What Does an Orthodontist Do, and How Is It Different?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on straightening teeth and aligning jaws. A general dentist cares for your overall oral health, like cleanings and fillings, while an orthodontist completes additional years of training to guide how teeth and jaws fit together.

If you’re wondering who should handle your family’s braces or clear aligners, you’re asking a smart question. The answer shapes your whole smile journey. Here’s what orthodontists do, how they differ from general dentists, and why orthodontist-supervised care matters for kids, teens, and adults in Owosso and nearby communities.

What Does an Orthodontist in Owosso Do?

An orthodontist evaluates, plans, and guides treatment that moves teeth and improves how the upper and lower jaws line up. The goal is a healthy, comfortable bite and a confident smile.

That work can include traditional braces, clear aligners (removable clear trays that gradually move teeth), and retainers (custom appliances that help keep teeth in their new positions). At Owosso Orthodontics, each plan is tailored to your unique needs.

Your orthodontist also watches how teeth and jaws grow over time. That matters most for children, whose mouths are still changing.

How Is an Orthodontist Different From a General Dentist?

Think of it like a family doctor and a specialist. Your family doctor looks after your overall health. A specialist focuses deeply on one area.

A general dentist handles checkups, cleanings, fillings, and everyday oral health. An orthodontist focuses on tooth movement and jaw alignment. Both roles matter, and they work well together.

Every orthodontist is a dentist first. After dental school, an orthodontist completes additional specialty training in orthodontics. Not every dentist has that training.

What training does Dr. Zang-Bodis have?

Dr. John Zang-Bodis earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan. He then completed a General Practice Residency at Loyola University in Chicago.

He continued his training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Tennessee. Dentofacial orthopedics means guiding the growth and position of the jaws and face.

Dr. Zang-Bodis is also a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics, the highest level of accreditation in the specialty. You can read more on our Meet Dr. Zang-Bodis page.

Why Does Orthodontist-Supervised Care Matter?

Moving teeth is more than a cosmetic change. Teeth sit in bone, and moving them affects your bite, your gums, and how your jaws work together.

When an orthodontist supervises your care, one trained specialist plans each step and watches your progress. If something needs adjusting, you hear about it and your plan changes with you.

At our practice, you see one doctor from start to finish. That one-on-one attention means clear communication about your goals and how treatment is going.

How Does Orthodontic Care Look for Kids, Teens, and Adults?

Orthodontics isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each stage of life brings different needs.

Kids

Children’s mouths are growing, so an orthodontist can spot developing concerns early. Some children benefit from early treatment. Others only need monitoring, and many need nothing right away. An evaluation tells you which path fits your child.

Teens

Teens often have most of their permanent teeth, which makes this a common time for braces or clear aligners. We talk with teens directly about what treatment will feel like and how to care for their teeth along the way.

Adults

It’s never too late to start your smile journey. Adults can often choose between braces and clear aligners, depending on their needs. Your orthodontist can explain which options fit your bite and your lifestyle.

What Should I Look for in an Owosso Orthodontist?

If you’re comparing practices, a few questions can help:

• Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?
• Does the doctor hold board accreditation?
• Will you see the same doctor throughout treatment?
• Does the team explain your options clearly, without pressure?
• Are payment options available, and will the office help with insurance?

You deserve clear answers to each of these. A good orthodontic office welcomes your questions.

Which Orthodontist Offers Braces and Clear Aligners Near Me?

Owosso Orthodontics offers traditional braces and clear aligners for kids, teens, and adults. Families from Corunna, Chesaning, Middletown, and across Shiawassee County visit us for care.

Which option is better depends on your individual orthodontic needs. Braces suit some patients best, and clear aligners suit others. Neither is right for everyone, so an evaluation is the best way to find out what fits you.

What About Cost?

Cost depends on your treatment plan, so we can’t quote a number without seeing you. What we can tell you is that we offer flexible payment plans, accept CareCredit, work with major insurance providers, and help you understand your coverage. You can find details on our financial information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?

No. You don’t need a dentist referral to schedule a visit with us. Keep seeing your general dentist for regular checkups and cleanings while you’re in treatment.

When should you visit an orthodontist in Owosso?

Orthodontic evaluations are helpful at many ages. Parents often wonder about their child’s smile, and teens and adults may notice crowding, gaps, or bite concerns. If you’re curious, an evaluation is a good next step. Learn what to expect on our first visit page.

Can an orthodontist treat adults?

Yes. Orthodontists care for patients of every age. Whether adults are good candidates for braces or aligners depends on their individual needs, which we can talk through at an evaluation.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

Many patients feel some soreness or pressure as teeth begin to move, especially after adjustments. It’s usually mild and temporary. We’ll tell you what to expect and how to stay comfortable.

Will my child need two-phase treatment?

Not necessarily. Some children benefit from early treatment followed by a second phase later, while others need only one phase or just monitoring. An orthodontic evaluation helps us make a recommendation tailored to your child. You can read more about two-phase treatment on our website.

Ready to Meet Us?

If you’d like to learn what an orthodontist can do for your smile, we’d love to meet you. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Zang-Bodis at Owosso Orthodontics. You can ask questions, see our comfortable and welcoming office, and decide what’s right for you and your family, at your own pace.