What Is an Orthodontist? What Do They Do, What Conditions Do They Treat?

If you’re just starting your research on braces, you might wonder what role your orthodontist plays. In this blog, we share it all. Read on to learn what an orthodontist is, what they do, and what conditions they treat.

If you’re considering orthodontic care, you might wonder what an orthodontist does and how they can help you with your goals.

These are great things to wonder about! 

Read on as Nicole Thompson, DMD, and her team here at Lovely Smiles Orthodontics in Richmond, Texas, address these issues in more depth.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws.

After completing a dental degree (DDS or DMD), orthodontists must complete additional, orthodontic-specific training. 

During this training, they learn to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities, as well as the intricacies of braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. They learn how to support you in your treatment, regardless of age, and how to use retainers to make your results last.

Dr. Thompson, for example, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received her degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Afterward, she attended Howard University, where she received her certificate in orthodontics. 

What do orthodontists do?

Orthodontists are trained to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, which can improve both the function and appearance of your smile. 

As an orthodontist, Dr. Thompson uses various treatments, such as traditional metal braces (including fun customizations with Wildsmiles®), LightForce® 3D-printed braces, the BRIUS™ alignment system, Invisalign® clear aligners, and other appliances to move your teeth into the desired position over time. 

In addition to overseeing your orthodontic treatment plan, Dr. Thompson can also fix broken wires, detached brackets, or any other orthodontic emergencies that may arise. 

After your treatment, Dr. Thompson helps you maintain your results with a retainer. 

Her goal is threefold: improve your alignment, eliminate complications of malocclusion (bad bites), and help you fall in love with your smile again.

What conditions do orthodontists treat?

Dr. Thompson and the Lovely Smiles Orthodontics team can help you manage the following:

Crowding and crooked teeth

Misaligned or crooked teeth are one of the most common reasons people see an orthodontist. 

Crowding happens when there isn't enough space in your jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, which then leads to overlapping or crooked teeth. 

Orthodontic treatments can straighten teeth, which not only makes them easier to clean, but also reduces your risk of interproximal cavities (between your teeth).

Malocclusion

Braces and clear aligners can help correct a variety of bad bites, including:

• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Overbite 
• Underbite

Depending on what type of bite you have, the severity of your malocclusion, and any other concerns, Dr. Thompson recommends the right orthodontic treatment for you. 

Spacing issues

Gaps or spaces between teeth can occur due to missing teeth or natural spacing. Dr. Thompson can close these gaps using braces or aligners. Closing the gap enhances the aesthetics of your smile and also reduces the risk of food and bacteria getting caught in the spaces.

Note: If you have a gap from a missing tooth, you may benefit from an implant rather than braces.

Jaw misalignment

Orthodontists correct more than just misaligned teeth. They can also correct jaw misalignment.

Misaligned jaws can cause problems with biting, chewing, and speaking. Depending on how misaligned your jaw is, it can also cause pain.

Orthodontists can correct jaw alignment issues using braces, appliances, and sometimes surgery.

When to see an orthodontist

It's a good idea to see an orthodontist if you or your child has any of the conditions mentioned above, or if you notice issues with bite, chewing, or speech.

Dr. Thompson feels passionate about early intervention and recommends children visit an orthodontist by age seven or at the first sign of orthodontic issues.

Early intervention, especially in children, can prevent more severe problems later on. However, orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age. 

Get the orthodontic care you need in Richmond, Texas

The bottom line is that orthodontists like Dr. Thompson play a big role in helping you (or your child) achieve a healthier, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile.

To get started, schedule an appointment with our friendly team.