“Board-certified.” You’ve probably seen it on signs, websites, and even embroidered on scrubs. But what does it actually mean in the world of orthodontics? Dr. William Kottemann, Dr. Kraig Kottemann, Dr. Scott Kottemann, Dr. Angela Bukstein, and Dr. Alisha Holt at Kottemann Orthodontics wear those credentials as proof of their commitment to doing things the right way, with extra training, deeper knowledge, and a shared focus on patient-first care. Let’s look at what it takes to become board-certified and what it means for you and your family.
What Does “Board-Certified” Really Mean?
Becoming an orthodontist already takes years of schooling, clinical residency, and advanced training. But board certification? That’s an extra layer earned only by those who go beyond the standard requirements to demonstrate clinical skill, precision, and a commitment to quality.
To earn certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, doctors must complete:
- A rigorous written exam covering all aspects of orthodontics
- A peer-reviewed presentation of treated cases, showing consistent, high-quality outcomes
- Ongoing continuing education and re-certification to stay current with evolving standards and techniques
It’s not a one-and-done badge. It’s proof that your orthodontist has chosen to hold themselves to the highest standards, not just once, but continually. Coming up next, we’ll spotlight how that extra effort directly impacts your experience at Kottemann Orthodontics.
How It Shows Up in the Chair
You may not notice board certification hanging on the wall, but you’ll feel it in the way your orthodontist handles your care from the first consultation to the final retainer check. At Kottemann Orthodontics, patients in Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, and Plymouth benefit from a team that brings board-level precision into every exam, conversation, and treatment plan.
What does that look like in real life?
- Clear explanations without confusing jargon
- Thoughtful planning with your long-term oral health in mind
- A calm, confident approach even in complex cases
- Treatment options tailored to your goals and lifestyle
Dr. William Kottemann, Dr. Kraig Kottemann, Dr. Scott Kottemann, Dr. Alisha Holt, and Dr. Angela Bukstein each bring years of experience and board-certification-backed insight to every visit. Up next, we’ll break down how this experience shapes your treatment options and the results you can expect.
Experience That Shows in Every Option
Being board-certified means your orthodontist brings insight, precision, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. At Kottemann Orthodontics, that level of care is built into every treatment, from Plymouth to Orono, Maple Grove to Chaska. Our team uses its combined expertise to tailor plans that make sense for real life.
Treatment Options Backed by Expertise
Durable, efficient, and better looking than ever, these are great for kids, teens, and adults alike.
A lower-profile alternative that blends in with your teeth while offering the same reliability.
Removable trays that fit busy schedules and offer more flexibility at mealtimes or big events. As a Diamond Plus provider, Kottemann Orthodontics is in the top 1% of Invisalign practices nationwide.
Options like AcceleDent, Propel, and OrthoPulse can help shorten treatment time with gentle, high-frequency stimulation.
For younger patients, this early intervention helps guide development while minimizing more complex treatment later on.
Our doctors have the training and tools to care for patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial conditions, and other complex medical needs like tumors or trauma.
Board-certified care helps shape every step of the experience. So what does all this extra training mean for your day-to-day? Let’s step back and look at how board-certified care impacts families in real life.
Why It Matters for Families
Board certification may sound like a technical detail, but for parents around Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, and Plymouth, it often shows up in the form of less stress and more clarity. With a board-certified team like Kottemann Orthodontics, you’re getting smoother visits, straightforward treatment plans, and a process that feels manageable, even during your busiest seasons.
It also means fewer delays and a clearer path forward. Kids and teens get the care they need without unnecessary guesswork, and parents get real peace of mind knowing every decision is backed by deep expertise.
Whether your teen is juggling lacrosse practice at Minnetonka High or after-school theater rehearsal, you can feel confident knowing their orthodontic care is in capable hands.
Up next, we’ll take a closer look at how this experience makes a difference in more complex cases.
When Experience Matters Most
Not every orthodontic case is routine. For patients with complex needs, board certification can make the difference between a plan that works and one that stalls out. The team at Kottemann Orthodontics is no stranger to treating more advanced or medically involved cases, and their training helps them move forward with confidence where others might hesitate.
More Than Just a Smile
From correcting bite issues tied to jaw growth to coordinating care for craniofacial conditions, complex cases require a higher level of clinical judgment. Dr. William Kottemann, Dr. Kraig Kottemann, Dr. Scott Kottemann, Dr. Alisha Holt, and Dr. Angela Bukstein have the depth of experience to assess every variable, not just the ones you see in the mirror.
- Expertise in facial growth patterns
- Familiarity with interdisciplinary care teams
- Thoughtful timing and treatment sequencing
A Team That Knows What to Look For
When you’re working with developing jaws, congenital conditions, or previous dental trauma, early recognition is everything. Families across Chaska, Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Orono count on Kottemann Orthodontics to spot problems early and solve them effectively.
Certified Care That Speaks for Itself
When it comes to your family’s orthodontic care, board certification is a clear sign you’re in the right place. Families in Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, and Plymouth trust Kottemann Orthodontics for experience that goes beyond the basics and results that stand the test of time. Dr. William Kottemann, Dr. Kraig Kottemann, Dr. Scott Kottemann, Dr. Alisha Holt, and Dr. Angela Bukstein stand ready to help you and your family. Come see how expert care and real transformations come together. Schedule your free consultation with us today!