The Work of Orthodontists

By: Renee Harp

Edited by: Maya Adam

Orthodontics is a unique field in healthcare that includes science, precision, and care to improve people’s smiles and oral health. Unlike many other careers, it directly impacts both physical appearance and overall well-being, making it an essential profession. Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, helping patients feel confident while preventing potential health concerns. 

The Origin of Orthodontics:

Orthodontics has been around for over 3,000 years. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, like Hippocrates, worked on ways to straighten teeth, using materials like wires and animal gut. During the Middle Ages, little progress was made, but the Renaissance brought big changes. In the 1700s, French dentist Pierre Fauchard invented tools like the Bandeau, a device to create space for crowded teeth. By the 1800s, new ideas like using X-rays and wire cribs improved how teeth were aligned.

Dr. Edward Angle, known as the “father of modern orthodontics,” helped shape the field in the 1900s. He created the first orthodontic school, tools, and a system to classify different tooth and jaw problems. Modern braces were improved in the 1970s with adhesive brackets and flexible wires. In the 1990s, Invisalign was invented, using clear plastic trays to straighten teeth. Orthodontics has come a long way, making treatment easier and more comfortable.

What do Orthodontists Do?

Orthodontists' job is to fix issues such as misaligned jaws, overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth. To fix these issues, they use equipment like braces, retainers, and clear aligners. They do this to help patients avoid issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even speech issues.Orthodontists also make personalized treatment plans for every patient, since everyone is different depending on their tooth development and structure. So, they use 3D technologies, X-rays, and molds of the teeth. They also have monthly checkups with their patients. 

How to Become an Orthodontist:

If you’re thinking about becoming an orthodontist, know it’ll take a very long process. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, (4 years undergrad), preferably in STEM subjects like biology or chemistry. Then, you’ll have to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to get into dental school. Dental school lasts another 4 years and gives you the training to become a general dentist. 

After that, you have to complete a 2-3 year orthodontic residency program, which focuses on orthodontic hands-on experience treating usually fake patients. When your residency is finished, you take an exam to get certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. In all, it takes about 10-12 years of education (after high school) and training to become an orthodontist. 

Overall, orthodontists are essential because they improve both health and confidence. Orthodontists treat misaligned teeth to help people prevent more serious health issues. These issues include jaw pain and difficulty chewing. Also, they provide patients with straighter smiles, which boosts their confidence. Modern technology has made orthodontic treatment more efficient. However, becoming an orthodontist requires a lot of work, it is worthwhile when one can improve people's lives.

Works Cited

American Association of Orthodontists. “What Is an Orthodontist and Dentofacial Orthopedist?” American Association of Orthodontists, 17 Nov. 2017, aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/what-is-an-orthodontist-and-dentofacial-orthopedist/. 

Carr, Orthodontics. “What’s so Great about an Orthodontist?” Carr-Ortho.com, 2024, www.carr-ortho.com/blog/2024/01/whats-so-great-about-an-orthodontist.  Accessed 22 Jan. 2025. 

Cleveland Clinic. “What Is Orthodontics?” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Oct. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24285-orthodontics. 

Colgate. “How to Become an Orthodontist.” Www.colgate.com, 9 Jan. 2023, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/how-to-become-an-orthodontist.

wpengine. “The History of Orthodontics.” Red Leaf Orthodontics, 3 Mar. 2022, redleafortho.com/the-history-of-orthodontics/.