Choosing an orthodontist can be a tough call to make. After all, this is the person who will help shape your smile for the rest of your life—no pressure!
So, how do you know you’re in the right hands? One of the most important indicators is something called board certification. Icon Orthodontics wants to give you the rundown on what this important level of qualification means.
Not All Orthodontists Are Created Equal
Every working orthodontist must complete dental school, followed by several years of specialty training in orthodontics. But board certification is a whole extra layer of commitment.
Only a fraction of orthodontists go on to pursue certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It’s a rigorous, voluntary process that requires:
- A comprehensive written exam
- Clinical case presentations judged by a panel of experts
- Continuous renewal every 10 years to stay current with the latest practices
Why Board Certification Benefits You
So how does this impact your treatment experience? Simply put, board certification gives you and your family an added layer of reassurance. It reflects a proven commitment to quality, precision, and patient-centered care.
When you work with a board-certified orthodontist, you can expect:
- Expertise with complex and specialized cases
- Treatment plans grounded in research and best practices
- Up-to-date knowledge of new technologies and techniques
- Stronger diagnostic skills and attention to detail
Whether you’re pursuing clear aligners, braces, or a more advanced orthodontic correction, board certification means your orthodontist has the training—and the motivation—to do it right every single time.
Meet Your Board-Certified Icon Orthodontists
- Dr. Andrew Sarpotdar—fondly known as Dr. Sarpo—is a respected leader in the field of orthodontics. After completing his training at BYU, UCLA School of Dentistry, and Columbia University (where he served as Chief Resident), he went on to found Icon Orthodontics in Surprise, AZ. A passionate innovator and educator, Dr. Sarpo also founded Orthodontic Pearls, the largest online study group of its kind, and hosts the nationally attended Mother of Pearls Conference.
- Dr. Jenny Sun, a native of Arizona, brings warmth, skill, and exceptional credentials to every patient interaction. She holds a degree in Biochemistry from Arizona State and completed her orthodontic training at Tufts University in Boston. Dr. Sun is KOIS-trained and bilingual in English and Chinese, helping patients feel understood and empowered at every visit.
Both of our doctors at Icon Orthodontics exemplify what it means to be board-certified; they have left a tangible impact on our community, as well as on the broader field of orthodontics. You can read some of their published articles and listen to featured podcast episodes here.
A Word of Caution
With more general dentists offering orthodontic services and a surge of DIY and mail-order clear aligner companies, it’s more important than ever to know who’s really managing your treatment. Remember:
- Without the advanced training orthodontists receive—and without the added rigor of board certification—your smile could be left in less capable hands. That can mean longer treatment, disappointing results, or even damage that needs correcting later.
- Trying to pursue clear aligner therapy without the oversight of a professional is not recommended. Too much can (and will) go wrong.
- Choosing a board-certified orthodontist helps you cut through the noise and invest in care that’s proven, trusted, and tailored to you.
Care You Can Trust In
With Icon Orthodontics, your smile can be safely protected for the future with Guarantee My Smile, an optional 5-year warranty designed to safeguard your results. This plan covers two primary areas: affordable retainer replacement and access to re-treatment with braces if needed.
- Retainer Replacement: Get up to one set of retainers per quarter for just $40 each (regularly $460), using your personalized 3D-printed model for accurate reproduction. Just bring in your model when needed—no questions asked.
- Braces Re-Treatment: Want to touch up your smile within five years of finishing treatment? You can restart traditional braces for only $189/month until treatment is complete, which is practically unheard of.
This added degree of protection offers peace of mind and helps you preserve the smile you worked so hard to achieve. It’s a smart, affordable way to extend the value of your orthodontic care—and it’s something that isn’t offered everywhere.
Standing Up and Standing Out
Trying to search the Internet for a local orthodontic provider can be an exhaustive process, we know. But Icon Orthodontics really is in a league of its own. We’d love for you to read some of the comments left by our patients, who have shared their experiences.
Regardless of your age, your background, or your financial situation, we want to see you and work with you. Please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation in Glendale or Surprise!