An orthodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion). Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and specialized orthodontic appliances to create healthy, functional, and stable smiles. Becoming an orthodontist requires additional years of advanced training beyond dental school.
If you are researching orthodontic treatment, braces, or Invisalign for yourself or your child, understanding the role of an orthodontist helps you choose the right provider and avoid long-term dental problems caused by improper bite alignment.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists focus on correcting how teeth and jaws fit together. Their work directly affects oral health, facial balance, bite function, and long-term dental stability.
Orthodontists diagnose and treat:
- Crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth
- Crowded teeth and spacing issues
- Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
- Jaw alignment and growth problems
- Uneven tooth wear caused by poor bite positioning
- Functional problems affecting chewing, speech, and jaw comfort
Orthodontic treatment is planned using digital scans, panoramic X-rays, bite analysis, and facial evaluations. These tools allow orthodontists to move teeth safely and predictably while protecting roots, gums, and jaw joints.
At Grinz Orthodontics, orthodontic care is customized for every stage of life, including
kids, teen, and adults.
Orthodontist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?
A dentist focuses on general oral health care such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum disease treatment. Dentists help maintain healthy teeth.
An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses entirely on tooth and jaw alignment.
After completing dental school, orthodontists complete two to three additional years of full-time orthodontic residency training. This education is dedicated to understanding facial growth, tooth movement, bite mechanics, and dentofacial orthopedics. Because of this advanced training, orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct complex bite problems and jaw discrepancies.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontists are the only dental professionals trained specifically to straighten teeth and align jaws using orthodontic treatment.
What is Malocclusion and Why is it Important?
Malocclusion refers to improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth or jaws. It is one of the most common dental conditions and can be inherited or develop due to habits, injury, or abnormal jaw growth.
Common types of malocclusion include:
- Overbite, where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth
- Underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Open bite, where the front teeth do not touch when biting
Malocclusion can cause excessive tooth wear, gum recession, jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Research published through the National Institutes of Health shows that untreated malocclusion can significantly affect oral function and long-term dental health.
Orthodontic treatment corrects these issues early, helping prevent damage that becomes more expensive and difficult to treat later.
Is an Orthodontist Only for Braces?
Braces are one of the most familiar orthodontic tools, but they are far from the only option. Modern orthodontic care includes several treatment approaches designed to match different bite conditions, lifestyles, and long-term goals. Some patients benefit most from traditional metal or ceramic braces, while others prefer self-ligating systems or clear aligners such as Invisalign or Angel Aligners. In certain cases, orthodontic appliances are also used to help guide jaw development, particularly during growth.
Choosing between aligners and braces often comes down to bite complexity, age, and how much flexibility you want during treatment. A closer look at Invisalign vs braces helps clarify how each option works, who they’re best suited for, and the type of results patients can expect.
What Can an Orthodontist Do That a Dentist Can’t?
Orthodontists are trained to manage the biology and mechanics of tooth movement. This includes guiding jaw growth, correcting skeletal bite issues, and ensuring long-term alignment stability.
Orthodontists can:
- Safely move teeth without damaging roots
- Correct jaw alignment during growth
- Prevent uneven tooth wear and jaw strain
- Address facial balance and bite stability
Some orthodontic cases also involve airway considerations, especially in growing children. Jaw position and facial development can influence breathing, sleep quality, and overall comfort. Airway orthodontics takes a broader approach by addressing dental alignment while also supporting healthy breathing patterns as the face and jaws develop. Ongoing clinical research from the Cleveland Clinic shows that orthodontic care can play a role in improving oral function, comfort, and quality of life when airway health is considered as part of treatment planning.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Evaluating growth at this stage allows orthodontists to identify developing bite or jaw concerns early, when guidance or monitoring can be most effective. Recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists reflect the value of early assessment in reducing the likelihood of more complex treatment later.
That said, orthodontic care is not limited to childhood. Many adults pursue treatment to correct long-standing bite issues, improve chewing comfort, and limit uneven tooth wear over time. When uncertainty exists about whether treatment is needed, signs such as crowding, bite irregularities, and jaw discomfort often provide important clues. Information on how to know if you need braces explains these signs in practical terms and helps clarify when an orthodontic evaluation makes sense.
Orthodontics Is About More Than Just a Straight Smile
Orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, more likely to wear unevenly, and can contribute to gum disease and jaw discomfort.
Untreated orthodontic problems may lead to:
- Tooth fractures
- Gum recession
- Chronic jaw pain
- Speech issues
- Difficulty chewing
Orthodontic treatment improves far more than the look of your smile—it helps the teeth and jaw work together the way they’re meant to. When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean, experience less uneven wear, and place less strain on the jaw. These functional benefits are a big reason why braces aren’t just for aesthetics—they also play an important role in protecting long-term oral health and preserving facial balance over time.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic costs can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, how complex the bite is, and how long correction takes. It’s not unusual for patients to question whether a five-thousand-dollar price tag for braces makes sense. When bite problems are left untreated, they often lead to uneven tooth wear and additional dental work later on, which is why orthodontic care is often viewed as a long-term investment. Since coverage differs from one plan to another, knowing what dental insurance covers for orthodontics can help set clearer expectations around costs and benefits.
Why Choose Grinz Orthodontics?
Grinz Orthodontics provides specialist-led orthodontic care using modern technology and personalized treatment planning. Every patient receives a customized approach based on age, bite complexity, and long-term goals.
Patients benefit from:
- Advanced digital orthodontics
- Multiple treatment options
- Experience treating children, teens, and adults
- Long-term retention and stability planning
Whenever you’re ready, feel free to book a consultation with us at a time that’s convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontists
What exactly does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and orthodontic appliances.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Dentists provide general dental care, while orthodontists specialize in tooth and jaw alignment.
Is an orthodontist just for braces?
No. Orthodontists also provide clear aligners, jaw-guiding appliances, and retention planning.
What can an orthodontist do that a dentist can’t?
Orthodontists correct complex bite and jaw alignment issues with specialized training.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for teeth?
It refers to brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits.
Is $5,000 expensive for braces?
Costs vary, but orthodontic treatment prevents long-term dental damage and improves function.
What destroys teeth the most?
Poor hygiene, untreated bite issues, grinding, acid erosion, and gum disease.
When a dentist says “3”?
It refers to a healthy gum pocket depth of three millimeters.
