What is an Orthodontist?
Smile Experts
An orthodontist is a specialist in preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities, whether it’s crooked teeth, discrepancies in jaw size, or a bite that doesn’t fit together correctly. Orthodontists use appliances, including braces and Invisalign®, to straighten the teeth, align the jaws, and give you a smile that looks, feels, and functions at its absolute best!
Orthodontists like Dr. Tabakman, Dr. Bloome and Dr. Mount obtain their bachelor’s degrees before getting their doctorate degrees from dental school. After dental school, dentists begin practicing their craft, while orthodontists go on to receive two to three more years of specialty training in an orthodontic residency program. When they finish learning the intricacies of perfecting smiles, they become certified specialists in orthodontics.
Do I Have to See an Orthodontist?
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, it’s wise to visit an orthodontist. They have the knowledge, training and experience to diagnose the underlying cause of your malocclusion (“bad bite”) and create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best outcome possible. Shifting the teeth and jaw into place is more complicated than simply putting on some brackets or handing you Invisalign aligners. It involves intensive planning since orthodontics creates permanent changes in your anatomy. That’s why seeing a specialist is crucial. Dr. Tabakman, Dr. Bloome and Dr. Mount are experts at striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and function for stunning results that last a lifetime. To find out how our orthodontists can help you, book a free consultation at Houston Orthodontic Specialists online or by calling one of our offices today.
Orthodontics by the Numbers
Here are some interesting facts and figures about orthodontics. We can explain the specialty in even more depth at your consultation (schedule it here!).
After high school, your orthodontist spends about 10 to 11 more years in school to become a certified specialist in orthodontics.
The American Association of Orthodontics was started in 1900.
100% of orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists.