Overview
This guide explains what an orthodontist is, how they train, and when to see one instead of a general dentist.
People who search 'what is an orthodontists' usually want to know how this specialist differs from a regular dentist. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and corrects problems with tooth and jaw alignment.[1] Orthodontic treatment can improve how your teeth fit together and how you bite, chew, and clean your teeth. You can read more about this specialty on the orthodontics page.
What an Orthodontist Does
If you are asking what is an orthodontists area of expertise, the answer is the alignment of your teeth and jaws.
An orthodontist is a dentist with advanced, specialized training in moving teeth and guiding jaw growth. Below is how that training works, what these specialists treat, and the tools they use.
Training and Education
Every orthodontist starts in dental school, the same four-year program that trains a general dentist.[2] After earning a dental degree, they complete an orthodontic residency program, which usually adds two to three years of full-time study.[1] This residency program focuses only on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, the science of guiding facial and jaw growth.[1] During this training, they learn to plan and manage orthodontic treatment for many tooth positions and bite patterns.
Problems Orthodontists Treat
Orthodontists handle a wide range of orthodontic problems. The most common are crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps, along with misaligned teeth that do not meet correctly when you close your mouth.[1] They also correct bite issues, such as an overbite or underbite, where the upper teeth and lower teeth do not line up. Through dentofacial orthopedics, orthodontists can guide the growth of the upper and lower jaw in children while the bones are still developing.[1] In severe cases that involve the jawbones, an orthodontist may work with an oral surgeon using surgical orthodontics, which combines braces with jaw surgery.
Tools and Appliances
Orthodontists use several types of orthodontic appliances to move teeth into better positions. Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to apply gentle, steady pressure over time.[1] Clear aligners are a newer option, a series of clear, removable trays that gradually shift teeth, and many patients choose clear aligners for a less noticeable look. For younger patients, palate expanders widen a narrow upper jaw to make room for incoming teeth. The right mix of orthodontic appliances depends on your age, your treatment goals, and the type of correction you need. Clear aligners do not fit every case, so an orthodontist will review whether traditional braces, clear aligners, or palate expanders suit you best.
What to Know Before You Go
Knowing the right timing and a few basics about orthodontic care helps you prepare before you see an orthodontist.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have a first orthodontic check no later than age 7.[1] By this age, enough adult teeth have come in for an orthodontist to spot problems early, even if orthodontic treatment will not start for several years. Early checks let the orthodontist watch jaw growth and choose the best time to begin.
Orthodontic treatment is not only for children. Many adults interested in straightening teeth choose clear aligners or braces later in life, and results vary based on bone health and case complexity. There is no strict upper age limit for orthodontic care, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
To prepare, keep up with your regular dental cleanings and tell your general dentist about any concerns. Good oral health before treatment lowers the risk of problems like cavities during orthodontic care. Bring a list of questions and any past dental records when you see an orthodontist for the first time.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your first visit to an orthodontist follows a clear set of steps, from exam to a written treatment plan.
The visit usually starts with a review of your dental and medical history. The orthodontist then examines your teeth, jaws, and bite, and may take digital photos, X-rays, or a 3D scan of your mouth.[1] These records show how your upper teeth and lower teeth fit together and can reveal orthodontic problems that are hard to see by eye.
- Exam and records: the orthodontist checks your teeth and jaws and takes X-rays or scans.
- Diagnosis: they explain your alignment issues and how they affect your bite and oral health.
- Treatment plan: you review options such as traditional braces, clear aligners, or palate expanders, with an estimated timeline.
- Start of treatment: once you choose a plan, the orthodontist places your braces or fits your first set of aligners.
- Follow-up visits: you return every few weeks for adjustments until orthodontic treatment is complete.
After Active Treatment
After active orthodontic treatment ends, most patients wear a retainer to hold teeth in their new positions. Skipping a retainer is a common reason teeth drift back, so follow your orthodontist's instructions closely. Results vary, and the total time for orthodontic treatment typically ranges from several months to a few years, depending on your case.
Cost Factors and Insurance
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, and prices differ widely from one patient and provider to the next.
Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. A short, simple case usually costs less than full treatment for a complex bite that needs jaw surgery or several years of orthodontic care. The type of orthodontic appliances also matters, since clear aligners or traditional metal braces can be priced differently.
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit, often with a lifetime maximum and a focus on care for children and teens.[2] Check whether your plan covers orthodontic treatment, what share you must pay, and whether you need a referral. Many orthodontic offices also offer payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts can help pay for orthodontic care in many cases.
When to See an Orthodontist
See an orthodontist when you have alignment or bite problems that go beyond the routine cleanings and fillings a general dentist provides.
A general dentist can spot orthodontic problems and refer you to a specialist. You may want to see an orthodontist if you notice crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or gaps, trouble biting or chewing, or jaws that shift or make noise. Parents should also see an orthodontist if a child loses baby teeth very early or late.[1]
- Misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, or noticeable gaps
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite where the upper teeth and lower teeth do not meet
- Trouble chewing, biting, or speaking clearly
- A narrow upper jaw that may need palate expanders
- Interest in clear aligners or braces for straightening teeth
Dentist or Orthodontist?
For routine care like cleanings, cavity fillings, and gum health, your general dentist remains the right choice.[2] For complex tooth movement and jaw growth, an orthodontist's extra training in orthodontic treatment makes them the right specialist. The two providers often work together to protect your overall oral health.
Find an Orthodontist
Ready to take the next step? If you think you or your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, you can compare specialists and learn more on the orthodontics page. Look for an orthodontist who completed an accredited orthodontic residency program and who clearly explains your options, from traditional braces to clear aligners. A strong first consultation should leave you with a clear plan and honest answers about timing, cost, and results.
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