The orthodontic specialist plays a critical role in aligning teeth and guiding jaw growth. Here’s why it’s important to choose a trained orthodontist for your child’s care:

1. Training for orthodontic expertise

An orthodontist is more than a dentist. After dental school, they complete 2–3 extra full-time years of postgraduate training focused entirely on tooth movement, facial growth and development, and the mechanics of how teeth and jaws work together.

This means they have a deeper understanding of how to plan treatment that is biologically sound, efficient, and predictable—with education and training that goes beyond general dentistry .

2. Understanding biomechanics

Moving teeth is about much more than putting on braces or using clear aligners. It requires applying controlled forces to teeth so that the surrounding bone and ligaments remodel properly. If this isn’t done with precision, there can be negative side-effects such as root damage, bone loss, or undesirable treatment outcomes. With specialist training, an orthodontist knows how to calibrate force, direction, duration, and anchorage so that each tooth moves intentionally.

3. Optimizing growth patterns

Children’s jaws and teeth develop as they grow. As an orthodontist, Dr. White knows how to spot orthodontic problems and abnormal growth patterns in children early and intervene at the right time—sometimes using special appliances that steer jaw growth, rather than waiting until later when treatment might be more complex. That early “window of opportunity” matters! Addressing issues at the optimal time can reduce a need for more complex or invasive treatment later.

4. Diagnosing and planning comprehensive treatment plans

Orthodontic specialists look at a bigger picture:

• Skeletal relationships (how the upper and lower jaws relate)

• 3-D relationships of maxilla, mandible, and cranial base

• Soft tissues (gums, lips, cheeks, tongue) and how they affect the bite

• Airway, TMJ (jaw joint) function, and growth indicators

This thorough analysis allows them to anticipate issues (like impacted teeth, missing teeth, growth imbalances) and plan accordingly.

5. Stabilizing a healthy bite for the long-term

Achieving a good smile is only part of the goal . An orthodontic specialist also ensures that the bite works properly— that teeth come together in healthy function, and that the neuromuscular systems (muscles, joints) are balanced. To keep results stable over time, orthodontists know which movements are inherently more stable and which need long-term strategies.

6. Managing complications

Sometimes despite best efforts, things don’t go as planned: root resorption, bone loss, unexpected movement, biological responses. An orthodontic specialist has the training to recognize these issues early and adjust treatment accordingly to minimize harm.

7. Collaborating care

General dentists are central to your child’s dental health—they help maintain and restore oral health, frequently spot issues, and refer to specialists when needed. White Orthodontics collaborates with our patients’ dentists for care that is complementary and consistent to bring cohesion to the treatment plan. For more on why regular dental cleanings are important for your overall health, check out this post .

When it comes to complex alignment and guiding growth, choosing an orthodontist ensures the best possible outcome for your child’s developing teeth, jaw coordination, and airway. Dr. Blair White and the team at White Orthodontics in Saginaw build solid foundations for healthy growth and confident smiles!