If you or your child are dealing with crooked teeth, misaligned bite, or noticeable jaw problems, you might be wondering: Do I need to see a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, or an orthodontist? It’s a common question—and one with a very clear answer.
Think of it this way:
- A general dentist focuses on overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and basic dental care.
- A pediatric dentist is like a general dentist for children—but with extra training in child development, behavior management, treating issues specific to growing mouths, and treating baby teeth.
- An orthodontist is a specialist with advanced training in straightening teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development for all ages.
When it comes to treating issues like crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, overjet, or any other bite, jaw, and teeth alignment problems, the right specialist to see is always an orthodontist.
“Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws.”
— American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
Expert Guidance from Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty, Dr. Amir Assefnia
Q: What Kind of Dentist Should I See for Misaligned Teeth, Bite Issues, or Jaw Problems?
If your teeth are crooked, your bite feels off, or your jaw isn’t growing the way it should — don’t settle for guesswork. You need an Orthodontist.
Orthodontists go through years of additional training after dental school to master how to safely move teeth and create healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Here’s why that matters for you:
- They don’t just guess—they see the big picture, from tooth alignment to facial balance.
- They build a custom treatment plan just for you—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- They guide your smile journey from start to finish—adjusting and perfecting along the way.
- And if they’re board-certified? That means they’ve gone the extra mile to prove their skill, knowledge, and commitment to top-quality care.
Bottom line, when it comes to something as personal and life-changing as your smile, trust the specialist who lives and breathes it every day. Choose a board-certified orthodontist—because your smile deserves more than average.
Q: Should I Rely on a General or Pediatric Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment?
General and pediatric dentists do not have the advanced training or specialized education in the science of tooth movement and orthodontics.
While some may offer quick orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, without the deep expertise of an orthodontist, this can lead to serious long-term problems and unpredictable results.
When it comes to your smile, don’t settle for shortcuts.
Trust a board-certified orthodontist—the specialist who understands the science behind the smile.
At Super Orthodontics, all orthodontic evaluations are personally performed by Dr. Amir Assefnia, a Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty. This hands-on approach reflects our commitment to excellence, precision, and the highest standard of care for you or your child.
Q: What Conditions Require an Orthodontist?
Below are some of the issues that you should definitely consult an Orthodontist:
- Crowded teeth
- Spacing or gaps between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth stick out too far)
- Underbite (lower jaw juts forward)
- Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly)
- Overjet (upper front teeth angle outward)
- Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when you bite down)
- Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing
These are complex problems involving both teeth and jaw bones—treatment requires precision, growth forecasting, and biomechanical expertise.
Q: Can My General Dentist Tell Me If My Child Needs Braces?
This is a very common (and understandable) question. While many responsible general dentists or pediatric dentists may notice early signs of orthodontic issues and refer your child to an orthodontist, they are not trained specialists in orthodontics.
It’s important to ensure that the actual evaluation is conducted by an orthodontist (preferably a Board-Certified Orthodontist). Orthodontists are uniquely trained to analyze jaw growth, bite function, and tooth alignment in ways general dentists may not. That’s why early care from an orthodontist can make all the difference in outcomes and long-term success.
“Only an orthodontist has the additional training and experience to diagnose and treat alignment and bite issues correctly.”
— American Dental Association (ADA)
Board certification is the highest level of achievement in orthodontics, awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It involves passing a rigorous written and clinical exam and presenting treated cases for review. Less than 40% of orthodontists complete this process.
“Board certification demonstrates the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.”
— American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
Q: Why Choose Super Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Treatment?
Dr. Amir Assefnia is a Board-Certified Orthodontist, clinical faculty at UCLA, and one of the highest-ranked Orthodontists nationwide. With years of advanced training and a deep commitment to excellence, Dr. Amir Assefnia has successfully treated thousands of children, teens, and adults throughout his career. His expertise spans everything from early intervention pediatric orthodontics to complex bite and jaw correction for all ages, and his compassionate, patient-centered approach has earned him the trust of families and referring dentists alike.
Parents across Encino, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley trust him for his honest and high-quality care, his exceptional academic and clinical background, and his leadership in adopting the most advanced orthodontic technologies. Dr. Amir Assefnia is recognized not only for delivering outstanding results but also for making treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise for every patient.
At Super Orthodontics, we offer personalized orthodontic care designed to meet your specific needs. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Amir Assefnia today and take the first step toward achieving a healthier more confident smile.
Final Word: Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist—Not Just Any Dentist
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term health, function, and confidence. You only get one smile—make sure it’s in the right hands.
If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced, and highly-ranked orthodontist , come see us at Super Orthodontics. Your perfect smile starts here.
Smiles That Speak for Themselves
Hear From Our Happy Patients!
Absolutely outstanding experience! We came here on our child’s dentist’s recommendation, and wow! what an incredible choice! Dr. Assefnia is amazing. His calm, confident approach and genuine attention to each patient’s needs, wants, and concerns truly set him apart. He even offers help on his day off, that level of dedication is rare!
And Bob, the office manager, is phenomenal. He’s professional, warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and always goes above and beyond to make sure we understand every step of the treatment.
The best part? My child’s treatment is already showing remarkable results in such a short time! I couldn’t be happier. I will absolutely be recommending Super Orthodontist to all my friends and family. This place is the real deal!
My son has been with Dr. Assefnia since last November. After searching meticulously for an Orthodontist, which can be quite a daunting task, I was so happy to have found Dr. Assefnia and his great team of staff. They are all so warm and welcoming. The facility has the latest cutting edge technology, super fast and efficient. Dr. Assefnia is great with kids always makes my son feel comfortable. Dr. Assefnia makes going to the ortho feel super easy for my teenage son. He explains what he’s going to do step by step, when you have your first consultation with him, so you know what to expect. They are very professional and even hand you all the info about any problems or solutions for dealing with braces. You can rest assured, you will be in good capable hands with Dr. Assefnia. He earned the title of Super Orthodontics.
As a general dentist and a mom when my 8 years old son needed braces, I trusted Dr Amir with his care. My son went thru phase one with Dr Amir. Every visit was fun and my son looked forward in seeing him. Dr Amir is very kind and has a great sense of humor . We had a fantastic experience and Results were excellent! He is forever my family orthodontist!
As a parent, finding the right orthodontist for my children was a top priority, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Amir Assefnia as our family’s trusted orthodontic partner. Over the years, my admiration for his work has only deepened, and I strongly recommend his services to all parents and anyone seeking exceptional orthodontic care.
His warmth and approachability immediately put my children at ease, turning what could be an intimidating experience into one filled with comfort and understanding. He discusses treatment plans thoroughly, ensuring that both parents and children are informed every step of the way. The trust he has built with our family over the years is truly invaluable. In recommending Dr. Amir Assefnia’s services, I believe that every child deserves the gift of a confident smile. His expertise and compassionate approach make him the ideal choice for families seeking a nurturing and skilled orthodontist. Thank you, Dr. Amir Assefnia!
So glad I stumbled upon Super Orthodontics Dr. Amir is truly one of the best orthodontists!! He’s very kind, caring and pays great attention to detail.10/10 would recommend.
Having known Dr. Amir Assefnia for many years, I can definitely say that he is the epitome of excellence in orthodontic care! I am not only a testament to his exceptional work, but I am also an advocate, recommending his services to everyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy orthodontist.
Dr. Amir Assefnia’s commitment to his craft is evident from the moment you step into his practice. His extensive experience and dedication to patient care make him a standout professional in the field. He transforms smiles with precision and artistry! Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Amir Assefnia fosters a welcoming atmosphere in his practice. His entire staff reflects his commitment to patient-centric care, making each visit a positive and personalized experience.
I have recommended Dr. Amir Assefnia’s services to friends, family, and colleagues, and the feedback has consistently mirrored my own positive experiences. If you are looking for the best orthodontist to get your dream smile, Dr. Amir Assefnia is the orthodontist you can trust to deliver exceptional results.
Dr Amir Assefnia is the best orthodontist! I would’ve started my braces way earlier if I came across him sooner! Super happy with my results 😁. Highly recommend!
Best orthodontist! Great “bedside manner” Dr. Amir explains everything very well and gives us time to ask questions. Dr Amir treated both my kids and myself on our braces journey, and he made it pleasant and comfortable as can be. Thank you, Dr. Amir, for giving us a great smile! I would highly recommend Dr. Amir.
