Who is eligible to perform orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment should be performed only by a qualified orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has:

1. Completed BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), and

2. Undergone 3 years of full-time postgraduate specialization (MDS) in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics

This additional training focuses exclusively on:

• Tooth movement biology

• Jaw growth and facial development

• Bite correction (malocclusion)

• Braces, aligners, appliances, and biomechanics

Why is it important to get braces or aligners from an orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment is not just about straight teeth. It’s about function, health, stability, and facial balance.

1. Orthodontists understand the science behind tooth movement

Teeth move through living bone. If forces are:

• Too strong

• Incorrectly directed

• Poorly timed

It can cause:

• Root resorption (shortening of roots)

• Bone loss

• Loose teeth

• Gum recession

• Long-term damage

Orthodontists are trained to apply safe, biologically correct forces.

2. Proper bite correction (not just alignment)

Many non-specialist treatments focus only on “straight-looking teeth”.

An orthodontist evaluates:

• Upper–lower jaw relationship

• Overbite / underjet

• Crossbite / open bite

• TMJ health

A poor bite can lead to:

• Jaw pain

• Headaches

• Tooth wear

• Speech issues

• Relapse after treatment

3. Aligner treatment is NOT “plug-and-play”

Clear aligners are often marketed as simple—but they are technique sensitive.

Orthodontists:

• Plan precise tooth movements stage by stage

• Know when aligners are not suitable

• Combine aligners with attachments, IPR, or auxiliaries

• Prevent incomplete or unstable results

Many failed aligner cases come from improper planning, not the aligners themselves.

4. Long-term stability & retention

Straight teeth that relapse are a sign of poor orthodontic planning.

Orthodontists:

• Control root positioning (not just crown movement)

• Design proper retainers

• Monitor post-treatment stability

5. Managing complex & growing patients

Children, teens, and jaw growth cases must be treated by orthodontists.

Only orthodontists are trained in:

• Growth modification

• Functional appliances

• Early interceptive orthodontics

Wrong timing = lost opportunity for non-surgical correction.