What Is Orthodontics
Specialty Care for Your Bite
Orthodontics is a specialty dental practice focused on preventing, diagnosing and treating misaligned bites. Bites can be misaligned due to problems with a patient’s jaw and/or teeth. A good bite makes it easier to chew, speak and clean your teeth.
Aligning a bite is a complex biological process, not a quick fix. Orthodontic treatment involves permanent changes in jawbones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. It is important that the orthodontic treatment plan be appropriate and properly completed by an AAO board-certified orthodontist and dentofacial orthopedist like Dr. Rachel Reichard.
An orthodontist is an advanced type of dentist. Orthodontists have 2-3 additional years of specialized training to determine the underlying cause of misalignment and recommend an individualized treatment plan.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the professional organization that represents orthodontic specialists. AAO membership is the best way to confirm a doctor’s status as an orthodontist because the AAO only accepts orthodontists for membership.
If you have questions about the alignment of your or your child’s teeth or are experiencing any of the symptoms below, schedule a free initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Reichard:
- Difficulty chewing, biting or speaking
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crooked, misplaced, protruding or crowded teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Inability to close lips together comfortably
- Shifting, clicking, popping, protruding or recessed jaws
- See additional orthodontic problems