Why Choosing the Right Orthodontist Matters
Orthodontic treatment is a meaningful investment — in time, in health, and in confidence. Whether you're considering braces or Invisalign for your child, a teenager evaluating their options, or an adult ready to finally address that long-standing concern, the orthodontist you choose will guide you through a process that typically spans one to three years. Getting that relationship right from the start makes a significant difference in both your experience and your outcome.
For families across Elk Grove, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Laguna, Sheldon, and Wilton, Elk Grove Orthodontics has been a trusted choice since 1981. Here's what to look for — and why it matters.
Start with Credentials and Specialization
Not all dental providers who offer orthodontic services are actually orthodontists. A licensed orthodontist has completed dental school and then pursued an additional two to three years of accredited residency training specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This additional education covers the biomechanics of tooth movement, skeletal development, and treatment planning in ways that general dental training doesn't address.
When evaluating an orthodontist, confirm that they are a specialist — not a general dentist offering braces as an add-on service. Dr. Matthew Sandretti and Dr. Rollofson at Elk Grove Orthodontics are dedicated specialists whose practice is focused entirely on orthodontic care, bringing decades of combined experience to every patient they treat.
Look for a Full Range of Treatment Options
The right orthodontist won't steer every patient toward the same treatment regardless of their needs. A quality practice offers the full spectrum of options and helps each patient find the approach that fits their clinical situation, lifestyle, and goals:
- Traditional metal braces — still the most versatile option for complex cases, and significantly more comfortable than older designs
- Clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) — removable, nearly invisible aligners suited for many teen and adult cases; Elk Grove Orthodontics holds Invisalign Platinum Provider status, reflecting a high volume of successfully treated cases
- Early orthodontic treatment — interceptive care for children as young as 7, which can address jaw development and spacing issues before they become more complex
- Surgical orthodontics — for cases involving significant skeletal discrepancies, coordinated with oral surgery
- Palatal expanders and specialty appliances — to guide jaw development and create space without extractions when appropriate
Elk Grove Orthodontics also offers specialized services that few practices provide, including orthodontic care for patients with cleft palate and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) — a technique used for newborns with cleft conditions that can reduce the complexity of future surgical correction.
Modern Technology Leads to Better, More Predictable Results
The tools an orthodontic practice uses directly affect the accuracy of diagnosis and the precision of treatment. Ask about digital imaging, 3D scanning, and treatment simulation capabilities. Elk Grove Orthodontics uses the iTero® digital scanning system, which creates highly accurate 3D models of your teeth without the mess of traditional dental impressions. For Invisalign patients, iTero also enables a simulation that shows your projected treatment outcome before you begin — so you can see your likely result before committing.
Digital records are more precise, more comfortable, and allow for better communication between the orthodontist, lab, and referring dental providers.
Experience and Longevity in the Community
Longevity matters in healthcare. A practice that has been serving a community for decades has navigated thousands of cases across a wide range of complexities. Elk Grove Orthodontics has been practicing since 1981 — over four decades of treating families throughout the Elk Grove, Laguna, Sheldon, Wilton, Galt, and greater Sacramento area. That experience translates directly into better clinical judgment, especially in complex or unusual cases.
Equally important is a practice that stays current. Long-standing practices that invest in updated training and technology offer the best of both worlds: the judgment that comes from experience and the techniques that reflect current standards of care.
Patient Experience and Communication
Orthodontic treatment works best when patients feel comfortable asking questions and understand what's happening at each stage. Look for a practice where the doctors take time to explain your options, answer your concerns, and build a genuine relationship — particularly important for younger patients who may feel anxious about treatment.
Dr. Sandretti and Dr. Rollofson built their practice around this philosophy. The emphasis on trust-based, patient-centered communication runs through every aspect of their care — from the initial consultation through retention and follow-up.
Practical Considerations: Insurance, Scheduling, and Access
Even the best orthodontist won't be the right fit if the logistics don't work for your family. As you evaluate your options, consider:
- Insurance participation: Does the practice accept your dental insurance, and how do they handle the billing process?
- Flexible payment options: Quality orthodontic care should be accessible. Elk Grove Orthodontics accepts major insurance plans and offers flexible payment arrangements.
- Convenient location: A practice that's easy to reach from your home, work, or your child's school reduces the friction of keeping appointments consistently — which matters over a multi-year treatment timeline.
- Emergency availability: Orthodontic emergencies happen. Does the practice offer prompt care for broken brackets or wires?
Located at 9727 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Suite 280, Elk Grove Orthodontics is conveniently accessible to patients throughout Elk Grove, Laguna, Sheldon, Wilton, Rancho Cordova, South Sacramento, and the surrounding region.
Schedule a Consultation — No Commitment Required
The best way to evaluate an orthodontist is to meet them. A consultation gives you the opportunity to see the practice, meet the doctors and team, and hear a treatment recommendation before making any decisions. Most quality orthodontic practices — including Elk Grove Orthodontics — offer initial consultations at no charge.
If you're searching for an experienced, trusted orthodontist serving Elk Grove, Sacramento, Laguna, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Sheldon, Wilton, or Galt, we invite you to come in and see why families have chosen us since 1981.
Call (916) 685-2164 to schedule your complimentary consultation, or visit us at 9727 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Suite 280, Elk Grove, CA 95624.