The term orthodontics comes from the Greek ortho meaning “right” and teeth meaning “teeth”. We also talk about dentofacial orthopedics.

Orthodontics is a specialty of thedentistry which is interested in the diagnosis, the treatment but also in the prevention of abnormalities of positioning or alignment of teeth and jaws.

The goal of orthodontic treatment is above all functional, before being aesthetic. A good alignment of teeth and jaws improves chewing, swallowing, phonation, breathing and allows better prevention of cavities or loosening.

Note that orthodontic treatment is not only reserved for children and adolescents, but also for adults of all ages.

The orthodontist may have to deal with many problems. These include:

• a deformation of the jaw (malocclusion):
• too much space between the teeth;
• the presence of a supernumerary tooth;
• or a dysfunction of the periodontium, that is to say all the tissues and ligaments supporting the tooth.
• the act of sucking his thumb;
• grow on your teeth with your tongue;
• have suffered a trauma;
• or simply having a parent with the same abnormalities (genetic factor).

Some people are at greater risk for problems with positioning their teeth and jaws. 

Depending on the patient’s problem, the orthodontist may offer:

• a fixed orthodontic appliance, consisting of small boxes (commonly called pins or rings) glued to the front of the teeth and connected by a wire. Note that these boxes can also be placed on the side of the tongue, so that they are not visible. We talk about lingual orthodontics;
• a removable orthodontic. It is a thin transparent plastic gutter. They can be easily removed for drinking, eating or brushing your teeth.

In addition to fitting these devices, the orthodontist performs regular monitoring to ensure that the treatment is progressing well. He may have to take x-rays.

The main risk that results from wearing (fixed) braces is difficulty in maintaining good dental hygiene.

Training to become an orthodontist in France

The course to follow to become an orthodontist is as follows:

• a common first year in health studies, knowing that an average of less than 20% of students manage to cross this milestone;
• once this step is successful, the students carry out 5 years of study in odontology;
• at the end of the 5th year, they continue in the 3rd cycle of specialization in orthodontics, for 3 years.

Finally, the state diploma of doctor in dental surgery is validated by a thesis defense, which thus authorizes the exercise of the profession.

Training to become an orthodontist hasu Quebec

The curriculum is as follows:

• students must follow a doctoral degree in dentistry, for 1 years (or 4 years if college or university candidates do not have sufficient training in basic biological sciences);
• then they carry out a post-doctoral dental specialty, in this case orthodontics, for a period of 3 years.

Before going to the appointment, it is important to take any recent prescriptions, any x-rays, or other examinations carried out.

To find an orthodontist:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the association of orthodontists of Quebec ², or that of the federation of specialist dentists of Quebec ³;
• in France, via the website of the national order of dental surgeons â ?? ´.

In France, orthodontic treatment for adults is not covered by health insurance (except for surgical cases). In children, on the other hand, reimbursement is possible if the treatment is started before the 16th birthday.

In Quebec, orthodontics is not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladieâ ?? µ.