A lot of people may not know this but an orthodontist is actually a dentist. The difference is that the orthodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing and treating irregularities of the teeth and face. Teeth can make or break a person�s appearance. Your teeth help you in speaking clearly and chewing your food properly. Without them, talking and chewing would be difficult. �Bad� bite, otherwise known as a malocclusion and other irregularities can easily be treated with the use of orthodontic appliances.