Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that corrects differences in the teeth and jaws by guiding dental and facial development and growth during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Orthodontics diagnoses, prevents and treats dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” 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.
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a three- to five-year dental graduate program at a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional two- to three-year ADA-accredited residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be seen by age 7 or 8 for an orthodontic screening and evaluation to identify conditions that may require more aggressive intervention if left to be treated later. Adolescents and adults can also benefit greatly from orthodontics as there are numerous options for treatment at all ages.
For more information about orthodontics, please see the American Association of Orthodontists website at www.braces.org.
Livingston District Dental Society
P.O. Box 587, Brighton, Michigan 48116