Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has successfully completed a university program specializing in orthodontics (3 years). Orthodontics prevents or corrects malocclusions (problems with the position of teeth and jaws). The profession of Orthodontist consists in correcting dental malpositions and jaw malformations in order to restore functional and aesthetic teeth. The orthodontist is a specialist in dentofacial orthopedics; it is he who leads the treatment aimed at correcting the defects of the dental “plastic”. He detects or corrects, using fixed or removable corrective devices, any abnormalities in the positioning or alignment of the teeth and jaws. The orthodontist performs examinations and x-rays, makes a diagnosis, establishes a treatment plan, prepares the specifications of corrective appliances for their manufacture in the laboratory and proceeds to the fitting and periodic adjustments of the appliances. In 90% of cases, it is adolescents (8 to 16 years old) who need orthodontic care. An orthodontist works in an office or in a hospital; He works in close collaboration with the dental surgeon. His qualities: An orthodontist must be rigorous, meticulous and precise. He must be available and have good interpersonal skills: he must be a teacher, diplomat and attentive to his patients.