What is an Orthodontist?
What is an Orthodontist?
Specializing in Smiles
An orthodontist is an expert at preventing, diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, ranging from crowded teeth to discrepancies in jaw size. They receive specialty training in using appliances, such as braces, Invisalign® or 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners, to straighten the teeth and align the jaws. The end result is a smile that not only looks outstanding but functions at its best as well.
What Type of Training Does an Orthodontist Have?
Orthodontists like Dr. Melanie Wang get their bachelor’s degree before obtaining their doctorate degree from dental school. Following dental school, they go on to receive two to three more years of specialty training in an orthodontic residency program. Once they’ve finished learning about the intricacies of creating ideal smiles and bites, they become a certified specialist in orthodontics.
Do I Have to See an Orthodontist?
If you’re considering perfecting your smile with braces or clear aligners, it’s a good idea to visit an orthodontist for treatment. They have the knowledge and training to determine what’s causing your malocclusion (improper bite) and to develop a personalized treatment plan to safely and effectively fix it.
Orthodontics is more complicated than just gluing on some brackets or printing out aligners. It requires a whole lot of planning because it causes permanent changes in your anatomy. An expert like Dr. Melanie can find the perfect balance between cosmetics and function for outstanding results that last a lifetime. To learn more about how an orthodontist can help you or your child, schedule a complimentary consultation with our 4S Ranch orthodontist today online or by calling us at (858) 613-3688 (San Diego) or (858) 255-7800 (Rancho Santa Fe)!
1900
The American Association of Orthodontists was founded in 1900.
Two to Three
After dental school, an orthodontist completes two to three additional years of specialty training.
100%
100% of orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists.
Book A Free Consultation
Ready to get a sweet new smile with Rancho Santa Fe or San Diego Invisalign or braces treatment? Schedule your complimentary smile assessment today!
Rave Reviews
We build genuine relationships with all of our patients while giving them more confident, beautiful smiles. However, don’t just take our word for it!