Braces 101 › About orthodontics
About orthodontics
The specialty of moving teeth and guiding jaws, explained without the jargon.
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Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. After dental school, an orthodontist completes an additional multi-year residency devoted entirely to how teeth move and how faces grow.
How teeth actually move
Gentle, sustained pressure signals the bone around a tooth to remodel: bone dissolves ahead of the pressure and rebuilds behind it. Braces deliver that pressure through brackets and wires; aligners deliver it through a sequence of precisely shaped trays. Either way, biology does the work, which is why treatment takes months rather than days, and why rushing it is a bad idea.
Why alignment matters beyond looks
- Straight teeth are easier to clean, lowering decay and gum disease risk
- A balanced bite wears evenly instead of chipping and eroding
- Jaw alignment affects chewing, speech, and in growing children, airway development
Curious whether your smile would benefit? The consultation is free, and honest guidance is the house specialty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Every orthodontist is a dentist first, plus a multi-year residency specializing in tooth movement and facial growth. Your dentist handles teeth health; your orthodontist handles alignment and bite.
Are orthodontists doctors?
Yes. Orthodontists hold a doctoral dental degree (DDS or DMD) plus specialty training in orthodontics.
Ready to love your smile?
Your first visit is 100% free: exam, consultation and digital X-ray. Braces or Invisalign payment plans start at $149 per month.