Dr. Heather Gietzen completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wayne State University. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Pennsylvania. She then spent 3 years furthering her studies at the University of Michigan where she received her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Mastersof Sciencein Orthodontics. Her research earned her the Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit and she is published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

She is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, the West Michigan District Dental Society, and the Kent County Dental Society.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions*). Orthodontic treatment is provided by an oral health care provider known as an Orthodontist, who has typically completed two to three years of additional training beyond dental school.

Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patients smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontia not only as a medical necessity, but for cosmetic reasons as well.

*Malocclusion is the technical term for teeth that dont fit together correctly. Malocclusions not only affect the teeth, but also the appearance of the face. Most malocclusions are inherited; however some are due to acquired habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. The spacing left from an adult tooth being extracted or an early loss of a baby tooth can also contribute to a malocclusion.

Orthodontics is one of many dental specialties. The word orthodontics is derived from the Greek words orthos, meaning proper or straight and odons meaning teeth. Orthodontics is specifically concerned with diagnosing and treating tooth misalignment and irregularity in the jaw area. Initially, orthodontic treatments were geared toward the treatment of teens and pre-teens, but these days around 30 percent of orthodontic patients are adults.

There are many advantages to well-aligned teeth, including easier cleaning, better oral hygiene, clearer speech and a more pleasant smile. Though orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, the American Dental Association suggests that an orthodontic assessment should be performed around the age of seven. The earlier orthodontic treatment begins, the more quickly the problem can be successfully resolved.

Orthodontics is a technologically advanced field which offers many sophisticated solutions to malocclusions and other cosmetic problems. The orthodontist will generally perform a visual examination, x-rays and study models (bite impressions) in order to assess the exact nature of the discrepancy.

In much the same way as doctors choose to specialize in areas such as cardiology and neurology, dentists can also choose to specialize. Orthodontics is a dental specialty which aims to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities, such as malocclusions (bad bites). Orthodontic specialists can successfully treat patients of any age.

Orthodontists are fully qualified dentists who embark on a further two to three years of university-based study and gain extensive clinical experience in an orthodontic residency program. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the regulating body for this branch of dentistry. Selecting an orthodontist who is a member of this organization adds the assurance that treatment is being administered by an individual with specialty education in oral biology and biomechanics. The AAO recommends that children should first be examined by the orthodontist around the age of seven, to ensure that jaw and tooth irregularities are not beginning to form.

Orthodontists are experts in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw. There are many debilitating problems associated with misalignment, for example, speech defects, difficulties chewing and difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

Initially, the orthodontist conducts a thorough examination of the jaw and teeth. X-rays, study models (bite impressions), and photographswill be taken prior to the orthodontist making treatment recommendations. The orthodontist will recommend the best treatment plan for the patients particular condition.