What Is an Orthodontist? Role, Treatments & Education

Key Takeaways

• Orthodontists are dental specialists who use braces, aligners, and retainers to straighten teeth and address bite problems.
• Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options might include clear aligners, metal braces, and other devices.
• You should visit an orthodontist if you have crowded teeth, jaw pain, or bite problems — early checkups are best, but adults can benefit as well.
• Becoming an orthodontist involves a college degree, dental school, specialized training, licensing exams, and important skills like attention to detail, patience, communication, manual dexterity, and problem-solving.

Ever wondered who’s behind those perfectly straight smiles? That’s the work of an orthodontist — a dental expert who specializes in aligning teeth and correcting jaw issues.

In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about orthodontists: what they do, the treatments they offer (like braces and clear aligners), and when it might be time to schedule a visit. We’ll also break down the educational path it takes to become one.

Whether you’re thinking about getting treatment or curious about the career, this guide will give you a clear and engaging look into the world of orthodontics.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a special type of dentist who helps fix teeth that are crooked or don’t line up properly. They strive to improve the appearance of smiles and facilitate comfortable chewing and speaking.

To become an orthodontist, a person first goes to dental school, where they learn all about taking care of teeth and gums and earn a degree like Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

They continue their education by undergoing two to three additional years of specialized training in orthodontics. Through this additional training, they learn how to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment issues using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic tools.

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

The primary goal of an orthodontist is to help your jaws and teeth align properly. To determine whether there are any issues, they carefully examine how your teeth fit together as you bite down.

After that, they apply and modify clear aligners or braces, which gradually reposition your teeth into better positions. To make sure your teeth are moving as planned during the treatment, orthodontists closely monitor your progress.

Orthodontists address a variety of issues, such as gaps between teeth, overcrowded teeth, crossbite (when teeth don’t line up correctly), underbite (when the bottom teeth extend beyond the upper teeth), and overbite (when the upper teeth stick out too far).

Each patient’s treatment plan is created based on their needs, the severity of their condition, and the appearance of their mouth, helping to restore both function and a confident, healthy smile.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

There are different kinds of orthodontic treatments, and the best choice depends on your needs and personal preferences. Some people opt for traditional braces made of metal, while others choose modern options like clear plastic aligners or removable devices.

Each treatment type works in a different way to correct crooked teeth and bite issues. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain the most common types of orthodontic treatments so you can learn how they work and which one might be the best fit for you.

Braces

Braces gradually move your teeth into better alignment and improve how they bite together. Tiny brackets are wired on your teeth, which apply steady, gentle pressure over time. This process helps improve both the look and function of your smile.

There are several types of braces available:

• Traditional metal braces: The most popular kind, these are constructed of metal and are very noticeable.
• Ceramic braces: Designs to match the color of your teeth, making them less noticeable.
• Lingual braces: Positioned behind your teeth, keeping them out of sight.

Most people wear braces for one to three years, depending on their dental needs. Maintaining good oral hygiene during this time, avoiding foods that are sticky or hard and could damage the braces, and visiting your orthodontist regularly for checkups and adjustments are all very important.

Clear aligners

One modern approach to achieving a straighter smile involves clear aligners, like Invisalign. These sleek, see-through trays work behind the scenes — gradually guiding your teeth into place without the metal and wires.

Thanks to their nearly invisible design, clear aligners are perfect for anyone who wants to keep their dental journey private. It’s like giving your smile a quiet makeover, one subtle shift at a time.

They offer flexibility more than braces, too. You can remove them whenever you brush, floss, or eat, making it simpler to maintain clean teeth.

Clear aligners are often most effective at correcting mild to moderate issues, like slightly crooked teeth or small gaps. Many people find clear aligners to be a comfortable and convenient option for improving their smile.

Retainers

Retainers are devices used to keep your teeth in their new positions after you’ve finished orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.

Retainers come in two primary types:

Removable retainers: Offer flexibility and ease — simply take them out when eating or brushing, making daily care a breeze while keeping your smile in check.

Fixed retainers: Slender wires bonded to the back of your teeth, quietly holding your smile in place around the clock — no removal, no fuss.

Following your orthodontist’s instructions is essential when wearing your retainer. It keeps your smile healthy and long-lasting by ensuring your teeth stay aligned and helping you retain the outcomes of your treatment in the long run.

Other devices

Besides braces and aligners, orthodontists may use other devices to help with specific dental issues, such as:

• Palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw, most often in children, to correct bite issues and make room for incoming teeth, paving the way for a healthy jaw development.
• Headgear is an external orthodontic device designed to gently steer jaw development, often used in more serious bite correction cases where extra guidance is needed beyond braces.
• Space maintainers are small appliances that keep space open for adult teeth when a baby tooth is lost early, preventing crowding or misalignment.
• Elastics, or rubber bands, are used with braces to correct bite alignment by applying extra pressure between the upper and lower teeth.

These devices play important roles in making sure teeth and jaws develop properly during orthodontic treatment, helping create a stable and lasting result.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

It might be time to visit an orthodontist if you or your child show signs such as crowded or crooked teeth, jaw pain or discomfort, difficulty biting or chewing food, or if teeth don’t align as they should when the mouth is closed. These problems can affect not only how your smile looks but also how well you can eat and speak, possibly leading to other dental health issues over time.

Experts recommend that children have an orthodontic checkup by the time they’re 7 years old. This early evaluation helps orthodontists identify and address any developing problems with the teeth or jaw, making it easier to plan effective treatment and guide proper growth.

But orthodontic care isn’t just for children — many adults also seek treatment to correct bite issues or improve teeth alignment, often achieving healthier teeth and a more confident smile even later in life. No matter your age, seeing an orthodontist can be an important step toward better oral health.

How to Become an Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, there are several important steps you need to follow. First, you need to earn a college degree. After that, you must go to dental school to earn a degree as a dentist and pursue a specialized orthodontic residency program for advanced training in aligning teeth and correcting bite issues.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain each step more clearly to help you understand what it takes to become an orthodontist.

Educational requirements

Becoming an orthodontist involves several important academic steps. First, students complete an undergraduate degree, usually focusing on science subjects like biology or chemistry.

Then, they attend dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After graduating, aspiring orthodontists enter a 2 to 3-year orthodontic residency program, where they receive specialized training in straightening teeth, correcting bite issues, and managing jaw alignment problems.

During this process, they must pass licensing exams such as the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) to qualify for dental practice. Many orthodontists also pursue board certification by passing additional exams to demonstrate their advanced skills and knowledge in the field.

Essential skills required

Orthodontists need a unique combination of skills to succeed in their profession and care for their patients. Attention to detail is crucial for accurately diagnosing and providing treatment for alignment issues in the teeth and jaw.

Communication skills are also important because orthodontists need to clearly explain treatment plans to patients and work well with other dental team members. They must also have excellent manual dexterity – the fine motor control needed to work precisely with small tools and delicate components like brackets and wires.

Patience is also very important since orthodontic treatment can take months or even years. And since every patient presents a different case, orthodontists need solid problem-solving abilities to tailor the most effective treatment strategies.

Beyond their daily work, orthodontists must continually update their knowledge and stay current with emerging tools and technology to ensure they’re providing the highest level of care to their patients.

Conclusion

Orthodontists focus on straightening teeth and correcting bite issues through various treatments like braces, clear aligners, and retainers. They complete years of rigorous education and hands-on training to master the specialized skills required for these intricate treatments.

Knowing when to visit an orthodontist can help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable smile. With multiple treatment options available, orthodontic care is personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the field of orthodontics, take a moment to explore the programs offered at AUA. Known for its strong academic foundation and commitment to hands-on learning, AUA provides students with the tools they need to succeed in such specialized fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A dentist handles general oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and preventive care. An orthodontist focuses specifically on aligning teeth and correcting jaw and bite issues.

Do orthodontists repair teeth?

No, orthodontists perform restorative procedures like fillings or crowns. Their focus is on repositioning teeth and correcting misalignment.

Do orthodontic treatments hurt?

You may experience mild discomfort or pressure, especially after adjustments, but this is typically temporary and manageable. Most patients adjust quickly and find the results well worth the short-term discomfort.