An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. These highly trained professionals have completed additional education beyond dental school to master the complexities of moving teeth and aligning jaws for both aesthetic and functional improvement.
When teeth are crooked or jaws don’t align properly, an orthodontist provides specialized treatment to create a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime. From traditional braces to modern clear aligners, orthodontists offer various treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Understanding Orthodontists
An orthodontist is a dental professional who has completed dental school plus an additional 2-3 years of specialized education in an orthodontic residency program. This extensive training focuses on the proper way to align teeth and jaws to create functional bites and beautiful smiles.
Orthodontists are experts in understanding facial growth and development, which allows them to address complex dental alignment issues. Unlike general dentists who handle a wide range of dental concerns, orthodontists concentrate specifically on correcting misalignments to improve both oral function and appearance.
8 Common Dental Issues Treated by an Orthodontic Specialist
- Crooked teeth – Teeth that are rotated, tilted, or otherwise improperly positioned in the mouth, making them difficult to clean and potentially causing wear on certain teeth.
- Overbite – When the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
- Underbite – A condition where the lower teeth extend outward past the upper front teeth, often creating challenges with proper chewing and speaking.
- Crossbite – When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them, potentially causing uneven jaw growth and wear on teeth.
- Open bite – A condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, often making it difficult to bite into certain foods.
- Spacing issues – Gaps between teeth that can trap food particles and potentially lead to gum problems or tooth decay.
- Crowded teeth – When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly, it causes them to overlap and twist, making proper cleaning difficult.
- Jaw alignment problems – Issues with how the upper and lower jaws meet, which can cause pain, difficulty chewing, or speech problems.
4 Common Orthodontic Treatment Options
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth with a special adhesive and connected by a thin archwire that applies gentle, continuous pressure. This pressure gradually moves teeth into their proper positions over time. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than older versions, making them less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. They remain one of the most effective and economical options for correcting complex alignment issues, particularly for younger patients.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function exactly like metal braces but are made from clear or tooth-colored materials that blend more naturally with the teeth. The brackets are transparent or matched to tooth color, and sometimes the wires can be frosted or white to further reduce visibility. Ceramic braces provide the same effectiveness as metal braces while being less noticeable, making them popular among adults and image-conscious teens. However, they typically cost more than metal braces and may stain more easily without proper care.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached to the inside (tongue side) of the teeth, making them completely hidden from view. These custom-made braces work similarly to traditional braces but remain invisible during normal social interactions. Lingual braces can correct most of the same issues as traditional braces while providing a truly invisible treatment option. However, they tend to be more expensive, can be more difficult to clean, and may temporarily affect speech more than other options.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of transparent, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Made from medical-grade plastic, these custom-fitted trays are replaced approximately every two weeks as teeth move into their desired positions. Clear aligners offer the advantages of being removable for eating and cleaning, nearly invisible when worn, and being generally more comfortable than braces. They work best for mild to moderate alignment issues and require good compliance since they must be worn 20-22 hours per day for optimal results.
What to Expect When Visiting an Orthodontist
- Initial Consultation – Your first visit typically involves meeting the orthodontist and discussing your concerns about your teeth or bite. The orthodontist will ask questions about your medical and dental history to understand your overall health situation.
- Comprehensive Examination – The orthodontist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment. This hands-on evaluation helps them identify specific issues that need correction.
- Diagnostic Records – Special photographs of your face and teeth will be taken, along with X-rays and possibly 3D scans. These records provide detailed information about your tooth positions, jaw relationships, and facial structure.
- Treatment Planning – Based on the examination and diagnostic records, the orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. They’ll explain the recommended procedures, the expected timeline, and answer any questions you might have.
- Financial Discussion – A staff member will review treatment costs, payment options, and insurance coverage. Many orthodontic practices offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
- Beginning Treatment – If you decide to proceed, you’ll schedule an appointment to have your orthodontic appliances (braces, aligners, etc.) placed. The orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on care and maintenance.
- Regular Adjustment Visits – Throughout treatment, you’ll return for periodic appointments (typically every 4-8 weeks). During these visits, the orthodontist will check your progress and make necessary adjustments to your appliances.
- Completion and Retention – Once your teeth reach their desired positions, your orthodontist will remove your braces or complete your aligner treatment. You’ll receive retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting back.
4 Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist
Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth are significantly easier to clean properly with regular brushing and flossing. When teeth are aligned correctly, there are fewer hard-to-reach spaces where food particles and plaque can hide, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth also create a more balanced bite, which reduces excessive wear on tooth surfaces and decreases stress on the jaw joints. Over time, this improved oral health can lead to fewer dental problems and potentially lower dental care costs.
Enhanced Appearance and Confidence
A straight, well-aligned smile can dramatically improve a person’s appearance and boost self-confidence. Many people who complete orthodontic treatment report feeling more comfortable smiling in social situations and during photographs. This increased confidence often extends beyond just appearance, positively affecting personal relationships, social interactions, and even professional opportunities. The psychological benefits of being proud of your smile shouldn’t be underestimated, as they can contribute significantly to overall quality of life.
Better Chewing and Speech Function
Properly aligned teeth and jaws work together more efficiently when biting, chewing, and speaking. Correcting issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites helps distribute biting forces evenly across all teeth, making eating more comfortable and efficient. Many speech problems are related to tooth positioning or jaw alignment, and orthodontic treatment can help address these issues. Improved function can also reduce symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and uneven tooth wear that often accompany bite problems.
Long-Term Dental Health Investment
Orthodontic treatment is a valuable investment in long-term dental health. Straight teeth not only look better but also typically last longer since they experience more even wear and are less prone to injury. Correcting alignment early can prevent more serious problems from developing later in life, potentially avoiding costly dental procedures. Additionally, the improved ability to maintain good oral hygiene with straight teeth helps preserve natural tooth structure and gum health throughout life, reducing the likelihood of needing extensive dental work in the future.
How to Maintain Your Orthodontic Results
- Attend Follow-up Appointments – Continue seeing your orthodontist for scheduled retention check-ups. These appointments allow the orthodontist to monitor your teeth and make adjustments to your retention plan if needed.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brush thoroughly at least twice daily and floss once daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Good oral hygiene helps preserve both the aesthetic and health benefits of your orthodontic treatment.
- Protect Your Smile During Sports – Wear a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports or activities where facial injury could occur. A custom mouthguard from your orthodontist offers the best protection for your newly aligned teeth.
- Avoid Habits That Can Shift Teeth – Break habits like nail biting, pencil chewing, or using teeth as tools, as these can gradually shift teeth out of alignment. Even small forces, when applied consistently, can move teeth over time.
- Continue Regular Dental Check-ups – Visit your general dentist for cleanings and check-ups every six months. Your dentist can help spot early signs of shifting or other issues that might affect your orthodontic results.
Conclusion
Orthodontists play a crucial role in helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles through specialized dental care. From traditional braces to modern clear aligners, these highly trained professionals offer solutions for crooked teeth, bite problems, and jaw alignment issues that can improve both oral health and self-confidence.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment or have questions about whether you or a family member might benefit from seeing an orthodontist, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Kwon Family Dental. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalized care for your unique needs. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for educational content and updates about the latest advances in orthodontic care. You can also check out our reviews on Yelp to see our patients’ success stories.
