How to choose an orthodontist in Carrollton.
Carrollton has a lot of braces options: specialists along Hebron Parkway and Josey Lane, general dentists offering aligners, and aligner brands operating out of dental offices. Here's how to sort them.
By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS · Board-certified orthodontist · Reviewed October 2026First, make sure the person planning your treatment is an orthodontist, not a dentist who also offers braces. Then check board certification, ask who owns the practice, ask whether you'll see the same doctors each time, and look at finished cases from that office. Reviews and price come after.
- Orthodontist, or dentist offering braces? Any licensed dentist in Texas can offer braces or aligners. An orthodontist finished an extra two to three years of full-time residency in orthodontics. A sign that says "Dental and Orthodontics" could mean either, so ask who designs and supervises the treatment.
- Board certification. American Board of Orthodontics certification is voluntary. Earning it means passing a written exam and a clinical exam reviewed by other orthodontists, then renewing it. You can look anyone up on the ABO website. It's not the only sign of a good orthodontist, but it's an independent one.
- Ownership. A lot of orthodontic offices are now owned or backed by larger groups or private equity. That's not automatically bad. It does affect doctor turnover and who makes the call when something goes sideways. Websites rarely say, so ask.
- Same doctors every visit? Some offices rotate doctors. Some have one doctor plan the case while assistants handle most visits. Ask who you'll actually see.
- Language. If a family member would rather discuss treatment in Korean or another language, ask whether the doctor speaks it, not just the front desk.
- Real results. Ask for finished cases like yours, from that office. Not stock images or a manufacturer's gallery. Elate's gallery is all its own patients.
Dr. Baharvand also runs TheOrthodontistNearMe.com, a directory listing ownership and board certification for orthodontic practices, because this information is surprisingly hard to find.
A checklist to take with you
- Is the treating doctor an orthodontist? Board certified?
- Who owns the practice?
- Will I see the same doctors every visit?
- Can the doctor explain things in the language my family prefers?
- Can I see finished cases like mine?
- What exactly does the fee include? What's the retainer plan?
To be upfront again: we recommend Elate to Carrollton families because of how it answers this list, and because it's Dr. Baharvand's practice. The list works anywhere.
Who you'd see at Elate.
Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Boston University, then his orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University. AJO-DO cover clinician, Orthotown editorial board member, and a national lecturer on clear aligners. D Magazine Best Dentist 2026 and DFWChild Mom Approved 2026.
Dr. Julia Kang, DMD
First dental degree from Seoul National University in Korea, then a DMD from Boston University, with a clinical externship at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and orthodontic training at Jacksonville University. Speaks Korean. JCO Resident of the Year finalist. Named to topDentists for the Dallas area five years running, a list chosen by other dentists.
Common questions
How do I check if an orthodontist is board certified?
You can look up any orthodontist on the American Board of Orthodontics website at americanboardortho.com.
Does it matter who owns an orthodontic practice?
Ownership can affect doctor turnover, appointment length, and who makes decisions. Ask the office directly who owns it.
Talk to an orthodontist near Carrollton.
The first visit at Elate Orthodontics is free, in English or Korean. Scans, an exam with the doctor, and exact pricing.