An orthodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists receive additional training beyond dental school to learn about the specific techniques and procedures used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems.
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. General dentists can provide basic orthodontic treatment, such as braces and retainers, but orthodontists have the specialized training and experience to handle more complex cases. Orthodontists can also perform corrective jaw surgery, which is sometimes necessary to correct severe bite problems.