Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Orthodontists

Orthodontists are dental specialists who are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to correct the position of the teeth and jaws to improve the function and appearance of the patient’s bite and smile.

Orthodontists typically have completed a minimum of two to three years of additional training beyond dental school in an accredited orthodontic residency program. They use various types of appliances such as braces, aligners, retainers, and functional appliances to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontic treatment can be used to correct a wide range of issues, including:

Crowding: When there is not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to fit comfortably.

Overbite: When the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth.

Underbite: When the lower front teeth extend too far out in front of the upper front teeth.

Open bite: When the front upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the back teeth bite together.

Crossbite: When one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.

Spacing: When there are gaps between the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can also be used to correct jaw problems such as an underdeveloped or overdeveloped jaw or a jaw that is out of alignment. Orthodontic treatment can improve the function and appearance of the patient’s bite and smile, and can also help to prevent future dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and TMJ.

Orthodontists are an important part of healthcare, working in collaboration with dentists and other healthcare professionals to help patients achieve optimal oral health and facial aesthetics.