An orthodontist is a dentist who, after graduating from dental school, goes on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts two to three academic years. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely educated experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Orthodontists specialize in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. That means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and that is all they do. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (misaligned teeth and/or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.

In Michigan, an orthodontist must also pass a state specialty exam after completing an orthodontic residency program. When the specialty exam is passed, the orthodontist becomes a Michigan licensed specialist. Only licensed specialists may advertise themselves as orthodontists.