Why Choosing an Experienced Orthodontist in Lincoln Matters

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, experience is everything. Whether you’re getting braces for your child or looking into clear aligners for yourself, you deserve care that’s grounded in real expertise. But with so many providers offering braces and aligners these days, it’s easy to wonder: does it really matter who I see? The answer is yes, and here’s why choosing a board-certified orthodontist in Lincoln matters.

Not All Smile Providers Are the Same

There’s a big difference between getting orthodontic treatment from a general dentist and seeing a trained orthodontic specialist. While a dentist handles a wide range of oral health needs—cleanings, fillings, crowns, and more—an orthodontist spends years beyond dental school studying how to move teeth safely and predictably.

Think of it like this: if you needed heart surgery, you wouldn’t go to your general doctor. You’d find a specialist. Your smile deserves that same level of care.

At Clabaugh Orthodontics, your treatment is guided by Dr. Richard Clabaugh, who brings years of advanced training and experience to every case he treats. He considers facial balance, jaw development, and how your bite will function years from now, which is a level of care only a dedicated orthodontist can provide.

What Board Certification Really Means

You may have heard the term “board-certified” tossed around, but what does it actually mean when it comes to orthodontics?

Board certification is a voluntary credential through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It involves passing rigorous exams and presenting real patient cases that demonstrate not only clinical skill, but also judgment, ethics, and long-term treatment planning. Orthodontists must renew their certification regularly to stay current on techniques and standards of care.

Not all orthodontists pursue board certification because it’s above and beyond the requirements for licensure. But for Dr. Clabaugh, it was a must. He became board-certified in 2014 and has maintained that status ever since. Why? Because it’s one more way to give you the confidence that your care is truly top tier.

Benefits of Working with a Board-Certified Orthodontist

When you’re investing in orthodontic treatment, you want to know you’re in the best hands possible. That’s where board certification comes in. It’s not just a title. It changes the experience you’ll have as a patient, in ways you may not realize.

Here’s what you can expect when your orthodontist is board-certified:

1. Stronger Start-to-Finish Planning

Board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Clabaugh are trained to see the full picture. From your first consultation to your final retainer, they’re thinking about long-term function, rather than quick fixes. That means your treatment plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s based on your unique bone structure, bite, and smile goals.

You’ll get a treatment plan that’s more precise from the beginning, which means fewer surprises or mid-treatment course corrections. Less backtracking means faster results, and often, fewer appointments.

2. Fewer Complications, Better Outcomes

Orthodontic treatment can be complex. Teeth don’t always move as expected, and even small missteps can affect your results. Board-certified orthodontists are trained to anticipate problems before they happen to proactively guide your treatment and avoid delays or complications.

For you, that means better results with fewer headaches. No unnecessary refinements. No guesswork. Just a smooth, predictable experience that gets you to the finish line with confidence.

Why Choosing a Board-Certified Orthodontist in Lincoln Matters

3. Higher Standards of Safety and Comfort

Board-certified providers commit to following national best practices backed by the latest research and technology. That includes using safer materials, more comfortable appliances, and evidence-based protocols that are constantly being updated through continuing education.

The benefit to you? Treatment that’s not only more effective but also easier to live with. Whether it’s braces or aligners, a board-certified orthodontist knows how to adjust your care to reduce discomfort and make each phase as manageable as possible.

4. More Accountability, Greater Peace of Mind

Board certification means your orthodontist has voluntarily put their skills under a microscope and passed with flying colors. It also means they’ve committed to continuing that excellence throughout their career.

That level of accountability benefits you as a patient. Dr. Clabaugh has proven he’s consistently excellent at it and has made it his mission to keep getting better.

5. Better Communication and Confidence at Every Visit

When you’re working with a board-certified expert like Dr. Clabaugh, you tend to feel it from the very first appointment. Your questions get clearer answers. You understand your progress and what’s coming next. You know what to expect at each visit, and you’re not left wondering whether your case is on track.

That kind of clarity builds trust—and makes the whole process less stressful. For families juggling school pickups, sports, and work, that peace of mind is priceless.

6. You See the Same Expert at Every Visit

One of the biggest frustrations patients share about orthodontic treatment elsewhere is inconsistency. Different providers. Long wait times. Miscommunication. That doesn’t happen here.

At Clabaugh Orthodontics, you’ll see Dr. Clabaugh at every visit. He checks each adjustment, reviews your progress, and makes sure your treatment stays on track. There’s no guesswork, no passing the buck, and no wondering who’s in charge.

This hands-on approach is a big reason patients see faster, smoother results, and why many say they feel like family the moment they walk through the door.

A Lincoln Local Who Gives Back

Beyond his expertise in making patients smile, Dr. Clabaugh is also a Lincoln native who’s deeply rooted in this community. He graduated from Lincoln Christian School and earned his degrees from the University of Nebraska and the UNMC College of Dentistry right here in town. His residency and orthodontic training took him to Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, but he knew he wanted to come back to his home and serve the community that had helped him achieve his career goals.

You’ll also find families from neighborhoods all across Lincoln—Waterford Estates, Firethorn, Williamsburg, Colonial Hills, and more—choosing Clabaugh Orthodontics because they know they’ll be treated with kindness, integrity, and true expertise.

Why Choosing a Board-Certified Orthodontist in Lincoln Matters

Come Smile with the Experts

Orthodontic treatment is a big decision, one that impacts your confidence, your health, and your future. It’s not something to leave to chance. By choosing a board-certified, experienced orthodontist like Dr. Clabaugh, who sees you personally at every visit, you’re not just getting straighter teeth. You’re getting care that’s tailored to you, delivered with precision, and backed by years of proven success.

If you’re ready to work with a Lincoln expert who treats you like family, we’d love to meet you. Call or request your free consultation today and experience what expert care really feels like.