Orthodontists: Top Procedures, Stats, and How to Find the Right Specialist (2026 Guide)
December 5, 2025 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Stats refreshed August 2026
A patient-friendly guide to orthodontists — what specialists do, the most common procedures (invisalign and clear aligners, traditional metal braces, ceramic and lingual braces), and what to look for when choosing one.
Braces, Invisalign, and bite correction for all ages. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a orthodontists specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Invisalign and clear aligners
Removable trays for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues.
Traditional metal braces
Highest precision for complex tooth movements and growing patients.
Ceramic and lingual braces
Lower-visibility alternatives for adults.
Early-intervention orthodontics (Phase I)
Expanders and partial braces in children ages 7–10 to guide jaw growth.
Surgical orthodontics
Combined orthodontic-orthognathic care for severe skeletal discrepancies.
By the numbers
Updated August 2026- Approximately 25% of all orthodontic patients in the U.S. are adults, reflecting a significant shift toward elective aesthetic alignment (American Association of Orthodontists).
- Over 4 million people in the U.S. are wearing braces at any given time, with clear aligner adoption growing by 12% annually (American Board of Orthodontics).
- Early orthodontic screening is now recommended for all children by age 7 to identify developmental issues before permanent teeth fully emerge (American Association of Orthodontists).
- Nearly 80% of adult patients choose clear aligners or ceramic braces over traditional metal brackets for improved social confidence (American Association of Orthodontists).
Trending this month: Patients in 2026 are overwhelmingly choosing clear aligners and lingual braces to maintain a professional appearance. The rise of hybrid treatment plans—combining brief metal bracing with aligner finishing—is maximizing efficiency and convenience.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A orthodontists provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter orthodontists specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Invisalign vs braces?
Aligners excel for mild-to-moderate cases and esthetics; braces handle complex root movement and severe rotations more predictably.
When should kids see an orthodontist?
By age 7 — even if no treatment is needed yet, early screening flags issues that benefit from interceptive care.
Topics covered