What Is Orthodontics? What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Most people know orthodontics has something to do with straightening teeth. But there’s more to it than creating a straighter smile.
Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry focused on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists assess how teeth fit together, identify orthodontic problems and use treatments such as braces and clear aligners to gradually move teeth into more appropriate positions.
Orthodontic treatment can be considered by children, teenagers and adults, and every treatment plan starts with understanding the individual person behind the smile.
So, what exactly does an orthodontist do, when should you see one and what can orthodontic treatment involve?
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, preventing and treating problems relating to the position and alignment of teeth and jaws.
That can include teeth that are crowded, spaced or positioned incorrectly, as well as issues with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
While creating a straighter smile can be an important part of orthodontic treatment, orthodontics also looks at how your teeth function together.
The treatment recommended depends on your individual teeth, bite, age and orthodontic needs.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training in orthodontics.
Their work focuses specifically on the development, alignment and movement of teeth and jaws.
An orthodontist can:
- Assess the position of your teeth and bite
- Identify orthodontic concerns
- Monitor the development of children’s teeth and jaws
- Determine whether orthodontic treatment may be beneficial
- Develop an individual orthodontic treatment plan
- Provide and manage treatments such as braces and clear aligners
- Monitor tooth movement throughout treatment
- Help maintain your results after active treatment
At Ethos Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontists treat children, teenagers and adults across Queensland.
Orthodontist vs dentist: what’s the difference?
Dentists and orthodontists both play important roles in looking after your teeth, but their areas of focus are different.
Your general dentist looks after your overall oral health. This can include check-ups, fillings, gum health, preventive care and other general dental treatments.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undertaken further specialist training specifically in orthodontics.
That means their day-to-day focus is on the position of teeth and jaws and treatments designed to improve alignment.
Your dentist may suggest seeing an orthodontist if they notice an orthodontic concern, but you can also contact an orthodontist directly.
What problems can orthodontics treat?
There are many reasons someone might see an orthodontist.
These can include:
Crowded teeth
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to sit in their ideal positions.
Gaps between teeth
Some patients have noticeable spaces between individual teeth or groups of teeth that they would like assessed.
Crooked or rotated teeth
Teeth can erupt at different angles or become positioned out of alignment.
Bite problems
An orthodontist also assesses how your upper and lower teeth meet.
There are different types of bite concerns, and the right approach will depend on your individual teeth and jaw relationship.
Developing orthodontic concerns in children
Not all orthodontic appointments result in immediate treatment.
For younger patients, an orthodontist may recommend monitoring the development of the teeth and jaws and reviewing them again at the appropriate time.
What treatments do orthodontists use?
Orthodontic treatment looks different for every patient.
Depending on your orthodontic needs, options may include:
Braces
Braces use brackets and orthodontic wires to gradually move teeth into their planned positions.
Different styles may be available, including traditional metal braces and more discreet ceramic braces.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made removable clear aligners to gradually move the teeth.
Clear aligners can be appealing to people looking for a more discreet and flexible orthodontic treatment option.
Other orthodontic appliances
Depending on your individual treatment needs, an orthodontist may also recommend other appliances as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
Your orthodontist will explain what they recommend, why they recommend it and what you can expect from treatment.
Is orthodontics just about straight teeth?
Straightening teeth is certainly a major part of orthodontics, but an orthodontic assessment looks at more than how your smile appears.
Your orthodontist will consider factors such as:
- How your teeth are positioned
- How your upper and lower teeth meet
- The space available for your teeth
- Your stage of dental development
- The relationship between your teeth and jaws
- Your individual treatment goals
The aim is to create a treatment plan based on your complete orthodontic needs rather than focusing on one tooth or cosmetic concern in isolation.
What age should you see an orthodontist?
Orthodontics isn’t just for teenagers.
Children, teenagers and adults can all benefit from an orthodontic assessment when there is a concern about the development, position or alignment of their teeth.
Orthodontics for children
Seeing an orthodontist while a child’s teeth and jaws are developing can help identify orthodontic concerns early.
An early appointment doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces straight away. In many cases, the orthodontist may simply monitor their development until the timing is right.
Orthodontics for teenagers
The teenage years are a common time for orthodontic treatment because many permanent teeth have erupted and the teeth and jaws are still developing.
Depending on the patient, treatment options may include braces or clear aligners.
Orthodontics for adults
It’s also possible to start orthodontic treatment as an adult.
Many adults choose treatment because they have wanted to straighten their teeth for some time, while others may be addressing an orthodontic concern that has changed or become more noticeable over the years.
Options such as ceramic braces and Invisalign can make orthodontic treatment more discreet for adults who prefer that approach.
What happens at your first orthodontic appointment?
If you’ve never visited an orthodontist before, there’s no need to arrive knowing what treatment you want.
The purpose of your first appointment is to understand your smile.
Your orthodontic team will assess your teeth and discuss any concerns or goals you have. Depending on your situation, further records or scans may also form part of assessing and planning your treatment.
You’ll then be able to discuss:
- Whether orthodontic treatment is recommended
- Which treatment options may be appropriate
- What treatment could involve
- Expected treatment considerations
- Your next steps
It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask questions.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
You can contact Ethos Orthodontics directly to organise an orthodontic consultation.
You may also be referred by your dentist if they identify something they think should be assessed by an orthodontist.
Either way, your orthodontist and dentist can play complementary roles in looking after your smile.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
There isn’t a universal treatment time for orthodontics.
Treatment length depends on your individual teeth, bite, treatment goals and the type of orthodontic movement required.
Some people require relatively straightforward tooth movement, while others need a more comprehensive treatment plan.
After assessing your smile, your orthodontist can give you a more personalised idea of what to expect.
Thinking about seeing an orthodontist?
Whether you’re researching treatment for your child, considering straightening your own teeth or simply want to understand your options, an orthodontic consultation can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening with your smile.
At Ethos Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontists provide orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.
We’ll assess your individual smile, explain what we find and talk you through your options in a way that’s easy to understand.
Find your nearest Ethos Orthodontics clinic to get started.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontics
Is orthodontics the same as braces?
No. Braces are one type of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is the specialist field that assesses and treats the alignment of teeth and jaws.
Does an orthodontist only straighten teeth?
Straightening teeth is an important part of orthodontics, but orthodontists also assess your bite, jaw relationship and how your teeth are developing and working together.
Can adults see an orthodontist?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to children and teenagers. Adults can also have their teeth and bite assessed and discuss suitable treatment options.
Should I see a dentist or orthodontist for braces?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment. A specialist orthodontist has undertaken additional training specifically in orthodontics and tooth movement.
Can I see an orthodontist without a referral?
Yes. You can contact Ethos directly to organise an orthodontic consultation.
