“What does an orthodontist do?” – To be precise, the work of an orthodontist involves straightening teeth and correcting bites.
Kids are naturally curious, and their endless questions are a sign of their eagerness to learn. But when it comes to their first orthodontic visit, you might find yourself unsure of how to answer some of them—like, “What does an orthodontist do?” If you’re preparing for that first appointment, here’s how to explain it simply. And if you’re looking for a trusted orthodontist in San Antonio, we’ve got you covered with expert care and a kid-friendly approach.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a type of dentist. Just like a regular dentist, it’s their job to make sure your teeth are healthy. An orthodontist checks if teeth are straight and creates a plan to fix crooked teeth.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
When you see an orthodontist for the first time, they may take pictures of your teeth, called x-rays, and use a special kind of putty to take a mold of your teeth so that they can study it and decide the best way to make your teeth healthy and straight. They may tell you that you need braces, but those can be fun.
Meet Our Orthodontist
Dr. Jarod Oliver is a board-certified orthodontist from Three Rivers, TX, trained at the University of Texas in San Antonio. A summa cum laude graduate and former Chief Resident, he is committed to excellence and continuing education. Dr. Oliver is proud to serve patients alongside his wife, building trusted relationships while creating confident, healthy smiles.
What Does the Orthodontist Do on the First Appointment?
The orthodontist will carefully examine your teeth, bite, and jaw on your first visit to create a personalized treatment plan. If you see an orthodontist in San Antonio, this initial consultation may include digital X-rays, photos, or impressions to better understand your smile. Many patients seeking orthodontics in San Antonio use this appointment to ask questions, discuss treatment options like braces or aligners, and understand the estimated timeline for achieving a healthier, straighter smile.
What Are Braces?
Braces are awesome because they guide your teeth into the right spots, making sure none get crowded or stuck behind others. With each adjustment, you can choose fun new colors to personalize your smile! If you’re looking for a more subtle option, clear braces in San Antonio, TX, offer the same great results with a more discreet look.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces may feel different at first because they are new and your mouth isn’t used to them yet. If you get braces and they don’t feel comfortable, just tell an adult and we can help you figure out how to make them feel more comfortable.
Why Do I Need to See an Orthodontist?
It’s good for every kid to see an orthodontist to check whether their teeth are healthy, but not every kid has the chance to do so. If you are able, it’s a great option to go to the orthodontist so that we can make sure your teeth are healthy and happy!
When You Have Questions
Parents have questions, too, and we’re always glad to answer them! If you have any questions, even if they feel simple, like, “What does an orthodontist do?” don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here for you and your child from the very first step into orthodontics and throughout the journey.
Call Oliver Family Orthodontics at 210-969-9909 to schedule an appointment with a dentist who can help you learn more about this topic and improve your oral health.