being a father of four has made me a more compassionate orthodontist.

I understand that children don’t always wear their elastics. I understand that appliances can sometimes be challenging. And I understand how busy parents are with school, sports, homework, careers, and family responsibilities.

That’s why I try to make communication straightforward and treatment as manageable as possible for families.

But connection isn’t only important with children.

Some of my adult patients have been self-conscious about their smile for decades. Some have demanding careers and families. Some are nervous about starting treatment. Others simply want someone to listen to what bothers them.

I try to understand the person sitting in my chair—not just their teeth.

From Engineer to Orthodontist

Before becoming an orthodontist, I was an engineer.

When I later pursued dentistry, orthodontics immediately appealed to me because much of it felt like engineering applied to biology.

We think about forces, vectors, anchorage, movement, growth, and structure.

But there’s another part of orthodontics I enjoy just as much: mentoring and connecting with people.

I talk with younger patients about school, sports, college, and what they want to become.

I talk with adults about their lives, careers, families, and goals. Sometimes I share stories about my own struggles and lessons I’ve learned.

Over the course of orthodontic treatment, we see each other many times. I want that journey to be a positive one.

So, Who Is the Best Orthodontist Near Me?

There isn’t one orthodontist who is automatically the best choice for every adult, child, or family.

If I were choosing an orthodontist for myself or one of my own children, I would look for someone who is:

I wouldn’t choose an orthodontist solely because someone has the biggest social-media presence, the lowest advertised price, or the office closest to my house.

I would choose the orthodontist I trusted to make thoughtful decisions for me or my family.

That’s the standard I try to provide to my own patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best orthodontist near me?

Look for an orthodontic specialist who explains your diagnosis clearly, discusses alternatives, remains personally involved in treatment, and considers your bite, function, esthetics, and long-term stability—not simply straight teeth.

Should adults see an orthodontist or a general dentist for Invisalign?

Both dentists and orthodontists may provide clear aligner treatment. An orthodontist has specialty training focused on tooth movement and bite correction. Adults should consider the complexity of their case and ask who will diagnose, plan, and monitor treatment.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. An early evaluation does not mean treatment must begin immediately. The purpose is to identify developing problems and determine the appropriate timing for treatment.

Are braces or Invisalign better?

Neither is universally better. Braces and Invisalign are different orthodontic tools. The appropriate choice depends on the movements required, bite, treatment goals, lifestyle, and individual diagnosis.

Does every child need Phase I orthodontic treatment?

No. Early orthodontic treatment can be very helpful when there is a specific problem that benefits from treatment during growth, but not every child needs Phase I treatment. In some cases, monitoring growth and eruption before starting treatment may be the better approach.

Should I get a second orthodontic opinion?

If you’re uncertain about a significant recommendation—particularly extractions, surgery, early treatment, or a complex treatment plan—another professional opinion can help you better understand your options before making a decision.