ortodontisti

Ortodontisti, or orthodontists, are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent, and correct misalignments of the teeth and jaws. They complete a dental degree and then undergo additional specialty training in orthodontics. In many countries, orthodontics is a recognized dental specialty requiring several years of postgraduate study and, in some places, board certification.

Core responsibilities include evaluating dental and facial structures, developing treatment plans, and using appliances and techniques to move teeth and adjust bite. Common conditions treated are crowding, spacing, misaligned bites such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, and jaw discrepancies. Treatments range from braces (metal or ceramic) and removable aligners to retainers, functional appliances, and, in complex cases, surgical-orthodontic procedures in collaboration with oral surgeons.

The treatment process typically involves an initial consultation with records such as X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions or digital scans to aid diagnosis. A customized plan is devised, appliances are placed, and regular follow-up visits are scheduled for adjustments. After active treatment, retainers are usually used to maintain results.

Orthodontists work in private practices, hospitals, or academic centers and often collaborate with general dentists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. They serve patients of all ages, with early assessment commonly recommended for children to guide growth and prevent more serious problems later. In many jurisdictions, patients should seek care from a licensed orthodontist to ensure access to specialized expertise for alignment and bite correction.