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What is orthodontics?  What is an orthodontist?  Why is orthodontic treatment important?  When should my child first see an orthodontist?  At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?

What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance. Back to Top
What is an orthodontist?
All orthodontists are dentists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. There are only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a four-year dental program at a university dental school. They must then successfully complete an additional 2-3 year accredited residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists. Back to Top
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. Orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one’s general attitude toward life. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, speech impairments, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints, which can result in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years. Back to Top
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child should get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may help a patient avoid surgery or other serious corrections later in life. Back to Top
At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, the AAO recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patient’s physician has noted a problem. Back to Top