Experts in Creating Healthy, Beautiful Smiles
An orthodontist, besides being your favorite doctor, is a dental specialist. Fun fact: All orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists! After completing dental school, an orthodontist goes on to receive specialty training in diagnosing, preventing and treating malocclusions, or improper bites. They have the knowledge to determine the underlying cause and then use appliances, such as braces and Invisalign, to straighten teeth and align the jaw. They can also guide jaw and facial growth with dentofacial orthopedics.
What Type of Training Does an Orthodontist Have?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues related to misaligned teeth and jaws. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized education and residency training in orthodontics. This advanced training equips them with the skills needed to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
In addition to extensive education, board-certified orthodontists—like Dr. Brady Okuda—demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of patient care by completing voluntary certification through the American Board of Orthodontics. This ensures they stay current with the latest techniques and technologies in the field.
By choosing a qualified orthodontist, patients benefit from focused expertise in treating crowding, bite issues, jaw misalignment, and more—with personalized treatment plans that go beyond general dental care.
Do I Need to See an Orthodontist?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens—it’s for anyone looking to improve their oral health, smile aesthetics, or jaw function. You might consider seeing an orthodontist if you notice:
- Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or overlapping
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking clearly
- Jaws that click, pop, or feel strained
- Gaps between your teeth
- Bite issues like underbite, overbite, or crossbite
Orthodontists use various tools and technologies, including braces and clear aligners, to realign your teeth and jaws into optimal position. Treatment not only improves your smile’s appearance—it also enhances oral hygiene, reduces wear and tear on your teeth, and can prevent long-term dental complications.
Whether you’re a parent wondering if your child needs early treatment or an adult seeking to perfect your smile, a consultation with an orthodontist can provide the clarity and direction you need.
Orthodontics by the Numbers
- 4 million — The estimated number of people in the U.S. currently wearing braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- 1 in 4 — The number of orthodontic patients who are adults
- 7 years old — The recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic evaluation
- 6 months to 2 years — The average length of time most orthodontic treatments take, depending on case complexity
- 91% — The percentage of patients who report increased self-confidence after orthodontic treatment
These numbers highlight just how common—and effective—orthodontic care can be for patients of all ages.