What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Crooked teeth and bite problems may affect your smile and bite, requiring you to see an orthodontist. Other services can include diagnosing and treating alignment issues, performing oral surgery, and more. Here are insights into who an orthodontist is and what they do:
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist has specialized training in assessing and treating jaw and tooth abnormalities. They help treat existing dental conditions and provide treatment plans to avoid any future dental flaws. They can diagnose during oral examinations, correct cracked teeth and cavities, and help treat gum disease.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
The expert handles conditions like teeth overcrowding, crooked teeth, and overbites. Special methods and tools are used to correct these dental conditions. The procedures include braces, retainers, and palate expanders. Here are orthodontic procedures and how they impact the oral health:
Retainers
A retainer prevents your teeth from shifting from their position. Retainers are dental appliances that you wear after your orthodontic treatment is complete. These appliances are suitable for those with braces or clear aligners. The orthodontist advises you how often you can wear the retainers for optimal results.
Braces
A specialist applies braces to help shift teeth into their proper positions. Braces are applied together with brackets and wires. Different types of braces, including conventional and clear braces, are available for specific conditions and dental needs.
Palate Expanders
Palate expanders are ideal for various teeth and jaw issues, as they help address crossbites. Expanders enhance the widening of the upper jaws. This procedure can restore dental alignment without performing other procedures.
Clear Aligners
Aligners are an ideal option for people who don’t want to use conventional or clear braces. The process has a series of customized clear aligner plates. Aligner plates are worn for one to two weeks before shifting to the next set. The teeth are shifted to their rightful positions over a period of time.
What is the Orthodontic Process?
If the dentist discovers abnormalities in your teeth and jaw, they refer you to an orthodontist. You shouldn’t engage in orthodontic procedures with deep tooth decay or gum disease. A dentist should advise if you need to see an orthodontist after dental treatment. The orthodontist examines your teeth by taking pictures of the smile. They perform dental X-rays to determine the condition of the teeth, and then the specialist can create a treatment plan to help restore any issues. This can include overbites, spacing, and more.
What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Proper tooth alignment facilitates cleaning and prevents bacteria buildup. Treating crooked teeth can improve chewing and speech. Aligned bites reduce cavities and other oral health conditions. Orthodontic treatment eases pain related to temporomandibular joint disorders (TJD) and improves your overall well-being.
When to Use an Orthodontist?
Orthodontic treatment should be permanent if you follow the orthodontist’s instructions. Ask your dentist if you need the procedure before reviewing other options. Talk to a reputable orthodontist if you have concerns about oral health and teeth function. Reach out today to schedule an appointment to address any dental concerns and improve functionality.
