Why see an orthodontist?

  Orthodontists Dentists At-Home Kits
Education
  • 4 years of dental school
  • 3,700 additional hours of specialty training (2-3 years orthodontic residency program)*
 4 years of dental school Varies
Expertise Specialists* in:
  • Preventing, diagnosing, and treating irregularities of the face and teeth
  • Moving teeth and aligning jaws
 Professional providers for:
  • Cleaning and filling teeth
  • Managing overall oral health
 Varies
Treatment Level of Care Routine in-person supervision by clinician throughout treatment Varying levels of in-person supervision by clinician throughout treatment Remote follow-ups, as needed
Treatment Options Most offices offer:
  • Metal braces
  • Clear ceramic braces
  • Clear aligners
  • Suite of teeth-straightening tools beyond braces and aligners to treat cases at all levels of complexity
Some offices offer:
  • Lingual braces
 Some offices offer:
  • Metal braces
  • Clear aligners
 Clear aligners

*Source: American Association of Orthodontists

Need help choosing the right orthodontist?

Use this guide for questions to ask an orthodontist and questions to ask yourself before you decide.

Download Guide