Orthodontist: Specialist in Teeth and Jaw Alignment

An orthodontist is a dentist who completed 2-3 years of additional accredited residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Scope of Practice

• Diagnose, prevent, and treat malocclusions (misaligned teeth/jaws).
• Appliance therapy: braces (metal, ceramic, lingual), clear aligners (Invisalign), functional appliances, headgear, retainers.
• Manage skeletal discrepancies (growth modification in children, orthognathic surgery planning in adults).
• Treat TMD related to occlusion.

When to See an Orthodontist

• Crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite.
• Early evaluation recommended by age 7 (AAO).
• Adults increasingly seek treatment for aesthetics/function.

Orthodontists focus exclusively on alignment; general dentists provide comprehensive oral care.