Orthodontics: Your Complete Guide

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on straightening teeth and correcting how your upper and lower jaws fit together. Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other devices to move teeth into better positions. Proper alignment is not just about appearance. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reduce wear, and help you chew and speak properly. Orthodontists also treat jaw growth problems in children and teens.

12,548 orthodontists in our directory

What Does a Orthodontist Do?

A orthodontist is a dentist with advanced training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Here is what they handle:

Straighten crooked or crowded teeth using braces or clear aligners.
Correct bite problems including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Guide jaw growth in children and adolescents to prevent future problems.
Close gaps between teeth.
Create space for crowded teeth, sometimes coordinating with oral surgeons for extractions.
Plan and manage treatment with clear aligners like Invisalign.
Design and fit retainers to maintain results after active treatment.
Work with oral surgeons on combined surgical-orthodontic treatment for severe jaw discrepancies.

When to See a Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. For adults, it is never too late to improve your bite. Consider seeing an orthodontist if:

Your teeth are crowded, overlapping, or crooked.
You have spaces or gaps between your teeth.
Your upper teeth stick out significantly over your lower teeth (overbite).
Your lower teeth close in front of your upper teeth (underbite).
Your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when you bite down (crossbite or open bite).
You have difficulty chewing food or biting into things.
You frequently bite the inside of your cheeks or the roof of your mouth.
Your jaw clicks, pops, or feels uncomfortable.
Your child is losing baby teeth earlier or later than expected.
Your child sucks their thumb past age 5 or breathes primarily through their mouth.

Orthodontist vs. General Dentist

Some general dentists offer basic orthodontic treatments like clear aligners for mild cases. Orthodontists, however, are trained to handle the full range of alignment and bite problems.

General Dentist

General oral health care, cleanings, and fillings.
Mild clear aligner cases for minor tooth movement.
Identifying orthodontic problems and making referrals.
Placing and removing orthodontic appliances in some cases.

Orthodontist

Comprehensive treatment planning with diagnostic records and cephalometric analysis.
Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.
Complex clear aligner treatment involving significant tooth movement.
Correction of severe bite problems and jaw discrepancies.
Early interceptive treatment for children to guide jaw growth.
Surgical orthodontics combined with jaw surgery.
Management of impacted teeth and complex dental development issues.

Orthodontists complete 2 to 3 additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on tooth movement and jaw development. They study biomechanics, growth and development, and treatment planning for the full range of alignment problems. This specialized training makes them uniquely qualified for complex cases that go beyond simple tooth straightening.

Common Orthodontics Procedures

Traditional Braces

Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by wires. The orthodontist periodically adjusts the wires to gradually move teeth into the correct positions. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 24 months. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than older versions. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets for a less noticeable appearance.

Clear Aligner Therapy

Custom-made, nearly invisible plastic trays are worn over the teeth and changed every one to two weeks. Each tray makes small adjustments to tooth position. Aligners are removable for eating and brushing, which many patients find more convenient than braces. Treatment length varies from 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the case.

Jaw Alignment Correction

For patients whose upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontists use appliances like palatal expanders, headgear, or functional appliances. In children, these devices can guide jaw growth while the bones are still developing. In adults with severe jaw discrepancies, orthodontic treatment is often combined with orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

Retainer Fitting and Maintenance

After braces or aligners finish moving teeth, retainers hold them in their new positions. Retainers may be removable (worn at night) or fixed (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth). Wearing retainers as directed is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Conditions Treated by Orthodontists

Orthodontists diagnose and treat a range of conditions. Here are some of the most common:

Orthodontics Articles and Guides

In-depth articles written for patients about orthodontics topics, reviewed for clinical accuracy.

Guides

Treatments

Orthodontist Education and Training

Orthodontists complete 4 years of dental school followed by 2 to 3 years of full-time residency training in an accredited orthodontic program. During residency, they treat hundreds of patients under expert supervision and study biomechanics, jaw growth, and advanced treatment planning. Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics requires a written examination and the presentation of treated cases for peer review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

How long do braces take?

Most orthodontic treatment with braces lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the problem. Some mild cases finish in as little as 6 months, while complex cases involving jaw correction can take up to 30 months. Your orthodontist will give you an estimated timeline at your consultation.

Are braces or Invisalign better?

It depends on your case. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding and spacing. Braces are more effective for complex bite problems, significant tooth rotation, and cases requiring vertical tooth movement. An orthodontist can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best option.

Is orthodontic treatment painful?

You may feel pressure or soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. The discomfort typically fades within a few days as your teeth adjust.