Behind every perfect smile and bite, there's likely an orthodontist who has played a crucial role in achieving it. While most people have a general idea of what dentists do, the specific role of an orthodontist and their expertise is sometimes less clear.
An orthodontist is a dental professional who has pursued advanced residency training to become an expert in diagnosing and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws.
Orthodontists are also dentofacial orthopedists. This means they are also focused on guiding the growth of the face and jaws. Because they are trained in dentofacial orthopedics and understand facial growth, they can effectively correct misaligned bites and redirect jaw growth while children are growing.
What Do Orthodontists Do?
Orthodontists are specialists focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial imbalances. They primarily deal with the alignment of teeth and jaws, correcting issues like:
Crowded or crooked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbites and underbites
Crossbites
Overjet or protruded teeth
Misaligned jaws
Impacted teeth
Narrow jaws
Orthodontists are trained in using a variety of appliances to move teeth and jaws into their proper positions. This includes braces, retainers, aligners, and orthopedic appliances such as expanders, headgear, and bite correctors.
One of the primary objectives of orthodontic treatment is to correct malocclusions or misaligned bites, which can interfere with eating and speaking. Orthodontists also work to prevent potential problems by examining a patient’s teeth and jaws and monitoring their development. This allows them to identify issues early on and provide timely treatment to correct current issues and prevent future problems.
The Path to Becoming an Orthodontist
Becoming an orthodontist is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires years of education, training, and dedication:
Undergraduate Degree: Typically in a science-related field like biology or chemistry.
Dental School: Three to four years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Orthodontic Residency: Additional two to three years of specialized training in an accredited orthodontic program. This advanced education focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.
This extensive education and training equip orthodontists with experience and knowledge of dental and facial development, biomechanics, and the intricate movements involved in orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What's the Difference?
While both orthodontists and dentists play important roles in oral health, their areas of focus differ:
Dentists: General practitioners who provide a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, and basic preventive care. They can also identify orthodontic problems. Because dentists have a brief introduction to the field of orthodontics in dental school, some dentists utilize braces and aligners.
Orthodontists: Specialists who focus exclusively on orthodontics. They have attended an accredited orthodontic residency program and are experts in correcting misalignments of the teeth, imbalances of the jaws, and creating beautiful, functional smiles.
While general dentistry addresses a wide spectrum of dental concerns, orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and aligning jaws. Collaboration between the orthodontist and dentist ensures comprehensive care for patients, where each professional’s expertise complements the other to improve patients’ dental and overall health.
Why You Should Choose an Orthodontist for Treatment
Orthodontists are specialists known for their expertise in delivering orthodontic care. Their residency training and expertise allow them to correct dental and facial irregularities, improving both the esthetics and function of your teeth and bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is a professional organization open only to qualified orthodontists. By choosing an AAO orthodontist for your treatment, you are ensuring that you receive care from a specialist with the expertise and experience to deliver the best possible results.
If you are seeking a beautiful smile for yourself or your child, Godley Family Orthodontics is your trusted orthodontist in Zionsville Indiana. Dr. Godley, a board certified orthodontic specialist, offers a welcoming environment for patients of all ages at her family-owned practice. Contact our orthodontic office or visit our website to book your free, complimentary orthodontist consultation online. We look forward to meeting you!
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