The complex science of dentistry, like many other fields, often times requires specialists to perform difficult and complex procedures. While any licensed dentist can offer orthodontic treatment and place braces on patients, only those dentists who have completed special postgraduate training can call themselves orthodontists or specialists in orthodontics.
If it is important for you or your child to be treated by a specialist, make sure you see an orthodontist, and not a dentist doing orthodontics. The best way to distinguish a specialist from someone who is not, is by their membership in the American Association of Orthodontists. Only those with accredited post doctorate training in orthodontics can be members.