What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed college and 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 2 to 3 years residency program accredited by the ADA of advanced education in orthodontics. After receiving the additional years of training and education, an orthodontist has learned the skills that are required to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development with braces, headgear, retainers and other methods. Only a dentist that has completed the additional years of training and education after dental school is an orthodontist.
All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a four-year dental graduate program at a University or Dental School or other institution accredited by the American Dental Association. They must then successfully complete an additional 2-3 year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. This residency program must also be accredited by the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontics. Through this extensive training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage overall care of the orthodontic patient. Only dentists, who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education, may call themselves orthodontists.
Orthodontist is a dentist that straightens teeth. They analyze a mouth and surrounding bone structures and determine where the teeth should be. If there is enough room they will manipulate the teeth and bone through the use of bands, wires, elastics, headgears and other appliances to achieve a harmonius balance between facial muscles and teeth. If there is not enough room teeth may have to be extracted to achieve the desired results. They treat children as well as adults, so don’t be afraid you are too old to have braces. They have usually 2 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only orthodontics.
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in braces for both children and adults. Orthodontists have completed dental school, just as your family dentist, but have also had additional training (called a residency) for an additional 2 to 3 years. During their residency the orthodontist learns not only about placing braces on teeth but also studies the growth and development of the jaws. From their background, orthodontists can determine developing bite problems at very early ages.
