Who Is an Orthodontist
A dental specialist who has advanced training beyond dental school and focuses on diagnosing and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental doctor who has received two to three years of traditional training after graduating from dental school.
A dental specialist helps individuals find the ideal solution for their oral health issues. They primarily focus on improving individual teeth and do not offer general treatments such as tooth whitening, fillings, crowns, or bridges.
Orthodontist Vs. Dentist
An orthodontist vs dentist comparison reveals key differences: a dentist provides general oral care, while an orthodontist specializes in teeth and jaw alignment. Both are essential, but when considering orthodontists vs. dentists, remember that orthodontists have additional training in braces and bite correction, whereas dentists focus on overall dental health.
Here are the key differences between an orthodontist and a dentist:
Dental Conditions
A dentist can identify and treat various dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, excessive plaque buildup, and cavities. An orthodontist plays a crucial role in teeth straightening, minimizing the gap between teeth, and aligning the jaw. They help patients overcome issues such as overbite or underbite, regardless of age.
Oral Care
General dentists can help patients create a personalized oral care plan, which may include regular check-ups, professional dental cleanings, and diagnostic procedures. Expert dentists perform treatments like root canals, bridges, and a variety of other dental procedures.
A certified orthodontist performs activities related to treatments and procedures involving tooth and jaw abnormalities.
What Is Orthodontics?
The oldest of dental specialties that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental malocclusions and tooth irregularities. It also focuses on jaw alignment and facial growth issues.
It is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning and straightening teeth to achieve a healthier and fully functional smile. Some common orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, removable retainers, and clear aligners.
Orthodontics has played a crucial role in enhancing oral functionality and improving smiles for millions of people. As dental science has evolved, orthodontic techniques and tools have continued to improve over time.
You might need to visit an Orthodontist if you have crooked, chipped, twisted, overlapped, or gapped teeth. It helps improve the way your lower and upper jaw meet, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Who Should Not Have Orthodontic Treatment?
To be a candidate for Orthodontic treatment, you should not have any serious oral conditions. Placing braces on teeth with extensive tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues can hurt your overall oral health.
Your Orthodontist will not recommend orthodontic treatment if you have any of these conditions:
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Missing teeth
If a person has one or more missing teeth, it can be complicated to undergo orthodontic treatment. The gaps or empty spaces due to lost or missing teeth can negatively impact the effectiveness and lead to unwanted displacements.
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Severe Gum Disease Or Periodontal Issues
Severe gum diseases or periodontal problems can weaken the bone support of teeth and affect their mobility, which is necessary for orthodontic treatment.
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Unhealthy Tooth Or Jawbone
Abnormal bone growth can limit the possibility of dental movements and make orthodontics less viable.
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Structural Alternatives
In certain cases, a patient’s dental and maxillary anatomy may not be suitable for the placement of braces or aligners.
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Young Patients
Young patients, such as children, may not have fully developed teeth, which can make orthodontic treatment impossible until their teeth have fully erupted.
Types Of Orthodontic Treatments
The three types of Orthodontic treatments are as follows:
Braces
Traditional braces are one of the most common and effective methods for correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems. Braces are fixed to the teeth to correct crooked and crowded teeth, as well as jaw or bite alignment problems. Metal braces are effective for correcting severe orthodontic issues, including extreme overcrowding, misalignment, and complex bite problems.
The advantages of braces extend beyond aesthetics, including improved oral hygiene, enhanced speech, and increased comfort during eating.
Modern technology has improved braces, offering better comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance while also reducing treatment durations.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an orthodontic device made from transparent, medical-grade plastic. This custom-made removable tray is formed to fit snugly on an individual’s teeth and can be easily inserted and removed.
If you don’t want to wear traditional braces, clear aligner treatments may be the best orthodontic solution you’ve been looking for. As you wear them, they apply gentle pressure to fit and gradually reposition your teeth.
Clear aligners are nearly invisible and blend with your teeth, making treatment less noticeable. It is especially appealing to adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
Retainers
These are custom-made orthodontic devices designed to maintain teeth in their new, straightened positions after orthodontic treatments have been completed.
Retainers are typically made up of plastic, acrylic, or metal to fit your teeth. A retainer is a device that maintains the straightness and position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Wearing retainers allows patients to ensure the long-term success of their orthodontic results, keeping their smiles straight and beautiful. It can be taken out for eating, cleaning, and special occasions.
Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment
Here are the benefits of visiting an Orthodontist for oral health.
Improved Oral Functions
Straightened teeth are easy to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Properly aligned teeth contribute to biting evenly, reducing stress on individual teeth. Correcting bite issues enables more efficient chewing, which in turn improves digestion and enhances overall nutritional absorption.
Enhanced Smile And Appearance
Their main purpose is to enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. Having a beautiful smile positively impacts your self-perception, affecting professional, academic, and social interactions.
Reduced Dental Issues
Crooked or crowded teeth can provide a hiding place for bacteria, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Having Orthodontic treatments can eliminate the gaps where bacteria can hide. Many patients report increased happiness, social comfort, and a greater willingness to engage with others after undergoing orthodontic treatments.
Proper Jaw Alignment
The way the teeth of your upper and lower jaw fit together has a significant impact on your overall appearance. Deep overbite, underbite, and crossbite can strain the jaw, which requires immediate treatment. Various misalignments can be treated through Orthodontics, thereby mitigating potential complications and helping you achieve a perfect smile.
At Dacula Dental, we utilize cutting-edge technology to foster trust and confidence in our service, both before and after treatment.
“A Perfect And A Confident Smile, Guaranteed”