Written by Dr. Sogol Sghatoleslami, Orthodontist in Everett, WA
A confident, healthy smile is more than just an aesthetic asset; it’s a vital part of your overall well-being and how you present yourself to the world. When you decide to invest in orthodontic care for yourself or your child, you’re making a significant decision about your health and future. This journey begins with a fundamental choice: Who will you trust to guide you?
While many dental offices offer braces or Invisalign ( clear aligners), understanding the profound difference between a general dentist and a board-certified orthodontist like Dr.Sogol at Align Choice Orthodontics is the first step toward achieving the best possible results. Furthermore, in an age of advanced options like Invisalign, choosing a top-tier provider ensures you are receiving care from a true expert in modern alignment technology.
At Align Choice Orthodontics, we serve patients from Everett, Silver Lake, Snohomish, Bothell, and beyond, and we are passionate about empowering you with knowledge. Our philosophy is simple: Your Smile, Your Choice. This post will illuminate the crucial distinction between dental professionals, introduce you to the elite expertise of our Orthodontist, Dr. Sogol Seghatoleslami, DDS and help you confidently choose the right path for your orthodontic journey, including Invisalign and Braces.
The Critical Difference: Dentist vs. Orthodontist
Many people understandably believe that dentists and orthodontists are interchangeable. After all, both are doctors who work on teeth and are dedicated to oral health. However, while they share a common foundation, their training, focus, and scope of practice are distinctly different. Think of it this way: your family physician is brilliant for your general health, but for a complex heart issue, you would seek a cardiologist. The same principle applies here as an orthodontist like Dr. Sogol in Everett. She is a dentist who specializes in orthodontics and has become an orthodontist.
The Role of Your General Dentist
Your general or family dentist is your primary care provider for oral health. They are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of oral health issues, including fillings, crowns, and managing gum disease. They are the frontline guardians of your oral health, and a strong relationship with your dentist is crucial. While some general dentists may offer orthodontic services, this does not mean they have the same level of specialized training as an orthodontist.
The Orthodontist: A Specialist in Alignment and Bite with Invisalign and Braces
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has dedicated years of additional full-time study exclusively to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This is the art and science of moving teeth, aligning jaws, and guiding facial development.
The Path to Specialization:
Every orthodontist, like Dr. Sogol, begins as a dentist. But their journey doesn’t stop there. After completing four years of dental school, an aspiring orthodontist must be accepted into a competitive, accredited orthodontic residency program. This involves an additional two to three years ( Dr. Sogol chose 3 3-year program ) of intensive, full-time training—that’s over 3,700 hours of specialized education focused on a single subject: creating healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. This rigorous training provides a deep understanding of complex biological processes, including tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite function, and how to use clear aligners like Invisalign or Braces to achieve that goal.
Only an orthodontist who has completed this accredited residency can become a member of the prestigious American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). When you choose an AAO orthodontist, you are choosing a specialist with the highest level of training and expertise in the field.
Meet Your Everett Orthodontist: Dr. Sogol Seghatoleslami, DDS, MS
Establishing trust begins with transparency and expertise. At Align Choice Orthodontics, your care is led by Dr. Sogol Seghatoleslami, a dedicated orthodontist specialist who embodies the principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
A Legacy of Expertise and Passion
Dr. Sogol’s passion for dentistry is a family tradition. This lifelong immersion in oral health fostered a deep commitment to patient care. Originally from California, she earned her Master’s degree from UCLA and pursued advanced clinical training specifically in orthodontics. With over 15 years of research experience, she remains at the cutting edge of advancements, ensuring her patients in Everett, Millcreek, and Marysville receive the most effective and modern care.
The Gold Standard: A Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Sogol is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This is a distinction that goes far beyond the mandatory requirements for practicing orthodontics. Board certification is a voluntary, rigorous process that an orthodontist undertakes to demonstrate their profound knowledge and clinical excellence. It involves passing a demanding written exam and presenting successfully treated cases to a panel of expert peers for critical review.
What does this mean for you? It signifies that Dr. Sogol has made a personal and public commitment to the highest standards of care. Only about one in three orthodontists in the U.S. achieve this prestigious certification. Choosing a board-certified orthodontist is your assurance that your doctor is dedicated to lifelong learning and proven excellence.
A Top-Tier Invisalign Provider: Experience You Can Trust
In addition to her board certification, Dr. Sogol is recognized as a top-tier Invisalign provider. The Invisalign system ranks providers in tiers (like Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) based on the number of patients they successfully treat each year. Reaching a top tier is a direct reflection of immense experience and expertise.
What does this mean for you? Choosing a top-tier provider means you are partnering with an expert who has treated a vast range of cases, from simple to highly complex, with clear aligners. This experience allows for more predictable results, refined treatment planning, and the skill to handle unique orthodontic challenges. You can be confident that you are receiving care from one of the most seasoned Invisalign experts in the Everett and Snohomish County region.
Authority Through Affiliation
Dr. Sogol’s expertise is recognized by the leading organizations in her field. She is a proud member of the:
- American Association of Orthodontics (AAO)
- American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- College of Diplomates1 of the ABO (CDABO)
The Align Choice Difference: Why Patients from Bothell to Arlington and Mill Creek Choose Us
We believe that exceptional orthodontic care is a blend of elite science and genuine human connection. Here’s what sets Align Choice Orthodontics apart:
- State-of-the-Art Technology, Expertly Applied: We utilize the latest digital imaging and 3D scanning. In the hands of a top-tier Invisalign provider like Dr. Sogol, this technology is leveraged to its full potential, leading to highly accurate and customized treatment plans.
- Comprehensive, Holistic Services: Our practice is unique. Dr. Sogol practices alongside her husband, Dr. Naghibi, an orofacial pain specialist. This allows us to offer integrated care for related conditions like TMJ disorders and provide oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. We don’t just straighten teeth; we align your oral health with your overall well-being.
- Personalized Attention and Choice: From your first consultation for braces or Invisalign, you are the center of the conversation. Dr. Sogol and her team take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and concerns. We present all viable options and empower you to make an informed choice.
- Affordable and Flexible Financial Plans: We believe a beautiful, healthy smile should be accessible. Our team is skilled at creating flexible financial plans that fit your budget, ensuring that cost does not stand in the way of quality care. Start as $97/M. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
A: No, you do not. While many dentists refer their patients to us, you are welcome to schedule a consultation directly.
Q: Why should I choose a top-tier Invisalign provider?
A: Experience is paramount. A top-tier provider has successfully treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign, giving them unparalleled insight into managing a wide variety of cases. This expertise often leads to more efficient treatment and the ability to confidently handle complex alignments that less experienced providers might not be equipped for.
Q: The AAO recommends a check-up at age 7. Why so early?
A: An orthodontic check-up by age 7 allows a specialist like Dr. Sogol to evaluate your child’s dental and facial development at a crucial stage. Early evaluation can identify subtle problems with jaw growth, potentially preventing more serious, complex, and costly problems later in life.
Q: I’m an adult who has always wanted a straighter smile. Is it too late for me?
A: Absolutely not! Today, nearly one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. As a top-tier Invisalign provider, Dr. Sogol offers a variety of aesthetic treatment options that fit seamlessly into a professional and active adult lifestyle.
Your Smile, Your Choice, Our Unmatched Expertise
Choosing to begin an orthodontic journey is an exciting step. The most critical decision you’ll make is selecting a qualified specialist who can deliver safe, effective, and lasting results. By choosing Dr. Sogol Seghatoleslami, you are selecting a board-certified orthodontist and a top-tier Invisalign provider—a combination that represents the pinnacle of specialized training and real-world experience.
At Align Choice Orthodontics, we combine this elite expertise with a patient-first philosophy that respects your individual needs and goals. We are proud to create beautiful smiles for our neighbors in Everett, Silver Lake, Snohomish, Bothell, Mill creek, Lynnwood, Marysville, and Arlington.
Ready to align your smile with your dreams? Contact Align Choice Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Sogol. Let’s start your journey to a healthier, more confident you.