Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one’s smile and oral health.

A dentist or physician usually recommends braces to improve a patient’s physical “orofacial” appearance. Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected. The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.

A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists receive two or more years of education beyond their four years in dental school in an ADA-approved orthodontic training program.

The Department of Orthodontics is involved in the three primary missions of the college: education, research, and patient care. There are two clinics in the Department where patient care is carried out: Faculty Practice and the Graduate Clinic.