An orthodontist is a specialist who can treat misaligned teeth. A lot of people think that an orthodontist is a dentist, but this is not precisely accurate. Many generalized dentists later become certified in orthodontics, but it is a separate discipline. Simply graduating in dental school is not enough because it means installing a device that can influence the shape of a jaw.

Understanding The Orthodontist Clinic

A dentist can examine teeth and fill cavities. They can identify gum disease and treat problems with both the teeth and the gums and the related nerves. They need a four or six-year degree to practice as a dentist. Most orthodontists are dentists because a dentist already thoroughly understands the anatomy of the mouth. Instead of drilling, an orthodontist positions teeth without breaking the roots and then holds them in place with a wire mechanism.

An orthodontist deals with conditions that are not technically diseases but that either do not look good or have an unwanted effect on chewing. Overbites and misaligned teeth are commonly treated. Sometimes the shape of the jaw needs to be corrected. While cosmetic problems with teeth can be adjusted even in adults, serious malformities are best treated in children when the bones are most pliable.

Defining The Orthodontist Profession

An orthodontist knows all about teeth but has expanded professionally also to know everything about the jawbone and how it is possible to modify teeth and the jaw to improve chewing. Most dentists run a small clinic and are not certified to do the work of an orthodontist but can refer you to one. This does not imply a serious condition as braces are a common adjustment. “Treatment is not surgery,” says Janie from embraceortho.com.

It is important to correct birth defects in children. A lot of oral shape issues worsen with age or else become harder to treat. A common problem is a large gap between teeth, which is called a diastema. These grow larger over time and can impede chewing or else put pressure on displaced teeth. An orthodontist can re-space the teeth so that they all have a more comfortable fit.

A less common situation is when a jaw grows an extra tooth. It creates problems when the upper and lower jaw does not sit right because the teeth do not match, so the extra tooth has to be removed. Since orthodontists are dentists, they will likely pull the extra tooth before re-spacing the teeth. This job is more complicated but readily solved.

The tools to correct misaligned teeth and jaws are many and continue to expand. The most common example is braces, which uses wire and a metal holder to apply a directional force to misaligned teeth. Usually, the wires grip brackets that are glued to the teeth surface so the enamel will not be warped or cracked by direct contact with the wires.

Braces are time-consuming to install and are the old solution. The new solution is a sort of mold called an aligner. Some brands have been popularly advertised on television, and an orthodontist can choose between brands after designing a prescription. They are not as obvious when worn and can be removed as needed. There is also less need to sit in an office while braces are being installed and later removed.

If the jaw itself is in trouble, an orthodontist might prescribe a palate expander. It applies gentle pressure to the upper jaw and the palate and changes the shape of the upper jaw over time. A more extreme solution is to connect certain teeth to a headgear that is visible outside the mouth. The purpose is to correct an upper jaw that is growing faster than the lower jaw.

Knowing About Orthodontist Training

In most places, an orthodontist must first certify as a dentist because it gives them a thorough background in oral anatomy. While a certified and trained dentist can fill cavities, an additional few years are needed to qualify as an orthodontist. All this extra training makes an orthodontist fairly specialized, and some dentists spend most of their time just straightening teeth.

Applying braces can be quite time-consuming. It takes a lot of time to apply brackets and then even more time to manually thread the brackets onto a precisely shaped retainer. If both the upper and lower jaws receive braces, then the process can require quite a few visits to the orthodontics office. The first session is to receive a prescription. The actual work has to be scheduled, and often the wait for work is longer than for the initial inspection.

Having braces can take one to three years. This depends on the severity of the misalignment and the resulting need to adjust the braces. After the brackets have been removed, the process is usually complete. The teeth should be straight and preferably more functional than before.

Whether or not you visit an orthodontist might depend on whether or not a regular dentist believes a condition can be treated with a product similar to Invisalign. Since these retainers are manufactured rather than installed in the mouth, the manual work by a professional is not needed. They could be the perfect solution for a minor cosmetic adjustment. For more serious work, consult an orthodontist.

If your child needs braces, it is essential you look for the best dental practitioner to install the braces. During your research, you will be surprised to find out that most dental insurance plans, if not all of them, don’t require a referral. This means that you can make an appointment with an orthodontist at any time to discuss your needs and set up a treatment plan.

If your dentist refers you to a particular orthodontist, the best thing for you to do is to choose that professional. However, it is your right to choose any orthodontist whom you think can best match your needs.

This does not mean, however, that you should disregard your dentist’s recommendations. After all, they know how best to meet your dental needs. Your dentist will ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy enough to undergo orthodontic treatment. Be sure to always ask your dentist what the best course of action is when seeking orthodontist treatment. At times, installing braces may not be the best course of action.

Whether or not you have a referral, you should take your child for orthodontic consultation when they attain the age of 7 years. This is the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists. Your child should be examined before all their permanent teeth erupt. This will make it possible for the orthodontist to correct any problems before they become harder and more costly to fix.

When looking for the right orthodontist to care for your child’s dental needs, you should know that some policies will not cover work that started before your policy had matured, or before you were eligible for the cover. It is essential also to note that in some cases, plan-preferred orthodontists will charge you less money out of pocket compared to off-plan orthodontists. This means that you can save money by first checking with your insurance provider.

After signing up for treatment at an orthodontists office, the support staff will work with you to process the necessary forms to ensure you get the maximum benefits.

Below are some tips to help you find the best orthodontistry practitioner when your dentist has not given you a referral or when you want a second opinion:

• Ask your close friends about any competent orthodontists they may know of; also check their smiles before asking.
• Confirm that the selected orthodontist is qualified and certified to work as an orthodontist in your city. You can run a search on their name on www.braces.org.
• Ask for recommendations from other specialists, such as an oral surgeon. After all, these surgeons normally work with many orthodontists.
• Visit the website of the orthodontist you want to hire and read the provided information.
• Check online reviews to find out what others have to say about a particular orthodontist. However, this may not always be reliable as there are some biased reviews out there.
• If you need a payment plan, you should only consider orthodontists with convenient terms and conditions on their payment plans.
• Check to confirm if a service provider uses state-of-the-art technology.
• Ask the orthodontist about all the available treatment options, such as Invisalign vs. braces.
• Visit an orthodontists office and trust your gut.

Braces are a big investment, so you need to take your time to consider your options to ensure you make an informed decision. Choosing the right orthodontist will help you to get the best outcomes possible.