Why You Should See an Orthodontist

A straight smile isn’t just about beauty — it’s also about health. Misaligned teeth and jaws can cause issues with chewing, speech and breathing. Luckily, orthodontic treatments like braces can fix these problems and improve overall dental health.

To become an orthodontist, dentists undergo more than 12 years of education. First, they must complete a pre-dentistry or pre-med major in college before starting dental school. Once they graduate with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), orthodontists go to an orthodontic residency program for two to three years. During this time, they learn how to treat teeth and jaw irregularities that can’t be corrected by general dentists.

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After completing their specialty training, orthodontists can work on patients of all ages. They may use fixed or removable appliances to correct teeth alignment, such as metal braces, ceramic braces or lingual braces. They may also use retainers, headgear and rubber bands to help guide teeth as they move.

Many people think a visit to the orthodontist is just for children who need braces, but adults are treated fairly regularly as well. It’s never too late to seek treatment for crooked teeth, overcrowding, or an improper bite, as these issues can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty or pain when chewing.

While some general dentists offer orthodontic care, only orthodontists have completed the additional two to three years of specialty training after graduating from dental school and passing the board exam. You should always look for a board certified orthodontist so you can be sure they’ve taken the extra time and effort to hone their skills to ensure they have the best knowledge and expertise in the field of orthodontics.