What Does an Orthodontist Do? An orthodontist is a dentist with specific advanced training. Their primary job is to diagnose and treat teeth alignment and jaw irregularities. They also work on preventing alignment problems, especially in younger children.

Most people think of “braces” when they think about an orthodontist. While it is true that much of what an orthodontist spends their day on is braces, that is not their only job. We explored orthodontics from the schooling they complete to the specialist designations they earn.

We All Know About Braces

Everyone knows that an orthodontist does braces and Invisalign®. Straightening teeth is a large part of their job. The reason we need straight smiles is more than just looking better. Straight teeth make it easier to chew, which aids in digestion. Better digestion leads to better overall health because more nutrients reach your body.

Yes, orthodontists do braces, but they are also concerned with your whole-body health. Orthodontic care shouldn’t wait until you have visible alignment problems.

Growth Monitoring for Younger Patients

A child’s first visit to an orthodontist should be before their seventh birthday. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets this date based on average growth cycles for children. At seven, a child has shed most of their deciduous (baby) teeth, and many permanent adult teeth are in place or ready to erupt.

With X-rays and digital imaging, the doctor can determine if the child will have orthodontic problems in the future. If the jaw is too small, the doctor can take corrective action and use a palatal expander. This appliance works with the child’s growth patterns, lessening the impact of orthodontic care. When early intervention is necessary, it is easier on the child than waiting for jaw growth to stop and fixing emerging problems with braces.

Not every child will need early treatment (Phase 1 Treatment). Most will be placed into a monitoring program with appointments every six months. The monitoring program lets the doctor monitor potential alignment issues to correct them earlier.

Correcting Jaw Alignment

If jaw alignment is necessary, your orthodontist may approach the problem in several ways, depending on the patient’s age. Oral surgery may be necessary for older patients who are out of their growth period. For younger patients, orthodontic appliances, including braces, headgear, and palatal expanders, can help correct the alignment non-surgically.

Jaw alignment is crucial because it directly affects the ability to chew food. When the teeth don’t meet as the jaw is closed, it affects how well food is chewed, making digestion more difficult.

How Much Training Does an Orthodontist Need?

The first part of their training is in general dentistry. All orthodontists are dentists. Once they receive their dental degree, an orthodontist continues training for another three years. During that three-year residency, they will concentrate on many different areas of orthodontics, including:

Facial growth and development
Biology and biomechanics
Orthodontics (braces)

Some orthodontists also specialize in Dentofacial Orthopedics or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Doctors must complete additional training to earn these designations.

Freehold’s Doctors are Tops in Their Field

Freehold Orthodontics offers top-notch orthodontics for braces and Invisalign treatment. Dr. Seth Margulies and Dr. Natalie Nebblett provide orthodontic services for patients of all ages.

Orthodontic Appliances You Might See

We’ve mentioned orthodontic appliances a few times. They are essential tools in Dentofacial Orthopedics. Patients may experience one or more of these handy devices depending on the alignment issues being corrected.

Braces and Invisalign Alignment Trays

Braces and Invisalign are reasonably well known. Very briefly, then:

Braces use brackets and wires to apply tension to teeth to promote movement. The doctor affixes brackets to each tooth and then threads the archwire through each bracket. By tightening the tension on the archwire, it transfers the tension to force, which is what pulls your teeth into alignment.

Invisalign uses almost invisible tray aligners that are worn over the teeth. The trays apply gentle but constant pressure to the teeth. The pressure creates the necessary force to push teeth into alignment.

Although both types of braces work differently in how they apply force, the result is still a straight smile.

Palatal Expanders

A palatal expander is an appliance that works with a child’s natural growth patterns to widen the palate. The device allows the orthodontist to apply gentle pressure to expand the upper jaw to ensure adequate room for descending adult teeth.

Headgear, Rubber Bands, and Retainers

Headgear is the silly-looking apparatus you see depicted in TV shows. That one kid at the sleepover always has to wear their headgear. The purpose of headgear is to reposition the jaw to correct an overbite or underbite.

As an alternative to headgear, the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device promotes growth in younger patients to correct overbites and possibly avoid needing surgical correction.

Another device that is useful in correcting overbite is the Herbst® appliance. This appliance is helpful for younger patients to use their growth patterns. Children may wear this appliance for 12 to 15 months.

Retainers can be fixed or removable. Following treatment with braces or Invisalign, a retainer is useful in helping your teeth hold their new positions. Failure to use the retainer as prescribed could result in your teeth returning to their previous misaligned positioning.

Is an Orthodontist Also a Dental Surgeon?

They can be, but only after completing the requirements for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a sub-specialty under orthodontics.

What to Look for in an Orthodontist

One of the most important things to look for in any doctor is how they treat patients. Are you just a number, or do they treat you with care and compassion? Is the staff friendly and helpful when you have questions about your treatment? A good orthodontist will happily answer all your questions. You should feel comfortable in the office, with all the staff members, and with the doctor.

In addition to being comfortable in the office, you can check an orthodontist’s affiliations, awards, and education. Many doctors are very active in their community too. There are many areas you can research online and in person before selecting an orthodontist for you or your family.

Freehold Orthodontics — Quality and Reliability

Dr. Margulies and Dr. Nebblett are eager to meet new patients. Their entire staff at Freehold Orthodontics are professional, courteous, and knowledgeable in the field of orthodontics and oral care. Please feel free to schedule your appointment using our online Appointment Request form. If you are more comfortable on the phone or would like to speak directly with our Scheduling Coordinator, please call (732) 795-5548.

We look forward to hearing from you.