1. Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FICTION: Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

2. My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT: However, an orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

3. Braces are for kids.
FICTION: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

4. If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FICTION: Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

5. Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
FACT: However, it’s not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile.

6. Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.
FICTION: After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.

7. Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
FICTION: This is not possible! Not yet anyway!

8. Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
FICTION: Today’s braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic, or unseen, mounted on the back (lingual) side of the teeth.

9. Orthodontists have a low profile.
FACT: Some may prefer to be low profile, but orthodontists give back to the community by offering free, discounted, services to patients in need.

10. Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists
FICTION: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontists specialize in dento-facial orthopedics. Not only is the orthodontist an expert at aligning teeth, they can also correct jaw alignment as well. Although a person may have teeth that look straight, the jaws may be out of alignment. Any irregularity  in jaw alignment can result in injury to your teeth and gums.

In order to get a degree as an orthodontist, a student must first achieve a dental degree, and then undergo addition schooling. After graduating from dental school one has to study for additional 2-3 years for specialization in orthodontics. In other words all orthodontists have dental training, but we cannot say that the reverse in true. Fewer than 6% of dentists are orthodontists. While dentists can perform orthodontic work, they are unable to claim that they are orthodontists.

For a list of qualified, certified orthodontists in Camarillo, you can visit the American Association of Orthodontists website at www.braces.org.