Your Smile-Perfecting Specialist

An orthodontist is a specialist in preventing, diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and improper bite patterns. They have the education and training to create healthy, stunning smiles with appliances like braces and Invisalign.

What Type of Training Does an Orthodontist Have?

Orthodontists spend a really, really long time in school. After high school, they go to college to get a bachelor’s degree and then they earn their dentistry degree. After four years in dental school, they complete an advanced post-doctoral course accredited by the American Dental Association. This course involves two to three years in an orthodontic residency program where they gain clinical experience treating patients. Afterwards, they must pass their examinations to become a certified specialist in orthodontics.

Do I Have to See an Orthodontist?

If you’re in the market for a beautiful smile then, yes, you definitely need to see an orthodontist. Dr. Yoo has extensive specialized training to provide patients with professional, customized treatments and they can use multiple modalities, such as braces, Invisalign, or dentofacial orthopedics, for correcting the teeth and bite and guiding jaw growth. They can determine the underlying cause of your malocclusion, including whether it’s skeletal or dental, and then help you choose the best possible course of action. Since orthodontic treatment can permanently change your teeth and your facial structures, visiting a specialist is in your best interest.

Members of the American Association of Orthodontists, like Dr. Yoo, must be accredited and most limit their practice to orthodontics and treat children, teens and adults. By choosing an AAO member, you know they’ve undergone the required training and that they consistently complete continuing education to stay on top of orthodontic research, treatment, and technology. The outcome will be a healthy smile you’ll love.