What is an Orthodontist?

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, specifically related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists work with patients of all ages, from children to adults, to help straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve the overall function of the mouth.

Orthodontists are highly skilled professionals who have advanced training in the area of orthodontics, which is a subspecialty of dentistry. They focus on correcting malocclusions (bad bites), which occur when the teeth are misaligned, or the jaws are not properly positioned. Orthodontic treatment aims to bring balance to the teeth, jaws, and facial features, improving both function and aesthetics.

Orthodontists use a variety of appliances to help move the teeth and jaws into their correct positions. These include braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other specialized devices. Orthodontic care is essential not only for cosmetic reasons but also for improving the long-term health of the teeth and gums.

Difference Between an Orthodontist and a General Dentist

While both orthodontists and general dentists are dental professionals, there are some key differences between the two roles. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide when to seek the expertise of an orthodontist.

General Dentist vs. Specialist

• General Dentists: A general dentist is a primary care provider who offers a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, exams, and preventive care. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking dental care. While general dentists can address many dental issues, they typically do not provide orthodontic treatments unless they have additional training in this area.
• Orthodontists: Orthodontists are specialists who have completed additional years of training beyond dental school. This specialized training focuses on diagnosing and treating issues related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists undergo a minimum of two to three years of advanced training after dental school, which involves both classroom education and hands-on experience in orthodontic techniques.

Treatment Focus

• General Dentists: General dentists are concerned with the overall health and maintenance of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They can provide routine care, such as cleanings, cavity fillings, crowns, and bridges. However, they are not trained to diagnose or treat complex dental alignment issues.
• Orthodontists: Orthodontists focus on more specific issues related to teeth and jaw alignment. They treat conditions such as malocclusions (overbites, underbites, crossbites), crooked teeth, and jaw misalignments. Orthodontists can offer specialized appliances like braces, retainers, and clear aligners to correct these issues.

Referral to an Orthodontist

In many cases, general dentists will refer patients to an orthodontist when they notice alignment issues that cannot be corrected with routine dental procedures. For example, if a patient presents with crowded teeth, severe overbite, or other jaw alignment problems, the general dentist will likely recommend an orthodontic consultation for specialized care.

Education and Training of an Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, an individual must undergo extensive education and training. Here is a breakdown of the steps required to become a licensed orthodontic specialist:

Dental School

The journey to becoming an orthodontist begins with completing a Bachelor's degree, followed by acceptance into dental school. The dental school typically takes four years to complete, where students receive a comprehensive education in all areas of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, oral pathology, and patient care. Upon completion of dental school, students earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Orthodontic Residency Program

After earning a dental degree, aspiring orthodontists must complete an additional residency program in orthodontics. This program typically lasts between two to three years and provides advanced training specifically focused on the alignment of teeth and jaws. During residency, orthodontists receive hands-on training in a variety of orthodontic procedures, including the use of braces, clear aligners, and other specialized appliances.

Board Certification

In addition to completing a residency program, many orthodontists choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This certification involves a rigorous process, including written and oral exams, as well as the completion of case studies to demonstrate proficiency in orthodontic treatment. Board certification is not required but serves as a mark of excellence and dedication to the field.

Continuing Education

Orthodontics is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and treatment options being developed regularly. To stay current, orthodontists are required to participate in ongoing education and professional development throughout their careers. This ensures they remain up to date on the latest advancements in orthodontic care and can offer the most effective treatments to their patients.

Treatments Offered by Orthodontists

Orthodontists offer a wide range of treatments to address different types of dental and facial irregularities. These treatments vary depending on the severity of the issue, the age of the patient, and the specific goals of the treatment.

Braces

Braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance. Braces are composed of brackets that are attached to the teeth, connected by wires, and secured with rubber bands. These components work together to gradually shift the teeth into their correct positions over time.

Braces can be used to correct a variety of alignment issues, including crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They are highly effective and can be customized to suit the specific needs of each patient.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to traditional braces. These aligners are made of smooth, transparent plastic and are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth. They gradually shift the teeth into place over time, just like traditional braces, but without noticeable brackets and wires.

Clear aligners are removable, which makes eating and cleaning your teeth much easier than with braces. They are also a popular choice for adults and teens who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option.

Retainers

Once orthodontic treatment is complete and the teeth have been successfully aligned, patients are typically required to wear retainers. Retainers are used to maintain the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back to their original alignment.

There are several types of retainers, including fixed and removable options. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, while removable retainers can be taken out when eating or cleaning teeth.

Expanders

Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, particularly in children whose jaws are still growing. This helps create more space for the teeth and can correct issues like crowding and crossbites.

Headgear

Headgear is used in certain cases to help correct bite issues and jaw alignment. It is typically worn outside of the mouth and is attached to the braces to apply gentle pressure to the teeth and jaws.

Surgical Orthodontics

In severe cases where the alignment issues cannot be corrected with braces or other appliances, an orthodontist may recommend surgical orthodontics. This involves corrective jaw surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw and achieve proper alignment.

Why Choose an Orthodontist for Your Care?

There are many benefits to choosing an orthodontist for your treatment needs:

• Specialized Training: Orthodontists have extensive training in the alignment of teeth and jaws, ensuring that they are equipped to handle complex orthodontic issues.
• Expertise in Treatment Options: Orthodontists offer a variety of treatment options, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and other appliances, to suit your unique needs.
• Improved Results: Orthodontists have the skills and experience to create customized treatment plans that achieve the best possible results for their patients.
• Long-Term Benefits: Orthodontic treatment improves not only the appearance of your smile but also the overall health and function of your teeth and jaws.

Conclusion

An orthodontist plays a vital role in achieving a healthy, well-aligned smile. With their specialized training, expertise, and use of advanced treatment options, orthodontists can help correct a wide range of dental and facial irregularities. Whether you're looking to straighten your teeth, improve your bite, or enhance your smile, an orthodontist can provide the care and guidance you need to achieve your goals.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment, Dr. Ceceilia M. Markham in Warrington, PA, is ready to help you on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the treatment options available to you.