Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning the bite and straightening the teeth. If you have crooked, overlapping, crooked, or gapped teeth, you may need to see an orthodontist. The most common treatments they provide include traditional orthodontic appliances, transparent aligners, and removable retainers. Both orthodontists and dentists offer dental care to patients. Orthodontists can work in a dental office and provide the same treatments as other dentists.
They are two types of doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. If you have a bad bite or large spaces between your teeth, you may want to see an orthodontist. Certified orthodontists are trained to diagnose and treat oral health conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth. It's a complex biological process, and orthodontists master the complexities of orthodontic treatment through years of study, including four years in dental school followed by two to three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists use fixed and removable dental devices, such as braces, retainers, and bands, to change the position of the teeth in the mouth. Not everyone is born with straight teeth, and an orthodontist will ensure that patients have evenly spaced straight teeth.
Not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment and not all types of orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with lingual braces. Once the diagnosis is complete, a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance is used to move the teeth and jaw into ideal alignment. The best treatment is performed by an AAO orthodontist who has a minimum of 3,700 hours (2 or more years) in an orthodontic residency after 4 years in dental school. This additional training is essential because most dental schools offer limited orthodontic instruction. Orthodontic treatment is a personalized professional service performed and supervised by a highly educated health professional.
Mandibular surgery is only used if you have finished growing and if less invasive orthodontic treatments have not been successful. Orthodontic treatment improves the appearance of the teeth, the function of speech and protects the teeth from damage. Many dental schools offer limited orthopedic training and instruction, which is why general dentists must go to orthodontic school after graduation. Orthodontists receive additional training which enables them to install braces and diagnose a misaligned jaw.
