An orthodontist is a dentist who uses various treatment methods, such as braces, aligners, and other dental appliances, to straighten teeth and correct patients’ bites. Orthodontists play an important role in improving both the function and appearance of the teeth and jaws.
Orthodontics as a Dental Specialty
Dentists, like other physicians, choose a specific area of specialization. To become a dentist in Ukraine, a person must graduate from a medical university and obtain one of the dental specialties. These may include restorative dentistry, oral surgery, prosthodontics, implantology, periodontology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and others. After graduation, dentists must complete an internship and obtain a certificate that grants them the right to practice.
Of course, every dentist should possess knowledge in all areas of dentistry and continue improving their skills throughout their professional life. However, it is impossible to master every aspect of the profession. Therefore, when a clinical case becomes more complex, a patient may be referred from a general dentist to a specialist who has completed additional education in a specific field.
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of facial and dental irregularities, including malocclusion. Orthodontists also align teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.
A Brief History of Orthodontics
The practice of straightening teeth dates back thousands of years. Anthropologists have discovered mummified remains of ancient people with crude metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. Historians believe that as early as 1000 BC, people were already exploring methods of correcting improperly positioned teeth.
However, orthodontics as a recognized scientific discipline began in the eighteenth century. In 1728, the French dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book describing an orthodontic device that he called a “bandeau.”
Significant progress was not achieved until the nineteenth century. In 1819, Christophe-François Delabarre introduced the first wire crib, considered a precursor of modern braces. Edward Angle, often referred to as the “father of modern orthodontics,” defined the true nature of malocclusion and standardized orthodontic treatment using braces in the late 1800s.
Further advances occurred during the twentieth century with the development of stainless-steel wires, which replaced gold and silver and made braces more affordable. The invention of dental adhesives in the 1970s allowed braces to be bonded directly to teeth, increasing the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.
Modern orthodontic treatment is vastly different from the appliances used in the past. Thanks to ongoing research and clinical innovation, contemporary orthodontics offers a variety of advanced options for correcting malocclusions.
Common Problems Treated by Orthodontists
Misaligned teeth are teeth that are positioned incorrectly. This may include problems such as gaps between teeth. Misalignment makes teeth more difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Overbite (distal bite) occurs when the upper front teeth protrude too far over the lower front teeth. This may cause the lower teeth to contact the palate, potentially leading to gum problems and excessive tooth wear. It can also affect facial profile and aesthetics.
Underbite (mesial bite) is the opposite of an overbite and occurs when the lower front teeth are positioned in front of the upper front teeth. This can make proper chewing difficult, lead to uneven tooth wear, and affect facial appearance.
Open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the jaws are closed, leaving a gap between them. This may create difficulties with chewing and speech.
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for all teeth. As a result, teeth may become crooked and overlap each other. Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and may be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
These orthodontic problems can develop during childhood and persist into adulthood if left untreated. They can affect not only oral health but also have a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence.
Correcting a malocclusion can:
- make biting, chewing, and speaking easier;
- improve facial symmetry and overall appearance;
- reduce pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders;
- create adequate spacing between teeth and simplify oral hygiene, helping prevent tooth decay.
Do Orthodontists Do Anything Besides Installing Braces?
Although braces are an important part of orthodontic practice, they represent only one aspect of the comprehensive services provided by orthodontists. These specialists use a variety of techniques designed to correct complex dental and facial irregularities.
These include:
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, which straighten teeth while being less noticeable than braces.
- Retainers, appliances required after orthodontic treatment to maintain tooth position.
- Palatal expanders, used for patients who require widening of the upper jaw.
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), small orthodontic implants that serve as anchorage points for moving specific teeth.
Orthodontists are involved not only in straightening teeth but also in correcting bite abnormalities.
In some cases, a patient may require orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw osteotomy, which allows correction of jaw deformities and severe malocclusions in adults when braces alone cannot resolve the problem.
Treatment of cleft lip and palate often requires collaboration with other specialists to provide comprehensive care. Orthodontists also manage dental injuries that affect tooth alignment and jaw structure.
Qualified orthodontists possess the expertise necessary to provide a full range of corrective orthodontic procedures.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.