Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws in children and adults. These professionals fit patients with metal braces, retainers and other specialized devices to align teeth and fix improper bites. Since the work requires an extremely high degree of expert knowledge and dedication, a person who wants to become an orthodontist must be willing to meet lengthy, expensive educational and training requirements. He or she must persevere through about four years of post-baccalaureate dental school and successfully complete a two to three year residency at a dental clinic or private office before he or she can become an orthodontist.