An Orthodontist Defined – More than Just BracesWhen you think of an orthodontist, you might picture someone who puts braces on teenagers. While that’s certainly part of the job, it’s just the tip of the iceberg in the field of orthodontics. Just as a smartphone does more than just make calls, orthodontists offer a range of specialized treatments beyond straightening teeth. At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, we are committed to providing comprehensive orthodontic care that addresses various dental concerns.

Beyond Braces: Comprehensive Orthodontic Care

Orthodontists like us do more than just fix crooked teeth. Our expertise extends to:

  • Monitoring and modifying growth in young patients to encourage favorable development.
  • Creating space for blocked-out or crowded teeth.
  • Straightening rotated or mal-positioned teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
  • Alleviating pain or discomfort caused by malocclusions or “bad bites.”
  • Offering non-invasive approaches to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) discomfort.
  • And much more—our range of services is vast and tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, we utilize the latest techniques and technologies, from traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign to expanders and other orthodontic appliances.

The Path to Becoming an Orthodontist

You might wonder how we become qualified to provide such specialized care. The journey to becoming an orthodontist is long and rigorous, involving extensive education and training.

Educational Foundation: College and Dental School

It all begins with a solid educational foundation. After high school, aspiring orthodontists must complete a bachelor’s degree, with a focus on prerequisite science courses required for dental school admission. Following college, the next step is dental school, a four-year program that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. Dental students take the same courses as medical students, with the added challenge of simultaneously mastering dental techniques.

Advanced Training: Residency and Specialization

Upon completing dental school, graduates are officially dentists. However, some states, like New York, require an additional year of residency, known as a General Practice Residency (GPR). This residency provides further hands-on experience under the supervision of seasoned dentists. At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, all three of our orthodontists—Dr. Bancroft, Dr. Ashley, and Dr. Dobrin—completed a GPR, further honing their skills before pursuing specialization.

To become an orthodontist, additional post-graduate training at an accredited program is required. Admission to these programs is highly selective, and the training is intense, covering everything from specialized braces and clear aligners to growth modification and surgical treatment.

Becoming a Board-Certified Orthodontist

After completing the specialized training, an orthodontist can choose to pursue board certification. Dr. Keith R. Dobrin, our board-certified orthodontist, has met all the rigorous requirements set by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). While board certification is not mandatory to practice, it represents the highest level of achievement in the field.

Why Choose an Orthodontist?

When it comes to orthodontic care, it’s crucial to understand who is treating you or your child. Orthodontists receive specialized training in the movement of teeth, whether through braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. While general dentists may offer aligner treatments, complex cases should be handled by an orthodontist, who is trained to manage all aspects of orthodontic care, including growth modification and interceptive treatments.

Schedule a Consultation with Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics

We hope this overview has given you a deeper understanding of what an orthodontist does and why it’s essential to choose a specialist for your orthodontic care. At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, we do more than just braces—come see us for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Contact Us: Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics

Waldwick Office
(201) 447-1611
90 Franklin Turnpike
Waldwick, NJ 07463

Teaneck Office
(201) 692-1455
175 Cedar Lane, Suite 1
Teaneck, NJ 07666

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