Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

Your dentist may offer orthodontic treatment, but it does not mean that he or she is an orthodontist. Dentists do not have the same level of education and experience in orthodontic treatment as orthodontists have. If you have any doubt, ask if your dentist has graduated from an accredited orthodontic residency program. About 6 percent of those who graduate from dental school go on to become orthodontists by graduating from an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists are the dental profession’s specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. 

If your dentist focuses his/her practice on providing only orthodontic treatment (prevention, diagnosis and treatment of facial and dental irregularities), and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, then he/she is an orthodontist. If your dentist provides general dental services such as cleanings, fillings, and overall management to maintain or restore oral health, then he/she is probably not an orthodontist. Use Find an Orthodontist to locate AAO orthodontists. The AAO only admits educationally qualified orthodontists as members.

Yes, orthodontists’ extra and intensive education makes a big difference. As specialists through education and clinical experience, orthodontists are experts in the diagnosis of orthodontic problems, forms of treatment, the timing of treatment, treatment planning, supervision of treatment, as well as working with patients for long-term stability of their treatment results. The orthodontist’s expertise guides him/her in recommending the type of treatment best suited to correct any specific patients’ orthodontic problem. Orthodontists are not limited to a single kind of orthodontic “appliance.” Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists and have the skills and experience to give you a healthy and beautiful smile.

Choosing an AAO orthodontist is your assurance that the doctor truly is an orthodontist because the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) only admits orthodontists for membership.

An AAO orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The AAO only admits orthodontists for membership – those who have completed a specialty training program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics after graduating from dental school.

An orthodontist is a specialist in orthodontic treatment (proper alignment of teeth and jaws) and dentofacial orthopedics (guidance of facial, jaw and facial development). Only those who graduate from dental school, usually a four-year program, and who are accepted for and successfully complete advanced study in orthodontics at accredited two-to-three year orthodontic residency program may call themselves “orthodontists.” Orthodontists focus their services to patients on providing orthodontic treatment to children, teenagers and adults. Orthodontists create healthy, beautiful smiles for patients of all ages.