Choosing an orthodontist is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make for your family’s health, and one you’ll live with for a year or more of treatment. Most practices offer braces and clear aligners, so from the outside they can look alike. The differences show up in the details: who makes decisions about your care, who you’ll see at each visit, and what happens when something unexpected comes up.

The right questions make those differences easy to see. Here are six we’d ask ourselves as parents, along with our straight answers here at Compass Orthodontics in Medina, MN.

1. Who actually owns and operates the practice?

Many orthodontic practices, even those still named after the orthodontist, are owned by private equity firms or corporate dental groups. In those settings, investors and managers help shape decisions about scheduling, staffing, and care. The name on the door doesn’t always tell you who is behind it, so it’s worth asking directly.

Compass is family-owned and independently operated, right here in Medina. Dr. Adam Sperl, the orthodontist treating you, makes every decision about your care. There’s no outside board or investor group between your family and your treatment plan.

2. Is the doctor an orthodontic specialist?

Many general dentists now offer braces and aligners, but orthodontics is a specialty for a reason. After dental school, orthodontists complete 2–3 additional years of full-time residency focused entirely on jaw growth, tooth movement, and bite function. Once they finish, orthodontics is all they practice.

That focus matters most in the details: recognizing how a growing face will develop, choosing the right timing for treatment, and guiding complex cases with confidence. Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics is a further, voluntary distinction that reflects a commitment to the highest standard of care.

Dr. Adam Sperl is a board-certified orthodontist who trained at the University of Minnesota and has treated thousands of patients over the past decade. Every treatment plan at Compass is designed specifically for the person in the chair.

3. Will I see the same doctor at every visit?

Some practices rotate patients between multiple orthodontists, so you may see a different doctor from one appointment to the next. Orthodontic treatment unfolds over many months, and small adjustments along the way shape the final result.

One doctor means one person who knows your case from start to finish and is accountable for your outcome. At Compass, Dr. Sperl is the only orthodontist you’ll see, from your first visit to your final smile.

4. What technology and materials are used?

The tools a practice chooses shape how comfortable, efficient, and precise your treatment feels. A few worth looking for:

• Digital scans in place of traditional impressions, for a quicker, more comfortable start
• Low-radiation digital x-rays that capture what your orthodontist needs with less exposure
• Enamel-friendly adhesives that protect your teeth while braces are on and when they come off
• Custom appliances designed for your specific case

At Compass, every one of these is our standard. We also offer Angel Aligners and Clarity Aligners for patients who prefer a clear option.

5. What does the treatment fee include?

Orthodontic treatment is an investment, and you deserve to know exactly what it covers before you begin. Ask for one clear fee upfront, and ask what’s included: records, emergency visits, retainers, and care after braces come off.

At Compass, one fee covers it all, with flexible payment plans designed for families. You’ll know the full picture before treatment starts, so you can plan with confidence.

6. What happens if I need something between appointments?

Wires poke, brackets pop off, and aligner attachments occasionally come loose. It happens to even the most careful patients. When it does, you want a quick, clear answer about what to do next, so ask how quickly you can reach the team and be seen.

At Compass, simply call or text the office. Dr. Sperl will promptly guide you on next steps, whether that’s an easy fix at home or a visit to the office.

Ask us anything

The best orthodontist for your family is one who welcomes your questions and answers them clearly. We love these questions, and we’re always happy to talk through them in person.

Schedule your family’s free consultation at compass-ortho.com or call (952) 222-7692. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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This Explorer Post was reviewed by Dr. Adam Sperl, Board-Certified Orthodontist and founder of Compass Orthodontics in Medina, MN.