Hi, I’m Dr. Katelyn Blanchard, and I’m proud to serve the communities of Tyler, TX, and Jacksonville, TX, through my practice, Blanchard Orthodontics. One of the most common questions I get is: What exactly does an orthodontist do, and how is that different from a general dentist? If you’ve ever wondered about this—or if you’ve been searching for "braces near me"—this post will clear things up!
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. While many people think orthodontics is just about getting a straighter smile, it’s actually about improving function, bite alignment, and long-term oral health. A properly aligned bite makes it easier to clean teeth, reduces the risk of excessive wear, and helps prevent jaw issues down the road.
What Does It Take to Become an Orthodontist?
Becoming an orthodontist takes years of advanced training beyond dental school—and getting into an orthodontic residency program is no easy feat. Here’s the typical path:
- Undergraduate Degree – First, an aspiring orthodontist completes a bachelor’s degree (usually with a focus on sciences).
- Dental School (4 Years) – Next, they attend an accredited dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. This training covers general dentistry, including fillings, crowns, and overall oral health.
- Orthodontic Residency (2-3 Years) – After dental school, only a small percentage of dentists are accepted into an orthodontic residency program, where they receive specialized training in tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw development. Orthodontic residency is one of the most competitive specialties in dentistry, with only a limited number of spots available each year. To be accepted into a top-tier program, applicants typically must graduate in the top 5-10% of their dental school class and have outstanding academic, clinical, and research achievements.
That means an orthodontist completes 10-11 years of higher education and thousands of hours of specialized training before ever putting braces on a patient!
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?
A general dentist is trained in overall oral health, including cavities, cleanings, and extractions. Some dentists offer orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® or even braces. However, only a trained orthodontist has the in-depth expertise to properly diagnose and treat complex alignment and bite issues.
Think of it like this: If you needed heart surgery, would you go to your primary care doctor or a heart specialist? Orthodontists are the specialists when it comes to moving teeth safely and effectively.
If you’re looking for braces near me in Tyler, TX, or Jacksonville, TX, it’s important to choose an experienced orthodontist who understands the science behind tooth movement.
Common Misconceptions About Orthodontic Treatment
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about orthodontics, so let’s clear up a few myths:
- "Braces are just for kids." – Not true! We treat patients of all ages, and adult orthodontics is more popular than ever.
- "Straight teeth are just for looks." – A properly aligned bite prevents long-term dental issues like excessive wear, TMJ problems, and difficulty cleaning teeth properly.
- "Mail-order aligners work just as well as an orthodontist." – DIY orthodontics can be risky and lead to serious bite problems. You need an in-person expert to monitor your progress.
Why See an Orthodontist for Braces in Tyler & Jacksonville, TX?
At Blanchard Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing expert, personalized orthodontic care in Tyler and Jacksonville, TX. Whether you need traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign®, we offer customized treatment plans to fit your needs.
If you’re searching for "braces near me" and want a trusted orthodontist, we’d love to meet you! Schedule a consultation today and let’s get started on your journey to a confident, healthy smile.
