5 Reasons to See an Orthodontist

September 24, 2025

An orthodontist is an oral professional that primarily deals with facial and dental irregularities. These professionals best serve those who find themselves unhappy with the way their teeth are aligned.

Let us take a look at why patients are better off with an orthodontist instead of a general dentist when dealing with alignment issues:

1. An orthodontist has specialized training

Orthodontists have specialized skills when it comes to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of facial and dental irregularities. These are professionals who know how to safely and correctly align bites, jaws, and teeth. These specialists also have the skills needed to straighten crooked teeth.

This specialization is what separates orthodontists from general dentists. It is like the difference between a dermatologist and a medical doctor. Orthodontists complete three additional years of training after getting their general dental degree.

2. Smiles are important features

The condition of a person’s smile is one of the first things people notice during interactions. A healthy-looking smile is seen as a sign of youth, health, and attractiveness, while discolored and poorly-aligned teeth are seen as unattractive and a sign of aging. When a person’s smile is not up to par, it is natural for them to feel self-conscious when interacting with others.

3. Physical and mental benefits

Having an improved smile will improve anyone’s confidence, but the benefits don’t stop there. Fixing a person’s smile also provides a variety of physical benefits like:

  • Correcting bites that can damage gums and teeth
  • Closing gaps in the smile
  • Properly aligning the jaw and teeth
  • Fixing overcrowded and crooked teeth
  • Removing tissues that lead to sleep apnea

4. Discrete orthodontic treatments are available

There have been lots of improvement to the way dentists can straighten a patient’s teeth. Gone are the days when wearing bulky metal braces was a must for those looking to improve the alignment of their teeth. Nowadays, clear and ceramics braces are popular, and these devices can help patients to achieve the same results they would get from using traditional braces.

All braces work using the same concept. These devices gradually push the patient’s teeth into the proper alignment by applying constant pressure on them. Clear braces require the patient to wear a series of trays, each for two weeks. Each tray in the series pushes the patient’s teeth a little bit closer to the desired position.

5. Kids need orthodontic treatments as well

Dentists generally recommend taking kids to the orthodontist when they are around seven years old. This age is when the permanent molars begin to erupt, and it is easier to correct alignment issues when the teeth are still developing.

Waiting until the teenage years before visiting an orthodontist makes any issues that are developing worsen. Bullying tends to intensify among children during the teen years, so it is best to correct any alignments issues the child is dealing with before that time.

Think you or your child is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment? Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today!