Quick Summary
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems involving tooth alignment, bite function, and jaw relationships. Their responsibilities include developing personalized treatment plans, guiding tooth movement with braces or clear aligners, monitoring progress, maintaining results with retainers, and collaborating with other dental specialists when needed.
People who search “what orthodontist do” are usually looking for more than a description of braces. An orthodontist is a dentist with additional specialty training in diagnosing and treating tooth alignment, jaw relationships, and bite problems.
The work involves detailed planning, controlled tooth movement, regular monitoring, and long-term retention after treatment.
At our practice, we assess alignment as part of the full smile. We may offer Invisalign for suitable cases and coordinate with an orthodontist when a case requires specialist management.
An Orthodontist Diagnoses Alignment and Bite Problems
One of an orthodontist’s primary responsibilities is identifying problems that affect the way teeth fit together. They evaluate crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, protruding teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and jaw discrepancies. Facial balance, lip support, gum levels, tooth display, and bite function are also carefully assessed during the diagnostic process.
A comprehensive orthodontic consultation often includes digital photographs, 3D scans, dental X-rays, bite records, and an examination of jaw movement. These records help determine whether the concern is related to tooth position, jaw development, or another dental condition.
They also help estimate the type of treatment needed and the expected treatment timeline.
An Orthodontist Creates a Tooth-Movement Plan
Orthodontic treatment relies on gentle, controlled forces that gradually reposition teeth by stimulating natural bone remodeling around the roots. Every movement is carefully planned, including its direction, timing, and sequence.
Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may involve traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners, palatal expanders, elastics, temporary anchorage devices, or other specialized appliances.
Treatment planning considers much more than individual crooked teeth. Orthodontists evaluate available space, root positioning, bite relationships, gum support, and overall smile harmony. Adult cases often require additional planning because of existing crowns, dental implants, missing teeth, previous periodontal disease, or future cosmetic dental procedures.
An Orthodontist Monitors Treatment
Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of orthodontic care. During these visits, the orthodontist evaluates tooth movement, changes aligners or archwires, adjusts treatment as needed, and confirms that everything is progressing according to plan.
Successful treatment also depends on patient cooperation. Clear aligners must be worn for the recommended number of hours each day, elastics should be used consistently, and orthodontic appliances require proper care and cleaning.
Oral hygiene is monitored because brackets and attachments can trap plaque. Regular preventive visits through general dentistry remain part of care. If gum inflammation, cavities, or a damaged restoration develops, treatment may pause until the mouth is stable.
An Orthodontist Plans Retention
Completing active treatment is only one phase of orthodontic care. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, which is why retainers are recommended to maintain the new alignment while surrounding tissues stabilize.
Retainers may be removable, permanently bonded behind the teeth, or a combination of both depending on the individual case. They should be checked periodically to confirm they continue fitting properly. A retainer that becomes loose, tight, cracked, or uncomfortable may no longer protect the treatment results effectively.
Long-term retainer use plays an important role in preserving your smile. Patients who stop wearing their retainers often notice gradual tooth movement, spacing, rotations, or bite changes months or even years after treatment has ended.
Orthodontists Often Work With Other Dental Professionals
Complex treatment can involve a restorative dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon, or other specialist. Orthodontics may create space for an implant, upright a tilted tooth, align gum margins, or place teeth in better positions before veneers and crowns.
This coordination can be part of a comprehensive smile makeover. Moving teeth first may preserve more natural enamel and reduce the amount of restorative correction needed. In other cases, small alignment concerns may be addressed as one part of a broader aesthetic plan.
Discuss Alignment With Dr. Alex Rubinov
At Dr. Alex Rubinov’s office, we evaluate far more than tooth alignment alone. Every consultation considers bite function, tooth shape, gum symmetry, facial balance, and the long-term stability of your smile before recommending treatment.
If clear aligners are an appropriate solution, we will discuss your options. When more advanced orthodontic care is needed, we can recommend treatment with an orthodontic specialist to help you achieve the healthiest and most predictable result.
Schedule a personalized consultation with our NYC team to explore solutions for crowding, spacing, orthodontic relapse, uneven tooth wear, or tooth alignment before cosmetic dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every orthodontist also a dentist?
Yes. Every orthodontist first completes dental school before receiving several additional years of accredited specialty training focused on tooth movement, bite correction, jaw development, and facial growth.
Can a general dentist offer clear aligners?
Some general and cosmetic dentists treat selected aligner cases. More complex bite, growth, or movement problems may be referred to an orthodontist for specialty care.
Do adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Adults can pursue treatment when the teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for movement. Existing restorations and periodontal history are included in planning.
What problems can an orthodontist treat?
An orthodontist treats concerns related to tooth alignment and jaw position, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and teeth that have shifted after earlier treatment. Orthodontic care may involve braces, clear aligners, retainers, or other appliances designed to improve function, stability, and smile balance.
