Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists, after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two academic years—sometimes more. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely trained experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws. They regularly treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and/or jaws) for children, adolescents, and adults.
