When people think about dental care, they often picture their general dentist performing cleanings, fillings, and routine checkups. However, there’s another dental specialist who plays a crucial role in oral health: the orthodontist. While you might associate orthodontists solely with braces, their expertise extends far beyond straightening crooked teeth.
Understanding what orthodontists do can help you make informed decisions about your oral healthcare needs. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a family member, knowing when to seek orthodontic care and what to expect from treatment can lead to better outcomes and improved oral health.
This comprehensive guide will explore the role of orthodontists, the conditions they treat, and how their specialized training differs from general dentistry. We’ll also cover the various treatment options available and help you understand when orthodontic intervention might be beneficial.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. These professionals specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, improving both function and appearance of your smile.
The word “orthodontics” comes from the Greek words “orthos” (meaning straight or correct) and “odous” (meaning tooth). While this etymology suggests orthodontists only straighten teeth, their scope of practice encompasses much more complex issues involving jaw alignment, bite problems, and facial development.
Orthodontists work with patients of all ages, from young children whose teeth and jaws are still developing to adults seeking to improve their smile or address functional issues that may have developed over time.
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: Key Differences
While both orthodontists and general dentists work to maintain oral health, their training, expertise, and treatment focus differ significantly.
Educational Requirements
General dentists complete four years of dental school and earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Orthodontists must complete the same dental education, then pursue an additional two to three years of specialized residency training specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Scope of Practice
General dentists provide comprehensive oral healthcare, including preventive care, restorative treatments, and basic cosmetic procedures. Their approach aligns more closely with traditional dentistry, focusing on overall oral health maintenance, cavity treatment, gum disease prevention, and routine dental care.
Orthodontists specialize exclusively in tooth movement and jaw alignment. They possess advanced knowledge of facial growth patterns, tooth development, and biomechanics of tooth movement that general dentists typically don’t acquire during their standard training.
Treatment Philosophy
While general dentists may offer some tooth straightening options, orthodontists approach alignment issues with deeper understanding of complex bite relationships and long-term stability. They consider factors like facial aesthetics, airway function, and jaw joint health when developing treatment plans.
Conditions Orthodontists Treat
Orthodontists diagnose and treat a wide range of dental and facial irregularities, collectively known as malocclusions or “bad bites.” These conditions can affect both function and appearance.
Common Bite Problems
Overbite: When upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively, creating a deep bite that can cause wear on the lower teeth and potential jaw problems.
Underbite: When lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, often resulting from jaw growth discrepancies that can affect chewing function and speech.
Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, potentially causing uneven wear and jaw asymmetry.
Open Bite: When front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are together, making it difficult to bite into foods and potentially affecting speech patterns.
Alignment Issues
Crowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly, leading to overlapping, twisted, or displaced teeth that are difficult to clean effectively.
Spacing: Gaps between teeth that can occur due to missing teeth, small teeth, or large jaw size, potentially affecting appearance and function.
Impacted Teeth: Teeth that cannot erupt properly due to lack of space or obstruction, most commonly affecting wisdom teeth and canines.
Jaw-Related Problems
TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction that can cause pain, clicking, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Facial Asymmetry: Uneven facial growth or development that affects both appearance and function, often requiring combined orthodontic and surgical treatment.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Some orthodontic treatments can help improve airway space and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Modern orthodontics offers various treatment options to address different needs, preferences, and lifestyles. The choice of treatment depends on the complexity of the case, patient age, and personal preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the most common and effective treatment for complex orthodontic cases. These consist of metal brackets bonded to teeth and connected by wires that gradually move teeth into proper position.
Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than previous versions. They’re particularly effective for severe crowding, complex bite problems, and cases requiring precise tooth movement.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligner systems like Invisalign have gained popularity among teens and adults seeking discreet treatment options. These removable, transparent trays gradually shift teeth into alignment over time.
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, and certain bite problems. They offer the advantage of being removable for eating and cleaning, making oral hygiene maintenance easier during treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with natural tooth color. They provide effective treatment while being less noticeable than traditional metal brackets.
These braces appeal to adults and image-conscious teens who want effective treatment with improved aesthetics. However, they may require more careful maintenance and can be more fragile than metal alternatives.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces attach to the back surfaces of teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They use the same mechanics as traditional braces but require specialized training for proper placement and adjustment.
This option appeals to professionals and adults who want comprehensive treatment without visible appliances. However, they can initially affect speech and may be more challenging to clean.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Understanding what to expect during orthodontic treatment can help you prepare for the journey ahead and make informed decisions about your care.
Initial Consultation
Your first visit typically involves a comprehensive examination of your teeth, jaws, and facial structure. The orthodontist will assess your bite relationship, check for jaw joint problems, and evaluate your overall oral health.
During this appointment, you’ll discuss your concerns and treatment goals. The orthodontist will explain whether treatment is recommended, what options are available, and provide estimated treatment duration and costs.
Diagnostic Records
If you decide to proceed with treatment, the orthodontist will take detailed records including X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions or digital scans. These records help create a precise treatment plan and serve as baseline measurements for tracking progress.
Advanced 3D imaging technology allows orthodontists to visualize tooth roots, jaw relationships, and airway space, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.
Treatment Planning
Using diagnostic records, the orthodontist develops a customized treatment plan addressing your specific needs and goals. This plan outlines the expected tooth movements, estimated treatment duration, and any special considerations.
For complex cases, treatment planning may involve coordination with other dental specialists like oral surgeons, periodontists, or general dentists to ensure comprehensive care.
Active Treatment
Once appliances are placed, you’ll have regular adjustment appointments typically every 4-8 weeks. During these visits, the orthodontist monitors progress and makes necessary adjustments to keep treatment on track.
Treatment duration varies widely depending on case complexity, patient compliance, and individual response to treatment. Simple cases may take 12-18 months, while complex treatments can extend to 24-36 months or longer.
Retention Phase
After active treatment ends, you’ll enter the retention phase to maintain your new tooth positions. This typically involves wearing retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist, initially full-time and then transitioning to nighttime wear.
Retention is crucial for long-term treatment success, as teeth have a natural tendency to return to their original positions without proper retention protocols.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment offers benefits that extend beyond just creating a more attractive smile, though improved aesthetics certainly contribute to increased confidence and self-esteem.
Functional Improvements
Properly aligned teeth function more efficiently for biting, chewing, and speaking. Correcting bite problems can reduce excessive wear on certain teeth and decrease risk of fractures or other dental damage over time.
Improved jaw alignment can alleviate strain on jaw muscles and joints, potentially reducing symptoms of TMJ disorders and associated headaches or facial pain.
Oral Health Benefits
Straight teeth are easier to clean effectively with brushing and flossing, reducing risk of cavities and gum disease. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, it’s difficult to remove plaque and bacteria from all surfaces.
Proper bite alignment distributes chewing forces evenly across all teeth, reducing risk of premature wear or damage to specific teeth that might otherwise bear excessive stress.
Long-term Health Considerations
Some research suggests connections between orthodontic treatment and improved airway function, potentially benefiting those with sleep-disordered breathing issues.
Better oral health resulting from easier maintenance of straight teeth may contribute to overall systemic health, as gum disease has been linked to various health conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
When to Seek Orthodontic Care
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when enough permanent teeth have emerged to identify potential problems.
Early Intervention
Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct when patients are younger and still growing. Early treatment can address issues like severe crowding, crossbites, or harmful oral habits before they worsen.
Phase I treatment in younger children might involve palatal expanders, partial braces, or other appliances to guide proper facial development and create space for erupting permanent teeth.
Adult Treatment Considerations
Adults can successfully undergo orthodontic treatment at any age, though some considerations differ from treating children and teens. Adult treatment may take longer due to slower tooth movement and completed facial growth.
Adult patients might require coordination with other dental specialists to address gum disease, missing teeth, or other oral health issues before or during orthodontic treatment.
Finding Your Path to Better Oral Health
Orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your oral health and overall well-being. The specialized training and expertise orthodontists bring to tooth movement and bite correction can address problems that extend far beyond cosmetic concerns.
Whether you’re considering treatment for functional issues, aesthetic improvements, or both, consulting with a qualified orthodontist can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your care. Remember that orthodontic treatment is highly individualized, and what works best for one person may not be ideal for another.
If you’re experiencing bite problems, tooth crowding, or other alignment issues, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with an orthodontic specialist. Early evaluation and intervention can often lead to more efficient treatment and better long-term outcomes for your oral health.
