When you choose an orthodontist for yourself or your child, you aren't just looking for straight teeth—you are looking for a provider you can trust with your health. At Harris Orthodontics, we believe that trust is built on a foundation of rigorous standards, proven science, and genuine care. Whether you are visiting us from Pleasant Grove or Eagle Mountain, our commitment remains the same: to provide a level of care that goes above and beyond industry expectations.
A crucial part of maintaining this high standard involves strict adherence to the clinical guidelines set forth by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). As we move through 2026, the field of orthodontics continues to evolve with new technology and research.
Dr. Dallin Harris and our team utilize these AAO guidelines not just as a rulebook, but as a baseline from which we strive to excel. By aligning our practice with these established medical authorities, we ensure that your "Smile with Confidence" journey is safe, effective, and built to last.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to Excellence: Our practice adheres to the trusted guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), ensuring top-tier care.
- Innovation and Technology: We integrate the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and research to provide cutting-edge treatments.
- Patient-Centered Care: Your safety, satisfaction, and long-term results are at the heart of our approach, supporting your "Smile with Confidence" journey.
Understanding the Role of the AAO
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the world. It exists to guide the ethical practice of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. But what does this mean for you as a patient?
Essentially, the AAO sets the gold standard for patient safety and treatment efficacy. They analyze peer-reviewed research to determine which treatments work, which technologies are safe, and when treatment should ideally begin. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that an orthodontic practice is operating based on scientific evidence rather than trends.
For families in Utah, knowing your provider follows these protocols offers peace of mind. It means your treatment plan isn't a guess—it is a medically sound strategy designed to improve oral health and facial harmony.
How Harris Orthodontics Implements AAO Guidelines
At Harris Orthodontics, we don't just display our certificates on the wall; we integrate clinical excellence into every appointment. Here is how we apply specific AAO recommendations to our daily practice.
Early Screening: The Age 7 Recommendation
One of the most significant guidelines from the AAO is the recommendation that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist at age 7. Dr. Harris strictly applies this guideline to help parents catch potential issues before they become expensive or painful problems.
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This allows us to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth. While most kids won't need braces this early, this "interceptive" approach allows us to guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve the appearance of the face.
This proactive stance aligns perfectly with the AAO’s goal of preventing more serious problems later in life.
Evidence-Based Treatment with Advanced Technology
The AAO emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based clinical techniques. In 2026, this means utilizing technology that provides accurate diagnosis and predictable outcomes.
We have moved away from "goopy" impressions and outdated guessing games. Instead, we utilize the iTero® Element™ for digital impressions and 3D X-rays (CBCT) to see a complete view of the airway, jaw, and tooth structure. This adherence to high-precision diagnostics allows Dr. Harris to craft treatment plans that are incredibly accurate.
Furthermore, our use of Dental Monitoring allows us to track tooth movement remotely, ensuring that treatment stays on track with clinical protocols without disrupting your busy schedule.
Aligners and Professional Supervision
With the rise of mail-order aligner companies, the AAO has issued strong advisories regarding the importance of direct supervision by a trained specialist. Moving teeth is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic quick fix.
Dr. Harris applies this guideline by ensuring every Invisalign® patient receives personalized oversight. As a Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider (top 1% in North America), Dr. Harris combines the convenience of clear aligners with the safety of in-person medical supervision. This ensures that your bite remains healthy and your gums stay safe throughout the process, adhering to the AAO's standards for safe biological tooth movement.
The Benefits of Adherence for Our Patients
Why does our strict alignment with these guidelines matter to your family? It ultimately translates to better health outcomes and a smoother experience.
- Safety First: By following established protocols, we minimize risks associated with moving teeth, such as root resorption or gum recession.
- Predictability: Adhering to evidence-based practices means we can predict how your teeth will move, leading to accurate timelines and results that match your expectations.
- Long-Term Stability: We focus on the "why" behind your smile. By addressing airway issues and bite function according to strict standards, we ensure your smile is healthy for decades, not just for graduation day.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Medicine is never stagnant, and neither is Harris Orthodontics. The AAO frequently updates its guidelines based on new research, and staying current requires a commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr. Harris is not only a member of the AAO but is also Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This is a distinction held by a minority of orthodontists and represents the highest level of commitment to professional excellence. To maintain this status and provide the best care for our patients in Highland, Saratoga Springs, American Fork, and Lehi, Dr. Harris and our staff regularly attend continuing education courses.
We even go a step further by teaching others. As an Invisalign spokesperson, Dr. Harris travels the country teaching other doctors how to maximize clinical results, demonstrating that we don't just follow the standards—we help set them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all dentists follow AAO guidelines?
A: While general dentists can perform some orthodontic procedures, they are not members of the AAO. Only orthodontists who have completed an additional 2-3 years of specialized residency after dental school can be members of the AAO. Dr. Harris is an orthodontic specialist.
Q: Why does the AAO recommend screening at age 7?
A: The AAO recommends this age because the first adult molars have usually erupted, establishing the back bite. This allows the orthodontist to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships.
Q: Does following these guidelines make treatment more expensive?
A: Not necessarily. In fact, following guidelines like early screening can often save money in the long run by preventing the need for jaw surgery or extraction of permanent teeth later in life.
Wrapping Up
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and caring for it requires a partner who values safety and precision as much as you do. By rigorously applying the guidelines set by the American Association of Orthodontists, Harris Orthodontics ensures that families in Utah County receive world-class care right in their own backyard.
We are proud to set the standard for what modern, ethical, and high-quality orthodontics looks like. If you are ready to experience the difference that expert, guideline-driven care can make, we invite you to join our family.
Author Bio
Dr. Dallin Harris, DDS, MSD
Dr. Dallin Harris is a Board Certified Orthodontist and a Diamond+ Invisalign Provider. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery with High Honors, he completed his specialized residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Colorado. Dr. Harris is dedicated to bringing the highest standards of the American Association of Orthodontists to his local community.