When you think about a beautiful, straight smile, chances are an orthodontist played a role in creating it. But what exactly does an orthodontist do, and how are they different from your general dentist? Whether you’re considering braces for your child or exploring Invisalign for yourself, understanding the orthodontist’s role can help you make confident decisions for your family’s oral health.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in the teeth and jaw. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. After earning a dental degree, orthodontists complete an additional 2–3 years of specialized training in orthodontics. This extra education gives them the expertise needed to guide teeth into proper alignment using braces, aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.

What Do Orthodontists Treat?

Orthodontists address a variety of dental and jaw issues that affect both function and appearance. Common conditions treated by orthodontists include:

• Crowded teeth
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Open bites
• Gaps between teeth
• Jaw alignment issues
• Impacted or missing teeth

Correcting these issues doesn’t just create a straighter smile—it can also improve oral hygiene, speech, chewing ability, and long-term dental health.

What Is the Difference Between a Dentist & an Orthodontist?

While both dentists and orthodontists play essential roles in maintaining your oral health, their training, focus, and services are quite different.

Dentists are your go-to providers for overall oral care. They diagnose and treat common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth pain. Dentists also perform cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and other general procedures to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, are specialists who focus solely on the alignment of your teeth and jaws. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo 2–3 additional years of advanced training in orthodontics. This makes them experts in correcting bite issues, straightening teeth, and guiding proper jaw development using braces, clear aligners, and other specialized appliances.

In short:

• Dentists keep your teeth healthy.
• Orthodontists make sure your teeth and bite are properly aligned.

While your general dentist may notice bite problems during a routine exam, they’ll typically refer you to an orthodontist for specialized treatment. At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, our team works closely with general dentists in the community to ensure every patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process

Every smile journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this first visit, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment using tools like digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and dental impressions. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created based on your unique needs.

Treatment options may include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear or ceramic braces
• Invisalign clear aligners
• Early interceptive treatment for children
• Surgical orthodontics for complex cases

Orthodontists also monitor your progress through regular checkups, making adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

Why Board-Certification Matters

Not all orthodontists are board-certified, but at Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, all of our orthodontists have achieved this important distinction.

Board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is a voluntary process that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in patient care. To become board-certified, orthodontists must pass a rigorous written and clinical examination and present actual treated cases for review by a panel of expert examiners.

Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means you’re working with a professional who has gone above and beyond to prove their knowledge, skill, and dedication to delivering top-quality results.

Your Partner in Lifelong Smiles

Orthodontic care is more than just straightening teeth—it’s about improving lives, boosting confidence, and creating healthy foundations that last a lifetime. At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, our team is here to guide you through every step of the smile journey with expert care, compassion, and a personalized approach.

Whether your child is ready for their first orthodontic evaluation or you’re an adult exploring treatment options, we’re here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference board-certified orthodontic care can make.