Why It Matters to Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist

Trying to choose an orthodontist but feel like you’re winging it? It’s more common than you think, especially when every provider seems to check all the right boxes. Around Zionsville and the greater Boone County area, patients often ask what really makes one orthodontist stand out. Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics has built its reputation on more than just credentials. Before we get into what that means, let’s start with the people behind the care: Dr. Ashcraft and Dr. Wong.

Meet the Experts Behind the Smiles

Dr. Ashcraft and Dr. Wong are all about creating an experience that feels easy, thoughtful, and even a little fun. They’re proud to offer care that’s personalized from the start.

Dr. Ashcraft brings decades of orthodontic experience, a strong background in biology and orthodontics, and a genuine passion for building patient confidence. His approach? Practical, precise, and always upbeat. He’s also deeply involved in the community and committed to ongoing learning through dental study clubs and continuing education.

Dr. Wong is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as President of the Indiana Association of Orthodontists. She also teaches part-time at the Indiana University School of Dentistry Orthodontic Residency Program. With a background in psychology and art, she brings an eye for symmetry and detail to every smile she designs.

Their combined experience and friendly, approachable personalities set the tone for every visit. 

Up next: what board certification actually means and why it matters for your family.

What Does “Board-Certified” Really Mean?

Being licensed to practice orthodontics requires dental school and orthodontic residency. Board certification is a whole different level. It’s an optional, voluntary process through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), and only a percentage of orthodontists take it on.

Dr. Wong is board certified by the ABO, which means she’s gone through one of the most rigorous evaluations in the field. To earn that distinction, orthodontists must:

  • Pass a comprehensive written exam on diagnostics, biomechanics, and treatment planning
  • Submit detailed case studies with real patient outcomes for peer review
  • Demonstrate consistently high standards of care across multiple types of cases
  • Recertify regularly to stay current with evolving practices and technology

It’s a multi-year process that reflects a deep commitment to excellence, and Dr. Wong brings that mindset to every smile she helps shape.

So what does that look like when it comes to your care?

What It Means for Your Care

Board certification shapes how every step of care is delivered. And at Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics, patients can feel the difference.

More Insightful Evaluations

Board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Wong are trained to catch the details that others might overlook. She evaluates not just the position of your teeth, but how your bite, jaw movement, and facial structure all work together. This level of insight is especially valuable when designing treatment with Clarity™ Aligners or planning early intervention for growing kids.

More Strategic Planning

No two smiles are the same. Whether you’re getting traditional metal braces, clear ceramic brackets, or hybrid treatment, Dr. Wong’s board-certified approach means your plan is designed with both aesthetics and long-term function in mind.

Higher Standards, Every Step

From your first digital scan to your final retainer check, precision and consistency guide everything. Treatment is delivered with care, not rushed, and built around what works best for your timeline and goals.

Clear, Confident Communication

One of the things patients appreciate most? How clearly everything is explained. Dr. Ashcraft and Dr. Wong walk through each step of treatment so you always understand what’s happening and why.

Let’s take it one step further, because great credentials are just one part of what makes care truly exceptional.

Why It Matters to Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist

How to Know You’re in Good Hands

Whether or not your orthodontist is board-certified, there are signs you’re in the right place, and Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics checks all the boxes.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a provider for yourself or your child:

A Strong Educational Foundation

  • Both doctors completed advanced orthodontic residencies and are active in professional study clubs and associations.
  • Dr. Wong teaches orthodontics and keeps up with the latest research, tools, and techniques.

Real-World Results

  • Customized care is at the heart of every plan. No two smiles are treated the same way, because no two people are.
  • The team proudly shares before-and-after photos, success stories, and testimonials from families across Zionsville and Boone County.

A Positive Patient Experience

  • Expect a warm welcome, upbeat atmosphere, and down-to-earth communication every step of the way.
  • Patients often work with the same team members at each visit, creating a sense of consistency and comfort.
  • Questions are encouraged, and treatment timelines are explained in a way that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Still wondering what kind of orthodontist is right for you? Let’s zoom in on what makes the local experience matter even more.

Why Local Expertise Makes a Lasting Difference

Board certification is important, but it’s not the only thing that defines great care. What really sets Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics apart is how they make you feel when you’re in the chair (and long after you leave it).

  • You’re never treated like a number
  • Every detail is tailored to your needs
  • There’s zero pressure and a whole lot of encouragement

The team supports local schools, sponsors sports teams and fundraisers, and gives back through initiatives like Wheeler Mission and the Give a Smile Foundation. Patients know them as trusted professionals, but also as real people who care about the community.

Ready to partner with a team that knows the science and never forgets the human side? Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics is here for you!

Why It Matters to Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist

Orthodontics That Just Feels Right

Credentials open the door, but it’s the experience that keeps patients coming back to Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics. Dr. Ashcraft and Dr. Wong bring decades of experience, personalized care, and a genuine passion for helping patients feel confident every step of the way. With offices in Zionsville and Lebanon, they make it easy to access expert-led treatment that fits your life. Book your consultation today and see how comfortable, thoughtful orthodontic care can make all the difference.