Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision, and you deserve care that reflects the highest standards in the field. For our doctors at Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates (CMOA), board certification is an important commitment to excellence that benefits you at every stage of your treatment.
Understanding Orthodontic Certification: Why Board Certification Counts
Orthodontists are never board-certified by default—only about one-third of practicing orthodontists in the United States complete the rigorous process of board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This extra step is a doctor’s choice to pursue and reflects a dedication to delivering the best care possible.
When you choose a board-certified orthodontist, you’re working with a professional who has:
- Completed advanced specialty education in orthodontics
- Passed a comprehensive set of written and clinical exams
- Demonstrated mastery of current orthodontic techniques and ethics
- Committed to a lifelong process of learning and periodic recertification
And this is all achieved in addition to:
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of dental school
- 3 years of orthodontic residency
- A number of subsequent years of experience at an orthodontic practice
At CMOA, Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos have achieved this prestigious status. Your smile is in the hands of highly trained specialists who’ve proven their expertise in theory and clinical practice at our three offices.
How Board Certification Enhances Care for Children and Complex Cases
When selecting an orthodontist for your child or for a more complex treatment plan, board certification offers a valuable extra layer of trust and expertise.
For Children:
- Growth-focused expertise – Certified orthodontists are trained to monitor jaw and dental development, identifying the ideal time for intervention.
- Preventive approach – We can spot potential issues early and guide the eruption of permanent teeth, often avoiding more invasive treatments later.
- Comfort and communication – Board-certified orthodontists are held to high standards of patient-centered care, especially important when working with children and families.
For Complex Cases:
- Advanced case planning – Certification promises proficiency in handling complex bite issues, jaw misalignment, impacted teeth, and other difficult scenarios.
- Custom treatment strategies – Certified providers like ours are far more likely to offer tailored solutions using the latest tools and techniques, as opposed to standardized treatments.
- Precision and efficiency – Our practice’s level of expertise often leads to more accurate diagnoses and better-managed timelines, reducing the risk of complications or extended treatment.
Picking a board-certified orthodontist means partnering with someone who brings added training, accountability, and clinical excellence—and these factors all make a real difference in the outcome of your family’s treatment.
Personalized Service That Puts You First
From your very first call to our practice, all the way to the day you complete your treatment, we make your comfort and satisfaction our top priorities. At Central Mass Orthodontic Associates, personalized care is our philosophy.
Here’s how we do it:
- We review your photos, X-rays, and medical history in detail.
- Your orthodontist will design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
- You’ll get to choose from several options, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign.
- We’ll take the time to explain each option, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your decisions.
Our team knows orthodontic care is an investment of time, money, and effort, and we want you to feel completely confident in your experience with us every step of the way.
The More You Know
Besides our board-certified status, our teams at Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates provide special benefits to our patients that cannot be found at just any orthodontist’s office!
- We offer same-day treatment starts for many patients, so if you’re ready to move forward after your consultation, there’s no need to wait. This streamlined approach saves you time and gets your smile transformation underway faster.
- We understand that affordability matters. That’s why CMOA provides flexible financing options and works with a wide range of insurance providers to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and customize a payment plan that fits your budget. You can read more about this in this previous blog.
- Above all, we’re committed to delivering outstanding results using the latest in advanced orthodontic technology. From 3D digital imaging to a mastery of Invisalign, our tools and techniques are designed to enhance comfort, precision, and efficiency.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
With our combined experience, we can guarantee phenomenal service to new and returning patients at all three of our Central Mass Orthodontic Associates locations. We would love to hear from you soon to schedule your first appointment with us in Worcester, Auburn, and Spencer.