Orthodontist Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Orthodontist
Occupation

Names	Orthodontist
Specialty
Activity sectors	Dentistry
Description
Education required	Dental degree, Specialty training
Fields of employment	Hospitals, private practices

Putting on braces is one of the many things orthodontists do

An orthodontist is a special kind of dentist. They are experts in helping people get straight teeth and a healthy bite. They use tools like braces, retainers, and other devices to fix problems with teeth and jaws. Their main goal is to make sure your teeth fit together well and look good.

Becoming an Orthodontist
What Orthodontists Do
Images for kids
See also

Becoming an Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, you need to go to a lot of school. First, you must finish dentistry school. This is where you learn all about teeth and how to take care of them. After that, you need to study for another three or four years. This extra training focuses only on orthodontics. It teaches you how to move teeth safely and effectively.

What Orthodontists Do

Orthodontists help people by fixing problems with their teeth and jaws. They use different tools to do this:

Braces: These are small metal or clear brackets attached to your teeth. Wires connect the brackets and gently move your teeth into the right place.
Headgear: Sometimes, a special device called headgear is used. It might attach to your teeth and wrap around your head or neck. Headgear helps to guide the growth of your jaw and teeth.
Retainers: After braces come off, retainers are often used. These can be removable or fixed. They help keep your teeth in their new, straight positions.

Orthodontists also sometimes need to remove a tooth. This might happen if there is not enough space for all your teeth. In some cases, they might work with other doctors to perform a small surgery. This can help fix bigger jaw problems.