orthodontist is a dentist who has taken several years of extra training beyond the basic dental degree. Here is what the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says: quot;It takes many years to become an orthodontist. As in medicine, the educational requirements are demanding. Next is a three- to four-year graduate program at a dental school in a university or other institution accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).

An orthodontist has spent an extra 2½ years of training in the science of orthodontics. The orthodontist has chosen to limit his/her practice to orthodontics only. There is a more specialized form of treatment that takes place in the orthodontic office compared to the dental office; however, it is very important to have regular visits with your dentist while you are in braces. They help to ensure that your teeth stay extra clean while you are in orthodontic treatment. See similar questions...

Some dentists incorporate orthodontics into their practices. They have probably completed some extra coursework in tooth movement management and facial development. Some dentists who practice orthodontics have completed more coursework than others. Don't feel shy about asking a dentist about his orthodontic qualifications -- what extra training he has completed, and how many orthodontic patients he has seen. See similar questions...

You don't need a referral from your family dentist unless you are in a managed care plan with a "gatekeeper" primary care dentist. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of existing patients is often the primary way orthodontists meet new patients. Spread the word if you like your orthodontist! orthodontist who is a Member of the South African Society of Orthodontists. See similar questions...

Yes, orthodontists are dentists. A certified specialist in orthodontics is a dentist who has attended a two year or longer residency in Orthodontics after graduating from dental school. While any dentist can legally do orthodontic treatment and many family dentists have furthered their education in orthodontics through continuing education courses, a certified specialist in orthodontics has attended one of these residencies. See similar questions...

We will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way we can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned. See similar questions...

No. Most patients are referred to the Orthodontist but it is not a requirement. You may make an appointment on your own for an initial evaluation in you are interested in treatment. See similar questions...

Specific training is needed to use Invisalign. As a result, orthodontists and dentists are required to become Invisalign-certified before they can begin treating patients with Invisalign. Orthodontic training in diagnosis and treatment planning, biomechanics, and mechanotherapies will also contribute to your successful treatment. See similar questions...

You will need to have your brace adjusted regularly to make sure it is working properly. Usually you will have an appointment roughly every six to eight weeks. It is extremely important that you go to these appointments otherwise the brace will take a lot longer to work. See similar questions...

A Dentist takes care of all your regular dental needs. An Orthodontist straightens teeth using braces and other appliances. See similar questions...

Specific training is needed to use Invisalign®; as a result, orthodontists and dentists are required to become Invisalign®-certified before they can begin treating patients with Invisalign®. To find an Invisalign® doctor near you, please use our quick Doctor Locator Feature now. See similar questions...

Once you've made the decision to improve your smile and dental health, the next step is to find an orthodontist. Click here to find an orthodontist in your area by searching our extensive network of dentists and dental care specialists. Simply enter your ZIP code and choose "Orthodontics" from the "Type of dentist" drop-down list. Our easy-to-use search tool will even allow you to search by name, practice name or other specialty. See similar questions...

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. See similar questions...

Three out of four dentists in the U.S. are Delta Dental Premier dentists. Delta Dental Premier dentists have an agreement with Delta Dental, which means they agree to Delta Dental's determination of fees, they handle claims paperwork free of charge and they call Delta Dental directly with any inquiries. Because Delta Dental pays these dentists directly, you do not need to pay the entire bill and wait for reimbursement. Instead, you pay only the patient portion of the bill. See similar questions...

Orthodontists are dentists first but they have undergone at least two years of post doctoral advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program. An orthodontist is a specialist, uniquely qualified to move teeth safely, help jaws develop properly, manage changing facial growth patterns, and correct bad bites. He does this all day, every day. See similar questions...

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an orthodontic examination themselves. See similar questions...