What is an Orthodontist?

What is orthodontia?

Orthodontia is also called orthodontics. This is a specialized kind of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.

Most orthodontists use tools like braces, clear aligners, and retainers to help people get healthier smiles. If you have crowded teeth, spaces between your teeth, or a jaw that doesn’t line up right, an orthodontist can help you create a plan that fits your needs.

What does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist is a type of dentist who helps straighten teeth and fix bite problems. 

Orthodontists use x-rays, photos, scans, and impressions of your teeth to diagnose dental and facial issues. They look at the alignment of your teeth and how your upper and lower jaw fit (or don't fit) together.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Once a diagnosis is made, orthodontists create a personalized treatment plan tailored to a patient's specific needs. This plan may involve braces, clear aligners, retainers, and/or other orthodontic appliances.

• Braces and aligners: One of the most common treatments orthodontists provide is putting on and maintaining braces. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that apply gentle pressure to move teeth into the correct position. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign^®, are another popular option for straightening teeth. These are custom-made, removable trays that move your teeth into a better position over time.
• Retainers: After your teeth have been straightened, orthodontists often recommend wearing retainers to maintain the new position. Retainers can be fixed (bonded to the back of your teeth) or removable, and they help ensure that your teeth stay in place after the active phase of treatment.
• Jaw surgery: In some cases, orthodontic issues may require surgical intervention. Orthodontists work closely with oral surgeons to plan and complete these procedures, which can significantly improve both the esthetics and function of your bite.
• Regular check-ups: Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and monitoring. These check-ups are essential to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and to make any necessary modifications. Your orthodontist will also help make sure you’re seeing your general dentist for regular cleaning to keep your gums and teeth healthy during treatment.
• Preventive care: Orthodontists also focus on preventive dentistry, helping to identify and address potential problems before they become more serious. Early intervention can often lead to shorter and less complex treatment.

Do you need an orthodontist?

If you’re not sure if you need to see an orthodontist, there are some signs to watch for:

• Crooked or crowded teeth: Can be hard to clean.
• Spaces between teeth: Can trap food and hurt your gums.
• Bite problems: Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can affect eating and talking.
• Difficulty chewing or biting: Painful chewing may indicate orthodontic problems.
• Mouth breathing: Many orthodontic problems can develop because of mouth breathing.
• Jaws shifting or clicking: Shifting of the lower jaw due to a bite problem can lead to jaw pain and other dental problems.
• Early or late loss of baby teeth: Losing baby teeth too early or too late can cause problems with the permanent adult teeth.

It’s important to notice these signs early and get help from an orthodontist. Cigna Healthcare customers can check the provider directory to make sure your provider is in-network.

What are the benefits of visiting an orthodontist?

Getting orthodontia or orthodontic work can benefit you in several ways:

• Improved esthetics: Straighter teeth and a well-aligned jaw can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
• Better oral health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Improved function: Correcting bite issues can improve your ability to chew, speak, and even breathe more comfortably.
• Long-term benefits: Orthodontic treatment can prevent long-term dental problems and reduce the need for future dental work.

Do you need orthodontic insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatments, but the amount of coverage can be different. Some plans pay for a lot of the cost of braces and other devices, while others might only cover a little or nothing at all.

You may want to explore the following options to find out what’s covered and how much you might have to pay:

• Check Your Policy: Look for details on what your dental insurance covers and any limits. 
• Call Your Provider: Ask about what treatments are included and any costs you’ll have to pay.
• Payment Plans: Many orthodontists offer ways to pay over time to make treatment more affordable.
• Visit an In-Network Orthodontist: For Cigna Healthcare customers, getting care from an in-network orthodontist can save you money.

Should kids and teens see the orthodontist?

For kids and teens, seeing an orthodontist early is especially important because their jaws are still growing. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that kids have their first check-up by age seven.¹ At this age, an orthodontist can spot potential problems and suggest the best time to start treatment. Early help can guide jaw growth and make sure permanent teeth come in correctly, avoiding more complex procedures later. 

¹ Early Orthodontic Care at Age 7: A Path to Cost-Effective Treatment, American Association of Orthodontics, December 12, 2024, https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/early-orthodontic-care-may-help-you-avoid-costly-treatments/

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your dentist for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.

Product availability may vary by location and plan type and is subject to change. All dental insurance policies contain exclusions and limitations. For costs and details of coverage, review your plan documents or contact your Cigna Healthcare representative.

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company and Cigna Dental Health, Inc. In Texas, the Dental plan is known as Cigna Dental Choice, and this plan uses the national Cigna DPPO Advantage network. In Utah, all products and services are provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). 

This page is not intended for use in GA, NM, NV, PA, and WV.