What is an Orthodontist?

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses entirely on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment related to teeth and jaws that are malaligned or malpositioned. An orthodontist has received 2 to 3 years additional advanced training beyond 4 to 5 years of dental school.

Some of the conditions orthodontists treat are:

  • Protruded, overcrowded, crooked teeth which can be unaesthetic and hard to clean and maintain
  • Excessive overbite or overjet which can cause an aesthetic concern, and in severe instances, wear of teeth and dysfunction
  • Spaces between teeth which are often an aesthetic concern and cause for food lodgment
  • Impacted teeth (teeth stuck in the jaw bone of soft tissue) that may cause damage to adjacent teeth or bone
  • Bite that is not right, causing other problems like excessive wear of teeth and dysfunction

What is a board-certified orthodontist?

Only 1 in 3 orthodontists in the country are board certified. The process includes a voluntary exam that an orthodontist takes as a commitment to the standards of specialty practice, lifelong quality patient care, and learning.

To be board certified, the American Board of Orthodontics requires an orthodontist to complete a peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examination. A board-certified orthodontist reaches a level of achievement by pursuing voluntary education and ongoing self-assessment.

How is an orthodontist different from a general dentist?

Simply stated, all orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists.

Only an orthodontist has received 2 to 3 years of additional advanced training beyond dental school, by enrolling in a full-time residency at an ADA-accredited program that focuses solely on orthodontics.

While some courses address orthodontics in dental school, the coverage is minimal. In an orthodontic postgraduate program, dental graduates dedicate 2 to 3 years to intensive full-time training and learn methods of proper and safe tooth movements (orthodontics) and guidance or growth and development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Why choose an Orthodontist?

Get treatment by a specialist because you deserve the best level of care. Family doctors will recommend you see a cardiologist for your heart, a dermatologist for your skin, and an orthopedist for your bones. Like these specialists, orthodontists devote their life to focus on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of their specialty, the teeth and jaws.

Accurate diagnosis will lead to the best treatment outcome. You may notice crowding or spacing in your front teeth. An orthodontist will use his or her education and experience to do a comprehensive evaluation and take into consideration all the elements of the problem, so the doctor can discuss the best optimized options with you.

For lasting stable treatment outcome. “A Smile Lasts Forever” ... an accurate and comprehensive evaluation serves the path to correct diagnosis and best long-term outcome. To be able to achieve that, an orthodontist uses all his or her expertise and experience. Technique and treatment plan selection is extremely critical for safe treatment and long-term stability. Only an orthodontist will discuss with you all the options and guide you to select the one that will provide the best possible outcome in the long run.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“I initially sought Dr. Nodesh for his specialty and advanced experience in prosthodontics. Dr. Nodesh, along with his entire staff, has been incredibly helpful and thorough in responding to all my questions and concerns in developing a treatment plan. This practice has completely exceeded my expectations! I see Dr. Nodesh and staff for all general dentistry concerns as well and I recently had a wonderful cleaning visit! I’d also like to note that the front desk is composed of two of the most delightful women I have ever met!” Krista Read More “Dr. Raina is absolutely amazing! She is professional, compassionate, and just so friendly and pleasant. She made the 'braces experience' wonderful for my son and her confidence gives me every confidence!! Dr. Raina explains her decisions for treatment and your child's progress every step of the way. She's the best and my family loves her!” Kacie & Drake Read More “I don’t have to smile with my mouth closed anymore! Dr Nodesh’s expertise at Beaches Dentistry made me smile big again. I’m so happy to have a healthy smile. He truly cares about his patients and their needs. I highly recommend Dr. Nodesh. He is gentle, patient, trusting, and positive, & has a wonderful staff, especially my hygienist of many years, Anethette.” Esther Read More “CAN'T say enough about what a great experience I've had, and continue to have, with Dr. Nodesh and all the girls at Beaches Dentistry. If anyone out there needs a dentist that's kind, gentle, and very caring, this is the dentist for you! Thank you Dr. Nodesh and staff!” Sylvia Read More “We have had only positive experiences with Dr. Raina. She is excellent with children and has a way to make everyone feel comfortable. She explains each part of the process clearly and lets you have an informed decision in your treatment plan. I would recommend anyone to her, and if any of my other children need braces, I wouldn't even look someplace else. We feel so blessed to have Dr. Raina as part of this community.” Rassoull Read More “Dr. Nodesh and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I’m very impressed with the up-to-date technology and procedures. The office is very clean, decorated professionally, and gives a warm home effect. I would highly recommend this dentist office.” Shelly Read More “I love Dr. Nodesh’s 'bedside' manner. I feel very cared for when I visit. The hygienist is conscientious of my time, the front staff makes me feel like family, and they have the latest technology making dental care much more advanced. Great place!” Wendy Read More “Dr. Raina is a wonderful professional. She made my son and myself feel not only as a patient but as a family. She always gave us a smile and made every appointment with her a great experience. She did a good job with my son's braces and made us enjoy the journey with confidence. We are going to miss Dr. Raina.” Anonymous Read More “I highly recommend Dr. Nodesh. He recently handled a dental emergency that required an implant. I was pleased with the way he answered all of my questions, provided information about my options, and most importantly, with the skill with which he handled the procedures from start to finish. I appreciate that he makes the time to communicate not only during the office visit but with followup.” Victoria Read More
Get in Touch With Us
(904) 246-6714
324 3rd Ave N
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Office Hours:

Mon: 8AM - 5PM Tue: 8AM - 5PM Wed: 8AM - 5PM Thu: 7AM - 3PM Fri: Appointment
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