Orthodontist Meaning: What an Orthodontist Does

Ortho means straight and odont means tooth. In India the specialty is Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, the second part referring to guiding jaw growth. The degree is an MDS taken after the BDS, and it sits among the branches in our guide to the types of dentists.

Orthodontists treat crowded, crooked or gapped teeth, and bite problems such as overbites, underbites and open bites, described in our guide to malocclusion. They use fixed braces, clear aligners, retainers and growth-guiding appliances in children.

Adults are treated too, not only children; the guide on braces for adults covers what changes. For an overview of treatment see braces and orthodontics, and for the local page, orthodontist in Lucknow.

A registered general dentist can legally fit braces in India, and many do so for straightforward alignment. An orthodontist is worth seeking when the bite is complex, when the jaws are out of proportion, when teeth are impacted, when surgery may be needed, or when a child is still growing and the timing of treatment matters. The guide to the best age for braces explains the timing.

A general dentist who sees a case that needs more will usually say so and refer you.

Ask for the degree, an MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, and the State Dental Council registration number. Registration is public record. Offering braces or aligners does not by itself make a dentist an orthodontist.