What is an orthodontist?

InMaricopa.com is pleased to be bringing you, on a regular basis, timely, useful and informative articles by a wide variety of local experts.

Dr. Dustin Coles provides information here on the role of an orthodontist:

Is there any difference between my family dentist who does braces and an orthodontic specialist?
Yes. Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion about this, and most people are unaware that there is a difference in whom they trust their smile to.

What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is to teeth what a cardiologist is to the heart. Orthodontists are highly trained specialists who are uniquely qualified to straighten your teeth.

What additional training do orthodontists complete?
As opposed to your family dentist who has little to no formal training in orthodontics (straightening teeth), orthodontists are qualified dentists, who, after graduating from dental school, complete additional full-time education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. That training lasts at least two academic years–sometimes more, where they learn about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Why should I trust my smile to an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who limit their practices to straightening teeth and aligning the jaws. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and/or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.

How can I make sure my doctor is an orthodontist?
Selecting an orthodontist who is a member of the AAO is your assurance that you have chosen an orthodontic specialist: the dental specialist with at least two years of post-doctoral, advanced specialty training in orthodontics. Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Creating beautiful smiles through orthodontics is their business.

Where can I go to get more information about orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists website is a great resource for information. The website is www.braces.org. You can also check out www.maricopaortho.com for additional information.

Is there a certified orthodontist in Maricopa?
Yes. Dr. Dustin Coles at Premier Orthodontics is the first and only Orthodontic Specialist in Maricopa. Come in for a complimentary initial consultation to see what can be done to give you that fabulous smile you have always wanted. Trust your smile to a specialist.

Dr. Coles can be contacted at Premier Orthodontics 520-568-5600 or via email.

Have a topic you’d like to see addressed by a guest expert? Please email it to [email protected] for consideration.