Institute for Career Research

Careers in Orthodontics Institute for Career Research

WHAT DO KATY PERRY AND THE high school cheerleader next door have in common? Braces. Braces are dental appliances used to straighten a person's teeth and correct unhealthy overbites or under¬bites. Braces are usually worn by kids 10 to 14 years old, but many adults wear braces - even celebrities. In fact, of the four million people in the US who wear braces, one million are adults. Most of the time braces are used for cosmetic reasons. Everyone wants a beautiful smile, but it is not always a matter of vanity. Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can cause serious health problems. Teeth that do not fit together right are harder to clean, making the person more at risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even lost teeth. Crooked teeth can also create stress on the jaw and facial muscles that leads to headaches, TMJ syndrome, and pain in the neck, shoulders, or back. When the need for braces is indicated, the person to see is an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in moving teeth and adjusting misaligned jaws. Most of the time that means installing braces, but there are many different types of appliances that can be used to move teeth, retrain muscles, and affect the growth and position of jaws. Some of these devices are fixed, others are removable, and still others are (nearly) invisible. They all work by applying gentle pressure over an extended period of time on teeth and jaws. Some cases require surgery, in which case the orthodontist may perform the surgery or collaborate with another dental specialist. There is a great need for orthodontists. There are fewer than 10,000 practicing today, which is barely enough to handle the number of people seeking their services. Experts are predicting a job outlook that is better than any other occupation can expect.