What is an Orthodontist?

The
Scoop

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An orthodontist isn’t just your favorite doctor; we’re specialists in diagnosing, preventing and treating malocclusion, or an improper bite due to irregularities of the teeth or jaws. An orthodontist has the skills to manage tooth movement and guide facial development to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

What Kind Of Training Does An
Orthodontist Have?

An orthodontist is actually a dentist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school. Basically, we’ve been in school for a really, really long time. An orthodontist’s education breaks down like this: a bachelor’s degree, a complete doctorate at dental school and then two to three years of specialty training which includes classroom studies and lots of clinical experience through a residency program. When all of the schooling is done, we must then pass examinations to become a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics.

Do I Need To See
An Orthodontist?

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An orthodontist has the education, training and know-how to straighten your teeth with braces or Invisalign and guide facial development with dentofacial orthopedics. Visiting an orthodontist at age seven can even help to prevent the need for invasive treatments and corrective surgery later in life. We’re specialists at diagnosing the underlying cause of your bite problem and determining the best possible timing and treatment for your case. Seeing children at age 7 allows us to monitor growth so that we can balance the child’s age, their growth age, and their tooth age to help decide when the proper time for treatment is. This ensures exceptional, lasting results. Most of our facial growth is completed by age 12, and it may be too late to modify some of the jaw changes necessary to make an ideal smile and bite. Most children do not need to be treated early, so if you’re unsure, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Unmask Your
True Smile

Find out how we can help you smile with confidence by scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Kwong.

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