If you’ve ever wondered what orthodontics actually are, you’re not alone. Most people associate orthodontics with braces, but this specialized branch of dentistry does much more than straighten teeth.
Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in the teeth and jaw. From crooked teeth and gaps to jaw misalignments and improper bites (commonly referred to as a “bad bite” or malocclusion), orthodontic treatment is designed to improve both your smile and your overall oral health.
In Canada, the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) recognizes orthodontics as a dental specialty and sets standards for training and certification. In the United States, the American Dental Association (ADA) plays a key role in establishing standards and accreditation for orthodontic education and practice. Similarly, in the UK, the General Dental Council (GDC) regulates orthodontic specialists, ensuring only qualified practitioners are authorized to provide orthodontic care and maintain professional standards.
In this post, we’ll explain what orthodontics are, common treatment methods, and why it matters for long-term health and confidence.
What Exactly Are Orthodontics as a Dental Specialty?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning the teeth and jaw to improve function, aesthetics, and oral health. It involves the use of various orthodontic appliances—like braces, aligners, and retainers, to correct issues such as:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, or open bites
- Misaligned jaw positions
- Jaw or facial growth concerns
- Protruding teeth
- Upper or lower jaw irregularities
These appliances work by facilitating controlled tooth movement to achieve proper alignment.
Genetic or hereditary factors, habits, or injuries can all contribute to orthodontic problems.
Orthodontics goes beyond cosmetics. It can also relieve painful symptoms, reduce muscle tension, and help prevent future oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. When teeth are misaligned or overcrowded, poor oral hygiene is more likely, making it harder to clean teeth properly and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. As a result, tooth decay increases and patient’s oral health risks are elevated.
In Canada, orthodontics is a certified dental specialty regulated by provincial dental colleges and governed under the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC), which ensures orthodontists meet rigorous training and ethical standards. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed dental school before pursuing specialized orthodontic training.
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Misaligned teeth or jaws aren’t just a cosmetic concern. Left untreated, they can lead to:
- Tooth decay and gum disease from difficulty brushing or flossing
- Chewing or speaking problems, including difficulty chewing foods due to misalignment
- Jaw pain or tension
- Tooth wear from uneven biting surfaces
- Lower self-esteem or confidence
Missing teeth can further complicate oral function and increase health risks.
A regular oral examination can help detect orthodontic issues early, giving patients a better chance at effective treatment with minimal complications.
Orthodontic treatment helps patients achieve proper alignment, which improves cleaning, reduces risks, and enhances overall function, not to mention self-confidence. After an assessment, your orthodontist will recommend a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. The benefits of orthodontic care include improved oral hygiene, prevention of dental issues, and enhanced facial aesthetics.
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances are the tools used to shift teeth and guide jaw alignment. These can be fixed or removable depending on the treatment plan.
Some of the most common appliances include:
- Traditional metal braces – metal brackets and wires used to treat moderate to severe issues
- Clear aligners – custom trays like Invisalign for mild to moderate corrections
- Lingual braces – placed behind the teeth for a more discreet appearance
- Retainers – used post-treatment to maintain alignment
- Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) – used in severe cases to correct jaw structure, which can involve repositioning the upper jaw to correct malocclusion and improve bite alignment
- Removable appliances – like spacers or headgear, often used for kids
These tools do more than create straight teeth, they help prevent long-term oral health issues. When teeth are crooked, brushing and flossing becomes more difficult, leading to plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities. By aligning your teeth and bite, orthodontic appliances improve both function and hygiene.
Common Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Treatment is based on your age, dental history, and the severity of your condition. Here are some of the most common options:
- Braces (metal or ceramic)
- Clear aligners
- Lingual braces
- Removable retainers
- Jaw surgery in complex cases
- Early intervention appliances in children
Most patients wear braces or aligners for about 18 to 24 months, with regular check-ins for adjustments. It’s important to see your orthodontist regularly throughout your treatment to ensure optimal results. Your orthodontist will guide you through each stage of the process.
Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic issues are problems related to the alignment and positioning of your teeth and jaws. These issues can arise from a variety of causes, including genetic or hereditary factors, childhood habits like finger sucking, or even injuries to the mouth or jaw. Some of the most common orthodontic problems include crooked teeth, crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, and gaps between teeth.
When left untreated, these orthodontic issues can negatively affect your oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene, which increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and dental caries. Gaps between teeth can also trap food and bacteria, further raising the risk of oral health problems.
Fortunately, effective orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces or clear aligners, can address these concerns. By straightening teeth and achieving proper alignment, these treatments not only improve the appearance of your smile but also make it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Ultimately, correcting orthodontic issues can enhance your quality of life by reducing oral health risks and boosting your confidence.
Jaw Surgery in Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone isn’t enough to correct severe jaw misalignments or bite problems. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized procedure used to address complex orthodontic issues involving the upper or lower jaw. This type of surgery is often recommended when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, the lower jaw is set too far back, or there are other major discrepancies in jaw alignment.
Jaw surgery is typically performed after orthodontic appliances, such as traditional braces or other orthodontic braces, have already been used to move the teeth into their best possible positions. The surgery then makes final adjustments to the jaw itself, helping to achieve proper results in both function and appearance.
Orthognathic surgery can relieve muscle tension, reduce painful symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and improve the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. By combining jaw surgery with orthodontic treatment, patients can experience significant improvements in oral function, comfort, and overall oral health.
Treatment Duration: How Long Does Orthodontic Care Take?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies from person to person, depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issue and the type of treatment method chosen. On average, most patients can expect orthodontic treatment to last between 12 and 36 months. For those who need to wear orthodontic braces, the typical duration is about two years, but this can be shorter or longer based on individual needs.
Several factors influence how long orthodontic treatments take, including the patient’s age, the severity of the misalignment, and how well the patient follows their orthodontist’s instructions. Regular oral examinations and check-ups with your orthodontist are essential to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to your custom treatment plan.
Dental specialists, who receive additional training in orthodontics, are best equipped to recommend orthodontic treatment tailored to your needs. With their expertise, you can achieve straight teeth, reduce the risk of oral health issues, and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.
Who Needs Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontic problems can develop at any age, but early detection is key. You might need orthodontic treatment if you experience:
- Crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding upper or lower teeth
- Misaligned jaw or facial structure
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing through the mouth
- Ongoing oral health issues
Teens and adults can both benefit from orthodontic treatment. Today’s options are more discreet, comfortable, and effective than ever before.
TL;DR – What Are Orthodontics?
- Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning teeth and jaws
- Treatment can fix crooked teeth, gaps, bad bites, and jaw issues
- Options include braces, aligners, retainers, and jaw surgery
- It improves both appearance and oral health
- Orthodontic care is for people of all ages
Final Thoughts
Orthodontics is about more than just a nice smile. It’s about improving the way your teeth, jaw, and muscles work together, so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
If you or your child might benefit from orthodontic care, schedule a consultation with InLine Orthodontics in Calgary. We’ll assess your needs and build a personalized plan that supports long-term oral health, and a lifetime of smiles.