Most people know an orthodontist helps straighten teeth.
What many do not realise is that this only tells part of the story.
An orthodontist is not simply someone who fits braces and checks them every few weeks. Their role is to assess how your teeth sit, how your bite works, how your jaw alignment affects function, and how to move teeth safely into a healthier position over time. In some cases, the issue is mainly cosmetic. In others, the problem runs deeper and affects comfort, chewing, wear, or long-term stability.
That is why orthodontic treatment is based on planning, diagnosis, and controlled movement rather than just choosing a brace type.
This guide explains what an orthodontist actually does, what happens during treatment, and what kinds of problems they are trained to correct.
Quick Answer: An orthodontist diagnoses and treats problems with tooth position and bite alignment. They plan and deliver treatment such as braces or clear aligners to correct crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other orthodontic issues safely and predictably.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Orthodontists assess tooth position, jaw relationships, and bite function
- They treat more than crooked teeth – they also correct functional bite issues
- Common treatments include Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, and Damon braces
- Orthodontic treatment is carefully planned in stages rather than done ad hoc
- Orthodontists work with children, teenagers, and adults
🧭 Jump to:
Do orthodontists diagnose bite and alignment problems?
Yes. One of the most important things an orthodontist does is diagnose how your teeth and bite fit together.
That includes looking at the visible position of the teeth, but also how the upper and lower arches meet when you close your mouth. Two people may both say they have “crooked teeth”, but the underlying problem may be very different. One may have mild crowding. Another may have a deeper bite issue that affects function as well as appearance.
An orthodontist will usually assess:
- Crowding – where there is not enough room for all the teeth
- Spacing – where gaps appear between teeth
- Overbite – when upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
- Underbite – when lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite – when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Open bite – when teeth do not meet properly when biting
At Whites Dental, orthodontic treatment is designed not only to improve the appearance of crooked or crowded teeth, but also to address bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite where needed.
Why diagnosis matters
Orthodontic treatment is not about making the front teeth look neater and hoping the rest follows. Tooth movement has to work with your bite, facial proportions, and long-term stability.
Proper diagnosis helps answer questions such as:
- Is the issue mainly cosmetic or functional?
- Will fixed braces or aligners be better for this case?
- Is there enough room to move the teeth safely?
- Will retention be especially important afterwards?
How does an orthodontist plan treatment?
Once the problem has been identified, the orthodontist creates a step-by-step treatment plan. This is where specialist knowledge becomes especially important.
Teeth need to be moved in a controlled sequence. Too much force, poor staging, or the wrong mechanics can lead to inefficient movement or an unstable result. A good orthodontic plan looks beyond the first few months and focuses on the final bite and long-term outcome.
Treatment planning may involve:
- Clinical examination of the teeth and gums
- Photographs of the smile and bite
- Digital scans, impressions, or X-rays where needed
- Assessment of spacing, crowding, and jaw relationships
- Selection of the most suitable orthodontic system
- Projected treatment timeline and retention plan
Whites Dental’s orthodontic consultation process includes scans, impressions and X-rays if required, followed by a detailed personalised treatment plan.
What does an orthodontist look for before starting?
Before treatment begins, the orthodontist needs to understand not just what the patient wants, but what is clinically realistic and appropriate.
That usually means balancing several factors:
- Aesthetic goals – how the patient wants their smile to look
- Bite function – how the teeth will meet afterwards
- Complexity – whether the case is simple, moderate, or complex
- Lifestyle – whether the patient prefers removable or fixed treatment
- Age – whether this is a child, teenager, or adult case
What treatments does an orthodontist provide?
Orthodontists provide treatments designed to move teeth into a healthier, better-aligned position. The right option depends on the case and the patient.
At Whites Dental, orthodontic options include Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, and Damon braces, with treatment available for adults and children.
Common orthodontic treatments
| Treatment | What an orthodontist does with it | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | Plans staged tooth movement using custom clear aligners | Adults and teens wanting a discreet removable option |
| Metal braces | Uses fixed brackets and wires for precise tooth control | Children, teens, and more complex cases |
| Ceramic braces | Provides fixed treatment with tooth-coloured brackets | Adults wanting fixed braces with a subtler look |
| Damon braces | Uses self-ligating mechanics for efficient movement | Patients wanting comfort, efficiency, and lower friction |
If you want to explore specialist braces and clear aligner options in more detail, you can learn more about orthodontic treatment in London at Whites Dental.
Do orthodontists only provide braces?
No. Braces are only one part of the picture. Orthodontists also provide clear aligner treatment, monitor bite changes, adjust treatment mechanics, and manage the retention phase after treatment ends.
In short, they are responsible for the whole process, not just fitting an appliance.
What does an orthodontist do during treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is active and ongoing. Once braces or aligners are in place, the orthodontist monitors how the teeth are moving and makes adjustments where needed.
During treatment, an orthodontist may:
- Check whether teeth are moving as planned
- Adjust wires or components on fixed braces
- Review aligner fit and tracking
- Monitor bite changes as treatment progresses
- Decide whether refinements or changes are needed
- Make sure the result is progressing safely and efficiently
Why regular reviews matter
Teeth do not always move in exactly the same way from one patient to another. Even with excellent planning, progress still needs to be monitored. That is one of the reasons orthodontic treatment should never be thought of as a simple product purchase.
Regular review appointments help the orthodontist:
- Catch tracking issues early
- Refine movement where necessary
- Keep the bite balanced as teeth shift
- Protect long-term stability
What does an orthodontist do after treatment ends?
Orthodontic work does not stop on the day braces come off or the last aligner is worn. The retention phase is a major part of what an orthodontist does.
After active treatment, teeth naturally have a tendency to shift. That is why retainers are used to help maintain the result.
An orthodontist will usually:
- Assess the final bite and tooth positions
- Provide retainers suited to the case
- Explain how and when retainers should be worn
- Monitor stability at follow-up reviews
Retention is not an optional extra in any serious orthodontic treatment plan. It is part of protecting the result you have achieved.
Why retention is part of the orthodontist’s job
Anyone can understand the appeal of straight teeth at the end of treatment. The specialist role of the orthodontist is also to make sure the result holds up after treatment is complete.
That means thinking beyond the visible end point and planning for stability, comfort, and long-term maintenance.
Do orthodontists treat adults as well as children?
Yes. Orthodontists regularly treat adults, teenagers, and children. While the teenage years are often a common time for treatment, adult orthodontics is now extremely common, especially among people who want a discreet way to improve their smile.
Orthodontic treatment can be suitable for both adults and children, with options ranging from discreet clear aligners to fixed braces depending on the complexity of the case and the result needed.
| Patient group | What an orthodontist may focus on | Typical treatment considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Early assessment, bite development, crowding | Monitoring, timing, fixed or removable options |
| Teenagers | Efficient correction while teeth respond well | Metal, ceramic, or aligner-based treatment |
| Adults | Aesthetics, function, discretion, stability | Invisalign, ceramic braces, Damon, finance options |
Why see an orthodontist instead of a general dentist for this kind of problem?
All orthodontists are dentists first, but they then complete additional specialist training focused on tooth movement and bite correction. That extra expertise is especially valuable when treatment goes beyond mild cosmetic straightening and involves bite balance, function, or long-term stability.
This is especially relevant when you are dealing with:
- Moderate to severe crowding
- Bite correction
- Cases where long-term stability matters
- Adult treatment where aesthetics and function both matter
If you are still unsure what separates an orthodontist from a general dentist, you may also find it helpful to read What Is an Orthodontist?.
FAQs: What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Patients often ask similar questions when they start looking into braces, aligners, or bite correction. Some want to know whether orthodontists only straighten teeth, while others want to understand whether they treat children, adults, or more complex bite issues. These are some of the most common questions patients ask before booking a consultation.
Do orthodontists only straighten teeth?
No. Orthodontists also diagnose and correct bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Do orthodontists fit braces?
Yes. Orthodontists may provide fixed braces such as metal, ceramic, and Damon systems, as well as clear aligners like Invisalign.
Do orthodontists treat adults?
Yes. Many orthodontic patients are adults who want to improve both the look and function of their teeth.
Do orthodontists treat children?
Yes. Orthodontists often assess children and teenagers for crowding, bite issues, and developing alignment problems.
Do orthodontists help with overbites and underbites?
Yes. Bite correction is a core part of orthodontic treatment, not just cosmetic tooth straightening.
Do orthodontists take scans and X-rays?
Yes. They may use scans, impressions, photographs, and X-rays where needed to assess the case and plan treatment properly.
Do orthodontists provide retainers too?
Yes. Retainers are a key part of orthodontic treatment because they help maintain the result after active tooth movement ends.
How often do you see an orthodontist during treatment?
This depends on the treatment type and the case, but regular review appointments are needed so progress can be monitored and adjusted if necessary.
Looking for an orthodontist in London?
If you want clear advice on what an orthodontist actually does – and whether you need braces, aligners, or a more detailed bite assessment – the best next step is a consultation.
At Whites Dental, patients can explore treatment with an experienced orthodontist in London, with options for adults, teenagers, and children across a range of alignment and bite concerns.
The clinic’s orthodontic service includes Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, and Damon braces, with consultations available at Waterloo and Marble Arch.
- ✅ Specialist orthodontic assessment
- ✅ Clear aligner and fixed brace options
- ✅ Adult and child treatment pathways
- ✅ Central London clinic locations