When it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, orthodontists play a crucial role that goes far beyond just straightening teeth. While many people recognize orthodontists as the professionals who provide braces, their expertise, training, and scope of practice extend much further. This article will explain what orthodontists do, how they differ from general dentists, and why their specialized care might be exactly what you or your family needs.
Specialized Dental Professionals
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed extensive additional education and training beyond dental school. After earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree—which typically takes four years of intensive study—orthodontists commit to an additional 2-3 years in an accredited orthodontic residency program.
- This specialized education focuses exclusively on:
- Facial growth and development
- Biology of tooth movement
- Proper alignment of teeth and jaws
- Treatment of malocclusions (improper bites)
- Dentofacial orthopedics (guiding facial development)
This rigorous training means orthodontists are uniquely qualified to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. They are experts in both the science of moving teeth and the art of creating balanced, harmonious smiles.
How Orthodontists Differ from General Dentists
While both orthodontists and general dentists care for oral health, their roles are complementary but distinct:
General Dentists:
- Provide comprehensive dental care
- Conduct regular check-ups and cleanings
- Fill cavities and perform root canals
- Address gum disease and tooth decay
- May offer limited orthodontic services
Orthodontists:
- Specialize exclusively in tooth alignment and jaw relationships
- Diagnose complex bite issues and facial growth abnormalities
- Create comprehensive treatment plans for optimal alignment
- Provide various orthodontic appliances and treatment options
- Monitor and adjust treatments throughout the entire process
Think of it this way: general dentists are like primary care physicians, while orthodontists are like specialists such as cardiologists or neurologists, but for your smile. Both are essential to your overall oral health, but with different areas of expertise.
What Orthodontists Treat
Orthodontists address a wide range of dental and facial irregularities, including:
Malocclusions (Bite Problems):
- Overbites (upper teeth extending too far over lower teeth)
- Underbites (lower teeth positioned ahead of upper teeth)
- Crossbites (misalignment of upper and lower dental arches)
- Open bites (vertical gap between upper and lower teeth)
Alignment Issues:
- Crowded teeth
- Spacing problems
- Misaligned teeth
- Impacted teeth (teeth unable to emerge properly)
Jaw Concerns:
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Facial asymmetry
- Airway issues that may affect breathing and sleep
Many of these issues aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they can affect speech, chewing ability, dental hygiene, and even contribute to headaches or jaw pain. By addressing these problems, orthodontists improve both function and aesthetics.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Modern orthodontists offer a variety of treatment options tailored to patients’ needs:
Traditional Metal Braces: The time-tested approach using brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment.
Clear or Ceramic Braces: Similar to traditional braces but made with tooth-colored or clear materials for a more subtle appearance.
Clear Aligners: Removable, nearly invisible plastic trays (like Invisalign®) that gradually shift teeth without brackets or wires.
Lingual Braces: Braces attached to the back surfaces of teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
Palatal Expanders and Other Appliances: Specialized tools that address specific issues like narrow dental arches or jaw growth guidance.
Orthodontists work with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the specific condition, patient age, lifestyle considerations, and treatment goals.
The Orthodontic Process
A typical orthodontic journey includes:
- Initial Consultation: Examination of teeth and jaws, often including X-rays, photographs, and digital scans.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: The orthodontist analyzes all data to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Active Treatment: Application of braces or aligners and regular adjustment appointments.
- Retention Phase: Use of retainers after active treatment to maintain results.
Throughout this process, orthodontists monitor progress and make adjustments to ensure optimal outcomes. Treatments typically last anywhere from six months to three years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Beyond Straight Teeth: The Benefits of Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics:
Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Better Function: Proper alignment improves chewing efficiency and reduces abnormal wear on teeth.
Speech Enhancement: Correcting certain bite issues can improve speech patterns.
Reduced Injury Risk: Protruding teeth are more vulnerable to trauma; alignment reduces this risk.
TMJ Relief: Proper alignment can alleviate jaw pain and dysfunction.
Confidence Boost: A beautiful smile can significantly enhance self-esteem and social confidence.
When to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when potential issues can be identified early. However, orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of any age. Many adults seek orthodontic care for issues that weren’t addressed in childhood or due to changes in tooth positioning over time.
Signs that might indicate the need for an orthodontic consultation include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaw shifting or making sounds
- Frequent cheek biting
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Teeth that don’t meet normally
Finding Your Smile Solution
If you’re in Wichita, Kansas and considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, our mother-daughter orthodontic practice offers comprehensive care in a warm, welcoming environment. Our team combines decades of experience with the latest techniques and technologies to provide personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs.
We believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. From traditional braces to modern clear aligners, we offer solutions for patients of all ages. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discover how orthodontic treatment can transform your smile and improve your oral health for years to come. Your journey to a confident, aligned smile is just a phone call away!
