What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to identify and correct issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws. One of the most critical areas where orthodontists make a lasting impact is pediatric dentistry, where early detection and treatment can help guide healthy oral development from a young age. When the jaw is still developing in childhood, orthodontists work closely with pediatric dentists to monitor growth and address potential problems early on. Early evaluations, often recommended by age seven, can catch concerns like thumb-sucking, bite misalignments, or premature tooth loss that may affect the position of permanent teeth. Through timely intervention, orthodontists help guide proper oral development, creating a strong foundation for a healthier, more confident smile as a child grows.

What is an Orthodontist Trained to Treat and Why it Matters

Many people are surprised to learn how broad an orthodontist’s expertise truly is. While braces and clear aligners are the most well-known treatments, orthodontists address various dental and jaw-related concerns. Orthodontists address:

Malocclusion (Bad Bite)

Malocclusion refers to an improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed, which can affect chewing, speaking, and even facial appearance. Orthodontists correct malocclusion using braces, aligners, or other appliances to realign the bite and improve both function and aesthetics.

Crowded or Crooked Teeth

When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly, they may become crowded or grow crooked. Orthodontists use treatments like braces, spacers, or expanders to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease caused by hard-to-clean areas.

Gaps Between Teeth

Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth, can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or abnormal growth patterns. Orthodontists close these gaps using braces or clear aligners to improve the bite, prevent shifting, and create a more balanced and symmetrical smile.

Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites

These bite issues occur when the teeth of the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly. An overbite involves the upper teeth overlapping the lower excessively, an underbite is when the lower teeth extend past the upper, and a crossbite is a lateral misalignment. Orthodontists treat these issues with braces, rubber bands, or even jaw-aligning devices to restore proper function and balance.

Misaligned Jaw Structures

Orthodontists identify and treat skeletal problems related to jaw development. These may include jaw asymmetry, discrepancies in growth between the upper and lower jaws, or a misaligned bite that affects overall facial balance. In some cases, orthodontic appliances or jaw surgery may be required to correct severe alignment problems.         

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth fails to erupt properly into the mouth—often seen with canines or wisdom teeth. Orthodontists can guide impacted teeth into their correct positions using braces, space maintainers, or by working with oral surgeons when surgical exposure is necessary. 

Speech Difficulties Due to Misalignment

Tooth and jaw misalignments can affect the way a person forms sounds, leading to speech issues such as lisps or unclear pronunciation. Orthodontic treatment helps align the teeth and jaws, often improving speech clarity and function, especially in children during critical developmental stages.

Because these problems can lead to oral health complications like tooth decay, gum disease, and even difficulty chewing or speaking, early and accurate intervention from an orthodontist is essential. They use X-rays, digital scans, and physical evaluations to determine the most effective treatment approach tailored to each patient’s needs.

An Orthodontist’s Approach to Braces and Clear Aligner Treatment

Orthodontists play a key role in creating and managing personalized treatment plans that straighten teeth and correct bite issues. The two most common methods—braces and clear aligners—each offer unique benefits depending on the patient’s needs, age, and preferences.

Braces

Braces are a highly effective orthodontic solution. They use metal or ceramic brackets connected by wires and bands to align teeth gradually. Orthodontists place and adjust these components throughout treatment, carefully monitoring progress to ensure safe and accurate results. Braces are ideal for addressing complex alignment problems, severe crowding, and significant bite issues.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, provide a discreet, removable alternative to braces. Custom-designed through digital imaging, these trays gradually shift teeth and are replaced every one to two weeks. Orthodontists oversee the process—from planning to progress checks—making aligners convenient for mild to moderate alignment concerns, especially for teens and adults.

Orthodontist Evaluation and Treatment Planning 

Every smile is unique, and so is each orthodontic journey. It begins with a thorough evaluation, including digital imaging, bite analysis, and a review of the patient’s medical and dental history. Based on these findings, the orthodontist develops a customized, step-by-step treatment plan that outlines the duration, appliances needed (such as braces or aligners), and desired outcomes. Throughout the process, orthodontists maintain clear communication, educating patients and families on what to expect and how to care for their appliances.

The Orthodontist’s Role in Guiding Facial and Jaw Alignment

While straight teeth are a common goal of orthodontic treatment, jaw alignment is just as important. Conditions such as overbites and underbites often result from jaw discrepancies rather than misaligned teeth. Orthodontists may use appliances like palatal expanders and headgear to correct these issues or recommend surgical intervention in more severe cases. When diagnosed early, particularly in children, these treatments can guide proper jaw development, resulting in more harmonious facial features and improved bite function. Beyond aesthetics, aligning the jaws can also help relieve jaw pain and chronic headaches and even contribute to the management of sleep apnea.

The Lasting Impact of an Orthodontist on Your Dental Health

While often associated with aesthetics, orthodontics is vital to long-term oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which significantly lowers the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Misalignments can create tight or overlapping areas that trap plaque and food, making effective brushing and flossing difficult. By correcting these alignment problems early, orthodontists help prevent long-term complications. They also work closely with general and pediatric dentists to ensure results are maintained through the use of retainers, regular check-ups, and continued oral hygiene guidance. Helping patients enjoy healthy, confident smiles for years to come.

Orthodontist Training Compared to a General Dentist

Understanding the difference in training and expertise between orthodontists and general dentists helps clarify their unique roles in dental care. Both are essential, but their focus areas and qualifications differ significantly.

Orthodontist’s Training

Orthodontists begin their careers as general dentists, earning a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. They then complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training focused exclusively on orthodontics. This advanced education covers tooth movement, jaw development, facial biomechanics, and the treatment of complex bite and alignment issues. With this expertise, orthodontists are uniquely equipped to address a wide range of dental and skeletal concerns using braces, clear aligners, expanders, and other corrective appliances. They create comprehensive, long-term treatment plans tailored to improve both the function and appearance of each patient’s smile.

General Dentist

General dentists are the primary providers of routine dental care, handling services like cleanings, fillings, preventive check-ups, root canals, and crowns. While they receive some orthodontic training during dental school, they are not specialists in alignment or bite correction. Generally, dentists often collaborate with orthodontists to identify early signs of misalignment and refer patients for specialized treatment. After orthodontic treatment, general dentists continue to provide routine care, helping to maintain long-term dental health and ensure the stability of the patient’s results.                                

How an Orthodontist Works With Other Dental Specialists

Orthodontists often work as part of a multidisciplinary dental team to manage complex cases. They collaborate with pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and restorative dentists to ensure comprehensive care. Whether aligning teeth before implants or coordinating with surgeons for issues like cleft palates or impacted teeth, orthodontists help deliver a straighter smile and a healthier, more functional one through team-based treatment planning. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most efficient, effective care tailored to their needs.

The Confidence-Boosting Power of an Orthodontist 

A straighter, healthier smile can significantly boost confidence and improve overall quality of life. Orthodontic treatment often helps children, teens, and adults feel more comfortable with their appearance, leading to better self-esteem and social interactions. By creating smiles that patients are proud to share, orthodontists positively impact emotional well-being and daily life. This boost in confidence can encourage individuals to smile more, speak up, and engage more openly in personal and professional settings. Over time, these improvements contribute to a more positive self-image and lasting emotional benefits.

Understanding the Importance of an Orthodontist in Dentistry

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals dedicated to improving dental alignment, jaw function, and overall oral health. Their work enhances aesthetics, boosts confidence, and supports long-term dental wellness. From early intervention in children to complex treatment plans for adults, orthodontists deliver care that goes far beyond creating a straight smile—it’s about building a healthier, more confident life. At Kids Smile Dentistry, we’re proud to provide expert orthodontic care in a supportive, child-friendly environment. Whether you’re exploring treatment for your child or considering it for yourself, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the journey toward a smile you’ll love.

To learn more about what an orthodontist is, visit the Kids Smile Dentistry blog.