Orthodontists correct misalignments of the teeth and jaw. These dental specialists work in hospitals and dental offices, where they help people improve their oral health and enhance the appearance of their smile.

Many people think of orthodontic treatment as a purely cosmetic procedure. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can improve the appearance of your smile, but there are also other benefits to consulting an orthodontist. Orthodontic care can help alleviate TMJ pain and prevent serious dental issues, including cavities and gum disease. For individuals with severe orthodontic issues, treatment can significantly improve their chewing and speech capabilities. [1]

What’s An Orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), orthodontists are experts in the field of dentofacial orthopedics. This expertise allows them to effectively guide the growth of the face and jaw.

Orthodontists are dental professionals who have received specialized training in the field of orthodontic care. They help people achieve better oral health while working towards a perfect smile through proper tooth alignment.

Orthodontic Training

To prepare for the orthodontist role, orthodontists receive extensive training before beginning their careers. They typically attend dental school for four years. After graduating from dental school, they then receive two to three additional years of training during an orthodontic residency program.

What Problems Do Orthodontists Fix?

There are various problems orthodontists can fix, but they usually come down to two basic issues: crooked teeth and bad bites, referred to as malocclusions. Orthodontists work to fix these problems so that patients can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. Specific issues that board-certified orthodontists can address include: [2]

• Misaligned teeth
• Overbite
• Crowded teeth
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Impacted teeth
• Rotated teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth

What Specific Tasks Are Orthodontists Responsible For?

Teeth don’t move overnight. Fixing orthodontic problems is a process. During this process, orthodontists and their staff may be responsible for various day-to-day tasks. Together, these duties support the overall goals of the patient and their treatment plan:

• Taking X-rays to evaluate a patient’s bite issues
• Developing treatment plans and discussing treatment options with patients and families
• Designing, fitting, and adjusting orthodontic appliances such as retainers, palatal expanders, or headgears
• Fitting a patient with traditional braces or Invisalign (i.e., clear aligners)
• Performing regular check-ups to evaluate a patient’s progress

What Orthodontists Don’t Do

There may be times during your orthodontic treatment when your orthodontist will issue you a referral to a dentist for certain dental problems. These dental issues and dental procedures may fall outside of the orthodontist’s specialty and are best performed by general dentists. Some examples include:

• Routine cleanings
• Tooth extractions
• Cavity fillings
• Gum disease
• Crowns
• Bridges

If you have dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, you may need to address these issues with your regular dentist before consulting an orthodontist.

When To See An Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children begin to see an orthodontist around the age of seven. You may want to consult with your dentist first, though, so they can prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. [3] Not all children require orthodontic treatment, but many do.

If your child is older than seven, you can still see an orthodontist. Orthodontists see patients of all ages, including adults. In general, the earlier orthodontic treatment begins, the more efficient and effective it can be. Early intervention can also be more cost-efficient since it can prevent more serious orthodontic problems in the future.

Orthodontists Play An Important Role in Oral Health & Overall Dentistry

Orthodontists play a crucial role in maintaining overall oral health. They do more than just shape nice smiles. They also help prevent many potentially harmful dental problems caused by crowded teeth and bad bites. Their work in this dental specialty is important to ensure a healthy smile, not just a beautiful one.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Orthodontists Do

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding orthodontists