If your dentist has referred you to an orthodontist, it means that they have discovered that your teeth and jaws aren’t aligned correctly. Orthodontists are experts in repairing these issues.

They deal with malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites, crooked teeth, spacing problems, and crowding of the mouth.

Orthodontists are Dentists

Orthodontists are trained to treat teeth and jaw misalignments, including crooked or crowded teeth, bite patterns, airway constriction, overbites, underbites and crossbites. They are specialists in the treatment of these problems, which can lead to a variety of other issues, including difficulty chewing, gum disease and tooth wear.

While dentists are also highly qualified professionals who care for your overall oral health, orthodontists have invested four years of undergraduate education and four additional years in dental school to become specialized in treating the health and beauty of your smile. They have a special focus on diagnosing, preventing and correcting teeth and jaw misalignments that are often caused by birth defects, genetics, habits like thumb sucking and accidents.

An orthodontist has also completed an accredited orthodontic residency program, which provides them with extensive instruction on healthy tooth movement and guidance of the dental, jaw and facial development. This training is what separates them from general dentists.

They Examine Your Teeth

First, the orthodontist will go through your dental records to determine the last time you saw a dentist, any outstanding oral care issues like tooth decay or cavities, and even things you may have done to your teeth or gums such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting. They’ll also take an oral examination and dental imaging to see how your teeth are growing in, or if there are any dental issues that require treatment before they can begin to work on straightening your smile.

Some of these problems aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as gaps in your teeth (called diastemas), or extra teeth that haven’t come in yet (called supernumerary teeth). Orthodontists will also take X-rays and computerized images to view your mouth and jaw from different angles, so they can see the positioning of your teeth, their symmetry with your jaw, and other issues you might not be aware of. They’ll also talk to you about the length of time your treatment will likely take.

They Install Braces

If you are looking to straighten your teeth, an orthodontist will help you achieve a beautiful smile. This may include metal braces, clear aligners or a palate expander.

First, the orthodontist cleans your teeth and then applies a bit of bonding cement to each tooth where the brackets will go. This is followed by a quick clinical exam. They will also take detailed X-rays.

Next, the orthodontist selects a tiny piece of metal, called a bracket, and places it on your tooth. They then apply a small amount of glue to the bottom and use a blue light to set it.

After the brackets are bonded, the orthodontist attaches wires to the brackets. They may place a piece of elastic to hold the arch wire against the teeth (called ligatures). They also put metal bands around the back molars with glue. This process is usually painful. However, it is less painful now that indirect digital bonding has been introduced.

They Retainer Your Teeth

After you’ve had braces removed, your orthodontist may recommend that you wear a retainer to help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Retainers are usually made of a clear plastic or acrylic material, and your orthodontist will create a mold of your mouth to ensure that the retainer fits snugly inside.

Orthodontic retainers are designed to correct problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and crowding. They also help with spacing issues, such as overlapping or gaps between your teeth.

If you have a removable retainer, your orthodontist will advise you on how to clean it correctly, to avoid bacteria building up and causing gum inflammation. They may recommend using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, or suggest a mouthwash to get into hard-to-reach places where food particles can accumulate.