Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry which treats crooked and misaligned teeth. It helps patients stop bad habits such as thumb sucking. Orthodontists from Smilebar can use several appliances to fix these problems. Dental braces are the most common. They consist of metal bands which encircle teeth and connect with wires. They can be made from metal, ceramics, or clear (“invisible”) material.
Orthodontists and dentists
Orthodontists, or dentists who specialize on aligning the jaw and teeth, are specialists in straightening your teeth. They are experts in diagnosing and repairing misalignments of the jaw and teeth, and they use a wide range of devices to achieve their goals. They are also trained in recognizing future issues and advising their patients how to avoid them.
Dentists have a broad range of training, but they focus on the overall health and structure of teeth, gums, nerves and mouth. They perform procedures like fillings, crown placement and remove broken or failing tooth (extractions). Dentists examine the mouth for abnormalities and teach their patients how to maintain healthy teeth.
After completing dental education, dentists are able to become certified in a variety of specialties. Orthodontics is one of these specialties, and an orthodontist can only practice orthodontics after undergoing a two to three year specialty program.
Before he can practice as a specialist, the orthodontist has to complete a comprehensive exam. This exam involves in-person exams, 2D and 3D xrays as well as photos and molds. This information allows the orthodontist to create a plan of treatment that is best for each individual patient.
Orthodontists not only treat patients’ teeth but also diagnose problems like overbites and underbites. They can also diagnose crossbites and crowded teeth. Orthodontists can fix these problems, which will only get worse if they are not treated. In some cases orthodontists may recommend that their patient wear braces or another corrective device.
The orthodontist will recommend that the patient wears a retention device to maintain the corrected alignment. Retainers usually consist of a clear plastic and are designed for the patient to wear them comfortably.
They can diagnose and treat dental issues
Orthodontists have advanced training that includes college, dental school and an orthodontic residency program. This allows them diagnose and treat a variety of problems relating to teeth, jaws, and facial imbalance. These include crooked or misaligned teeth, an improper bite (malocclusion), tooth crowding and palate expansion. Braces are also used to correct jaw misalignment, close gaps and straighten teeth. Orthodontists can improve the smile, and even the shape of your face.
An orthodontist’s first task is to perform a full examination of a patient’s mouth. They will take X-rays and computer pictures, as well as study models to determine the current state of the teeth and jaw. This information allows the orthodontists to see the relationship between the teeth and the jaws and whether adult teeth are yet to appear.
They can also identify problems that may become more serious if untreated. For example, a gap in the teeth (called a diastema) can grow larger over time, and may result in the loss of teeth or gum disease. A crooked smile can affect your ability to speak and chew. It may also impact your self-esteem.
Other orthodontic problems are less obvious but can still have a significant impact on your child’s life. Crossbite can create a lisp or make it difficult to make certain sounds. A narrow or overcrowded jaw can affect the way a child breathes, and contribute to snoring and sleep apnea.
Orthodontic treatment can correct these problems and restore the patient’s confidence in their smile. A good orthodontist can create a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s needs. They will be able recommend the best type of braces to each patient. There are many types of braces including metal, clear, ceramic, and aligners. The orthodontist will also prescribe a retainer to help keep the teeth in their new position. They may also prescribe a palate widener to widen the upper mouth, which is used for children who thumb-suck or use pacifiers or bottles excessively.
Straightening teeth
Orthodontists focus their efforts on correcting the alignment of teeth. While dentists treat and prevent dental diseases, orthodontists focus on the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. They use a variety tools to straighten the teeth, such as traditional metal braces or clear braces. These devices work to gently and gradually shift your teeth into their correct position. These devices can also be used to fix problems like overcrowding or gapped teeth. These devices are suitable for treating patients of all ages – from children to adult.
Crooked or misaligned teeth and bite problems can lead to a number of oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. They can also cause difficulty chewing. They can also affect your confidence and self-esteem. The best way to deal with these problems is by visiting an orthodontist who will correct them and prevent further complications in the future.
A crooked grin can have a major impact on your quality of life. Misaligned or crooked teeth can lead to speech problems and chewing issues, which can be detrimental to your health. In addition, a crooked smile can cause serious emotional distress.
The most common teeth-straightening treatment is dental braces, which are a series of small metal brackets that are bonded to the front of each tooth. The wire is then threaded into these brackets, and it is tightened at regular intervals. This slowly moves the teeth to their correct positions. Orthodontists can also use power chains and bands to add pressure to the brackets.
Invisalign, a clear orthodontic device, can be used to straighten teeth without having them look like braces. This is a great option for patients who are concerned about the look of traditional braces. The orthodontist will design an individualized plan for each patient, which may include different appliances to address the specific problem. Invisalign can be a quick and convenient way to improve your smile.
Remove teeth
Orthodontists have a special training in the diagnosis and prevention of jaw and tooth misalignment. They also help guide facial growth. This specialty is called dentofacial orthopedics. During orthodontic treatment, orthodontists use a variety of tools to straighten the teeth and align the bite. This includes braces and clear aligners. Orthodontists also have other options to correct the condition in the jaw. These include orthognathic surgery. The orthodontist can also prescribe a mouthguard for sports injuries prevention or to protect teeth during eating.
Orthodontists will sometimes need to extract a tooth in order to achieve the best result. They will not remove a tooth without a good reason. If your jaw cannot accommodate all your teeth, they may need to extract them. They may also have to remove teeth if the tooth is impacted. This means it has not fully emerged through your gums.
Orthodontists see many children with crowded or overlapping tooth or jaw growth or tooth development problems. These problems can be caused by thumb-sucking, losing baby teeth early, accidents or genetics.
The orthodontist examines your teeth and mouth first to determine how they are developing. They will then make a mold by pressing a tray of gooey material against the top and bottom teeth. The mold helps them determine how they can straighten your teeth. This process usually takes one to three years and involves regular visits to the orthodontist.
