Orthodontics

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps realign a person's teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

Orthodontists treat children for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems also can be genetic or inherited.

However, nowadays, many adults who are unhappy with their smile are seeking an orthodontic opinion.

So why would you go to the orthodontist?

Your dentist or one of your parents might recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws.

An adult or a child who doesn't like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist.