Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. After dental school, an orthodontist completes an additional multi-year residency devoted entirely to how teeth move and how faces grow.
How teeth actually move
Gentle, sustained pressure signals the bone around a tooth to remodel: bone dissolves ahead of the pressure and rebuilds behind it. Braces deliver that pressure through brackets and wires; aligners deliver it through a sequence of precisely shaped trays. Either way, biology does the work, which is why treatment takes months rather than days, and why rushing it is a bad idea.
Why alignment matters beyond looks
- Straight teeth are easier to clean, lowering decay and gum disease risk
- A balanced bite wears evenly instead of chipping and eroding
- Jaw alignment affects chewing, speech, and in growing children, airway development
Curious whether your smile would benefit? The consultation is free, and honest guidance is the house specialty.