The Difference
What Makes the Best Orthodontist? How to Find the Right One for Your Family
The best orthodontist is a board-certified specialist — not a general dentist offering braces on the side — with advanced training in how teeth move and jaws develop, modern technology that improves precision and reduces chair time, and a treatment approach built around your specific case rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
At Aubrey Barrett Orthodontics, we’ve built both our El Cerrito and Pittsburg offices around exactly those standards. Here’s what to look for — and how we measure up.
Personalized Care That Makes You Feel Like Family
Cookie-cutter treatment plans are one of the most common complaints patients have about high-volume orthodontic chains. When a practice sees 80+ patients a day across rotating providers, your treatment gets standardized.
The best orthodontists treat each case individually — because bite problems, jaw development, and growth timing are genuinely different for every patient.
We’re not just here to straighten teeth—we’re here to build lasting relationships.
Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs, ensuring your orthodontic journey is smooth, comfortable, and tailored just for you. Families trust us because we create a fun, friendly environment where patients feel like family, not just another appointment on the calendar.
This is one of the core reasons families choose a local independent practice over a chain.
The Technology That Separates Good Results from Great Ones
What sets us apart as the best orthodontist in El Cerrito and Pittsburg? Our commitment to using the latest technology to make your treatment as effective and efficient as possible. With these cutting-edge tools, we deliver faster results with greater comfort and precision. We utilize:
Digital Monitoring Technology:
Our digital monitoring technology lets patients check in remotely between visits, which means we catch small issues early and many patients need fewer in-office appointments. For busy families in El Cerrito and Pittsburg, fewer trips without sacrificing results is a meaningful difference.
Invisalign Clear Aligners:
Discreet, comfortable, and effective for all ages. Braces are not the ONLY option for anyone. All patients are candidates for clear aligners or braces.
iTero Digital Scanners:
Our iTero digital scanner creates a precise 3D model of your teeth and bite without the messy putty impressions most people remember. It’s more comfortable, faster, and more accurate — which means better treatment planning from day one.
Low-Radiation Digital X-rays:
Low-radiation digital X-rays give us the detail we need to see roots, jaw structure, and teeth that haven’t erupted yet — all with a fraction of the radiation of traditional X-rays.
Board Certification and Specialty Training: Why It's Non-Negotiable
Not every provider offering braces or Invisalign has completed a full orthodontic residency. General dentists can legally offer orthodontic treatment after weekend certification courses — which is why asking about training matters.
The American Association of Orthodontists sets the standard: a true orthodontic specialist completes dental school plus a minimum of two to three years in an accredited residency focused entirely on tooth movement, bite alignment, and jaw development.
Dr. Barrett completed her orthodontic training at the University of Michigan’s Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies — one of the most competitive and respected programs in the country.
Her research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the field’s leading peer-reviewed journal.
That research background isn’t just a credential — it means her treatment decisions are grounded in evidence, not just habit.
Patients love Dr. Barrett’s fun, approachable style and her ability to make every appointment a positive experience.
Convenient, Flexible Financing Options
Our team is always available to answer your questions and ensure you’re comfortable with your financial plan. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality orthodontic care without financial stress. That’s why we offer flexible financing options designed to fit your budget:
Custom Payment Plans
Plans are tailored to your financial needs.
Interest-Free Financing
Spread out payments without extra costs.
Multiple Payment Methods
We accept cash, credit cards, and Care Credit.
Insurance Assistance
Along with your insurance provider we help you maximize your benefits.
What "Best-Rated" Actually Means (and Why Reviews Matter)
Online reviews for orthodontic practices are worth reading closely — not just for the star rating, but for what patients say about communication, how their questions were handled, and whether they felt like an individual or a number. The patterns in reviews tell you more than any marketing claim.
Our reputation as the best orthodontist in the area is built on years of delivering outstanding care and creating positive experiences for our patients. We’re committed to excellence in everything we do, from the technology we use to the relationships we build.
Creating Beautiful Smiles for All Ages
Whether you’re looking for braces for your child, Invisalign for your teen, or orthodontic treatment as an adult, we have the expertise to meet your needs.
We specialize in creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about appearance—it’s about improving oral health, boosting confidence, and enhancing quality of life. Our comprehensive care ensures that every patient achieves the best possible results.
See the Results for Yourself – Patient Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from the families who have trusted us with their smiles:
Check out our before-and-after gallery to see the incredible transformations we’ve helped our patients achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an orthodontist the "best"?
The best orthodontists are board-certified specialists with accredited residency training — not general dentists who’ve added orthodontic services. Beyond credentials, look for modern technology (digital scanning, digital X-rays), personalized treatment plans, transparent pricing, and a team that communicates clearly at every appointment.
How is an orthodontist different from a dentist?
An orthodontist completes dental school plus two to three additional years of specialized training in tooth movement, jaw development, and bite alignment. General dentists focus on overall oral health and preventative care. For braces or Invisalign, you want a specialist — not a generalist.
How do I know if an orthodontist is right for my family?
Start with a free consultation. A good orthodontist will examine your teeth, explain what they find in plain language, walk you through your options honestly, and give you a personalized treatment plan — with no pressure to start the same day. If the visit feels like a sales pitch rather than a professional evaluation, that tells you something.
Does the best orthodontist have to be nearby?
Proximity matters more than most people realize. Orthodontic treatment involves 15–20 appointments over 12–24 months. A practice that’s convenient to reach means fewer missed appointments, easier emergency access, and a care team that becomes genuinely familiar with your child over time. Here’s why local matters.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with the Best Orthodontist in El Cerrito and Pittsburg
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Book a FREE consultation with Dr. Aubrey Barrett today and discover why families across El Cerrito and Pittsburg trust us for their orthodontic care.