How often have you heard the word “orthodontist”?
When hearing it, you probably think of uncomfortable braces and long treatments.
But do you really know what they do?
Orthodontics is a special area of dentistry that focuses on finding, preventing, and treating problems with teeth and jaws.
They help keep your mouth healthy and improve your smile.
In this article, we will look at what orthodontists do, their qualifications, the treatments they offer, and more.
What Is an Orthodontist?
Not everyone has perfectly straight teeth.
Misaligned teeth can result in various dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulties when chewing.
This is where orthodontists come into play, providing assistance to adults, children, and seniors alike.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional training in orthodontics after obtaining a dental degree.
Orthodontists are skilled at diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems related to teeth and jaws.
They not only address existing issues but also identify potential future problems that may arise.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists examine patients’ teeth and facial structures carefully.
This examination often includes taking X-rays, photographs, and making teeth impressions.
Based on their findings, orthodontists create personalized treatment plans for each patient.
To help move teeth into the right position, they use various devices like braces, retainers, aligners, and bands.
Orthodontic treatment can address many dental issues, such as:
- Crowding.
- Spacing problems.
- Bite issues (like overbites or underbites)
- Crossbites.
- Midline misalignment.
- Jaw problems.
- Protruding teeth.
During treatment, orthodontists regularly check with patients to make sure teeth are moving as expected.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Most people visit an orthodontist because their teeth are not aligned properly.
This misalignment can occur when the upper jaw, lower jaw, or teeth are different sizes.
However, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, orthodontists can check how the jaw and teeth are developing, even if not all permanent teeth have come in yet.
If you or your child have crowded teeth, gaps that are too wide, or teeth that stick out, it might be a good idea to see an orthodontist.
There are other signs that also suggest you need to see one:
- Frequent jaw pain, discomfort, or difficulty chewing.
- Noticeable speech issues, like lisping or trouble pronouncing sounds.
- Concerns about how your smile or face looks can be discussed with an orthodontist.
- If your teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment, it’s important to check with an orthodontist.
At City Orthodontics, we want to assure you that it’s never too late to get orthodontic care.
Many adults are choosing orthodontic treatments to fix issues they didn’t address as children.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments are methods used to fix dental problems and improve the alignment of teeth and jaws:
- Traditional metal braces use brackets that attach to each tooth. A wire connects these brackets and is adjusted regularly to move the teeth into the right position.
- Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them less noticeable.
- Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, so they are almost invisible from the front.
- Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that shift teeth into place. They are made from smooth, transparent plastic.
- Retainers help keep teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. They can be removable or fixed.
- If you have a serious underbite or overbite, you may need orthognathic surgery. This surgery adjusts the length of your jaw.
In Summary
Now that you understand how orthodontists work and what they do, you can tell when to take your child for an appointment or when to start treatment for yourself.
Orthodontic care is important for a healthy bite and a confident smile, whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners.
If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, contact us here.