Orthodontic care is a form of dental treatment, but is not the same. The treatment requires a diagnosis by an orthodontist followed by the treatment of malocclusions or dental displacement.
With regards to the profession or orthodontia, there are many different specialities. For example, some orthodontists treat only children. Others focus on the surgical elements, but all of them will treat the positioning of the jaw and teeth. Orthodontic care can alter the appearance of the face, and usually, surprise patients in the way they look once completed.
Orthodontists are not the same as a dentist; therefore, patients must schedule their annual dental checkup while going to the dentist. An orthodontist will continue to receive schooling and training even after they have received a license to practice.
How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help You
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond cosmetic procedures. For many people, this treatment is necessary. For example, children are often burdened with overcrowding of the teeth. This typically occurs when a child has lost teeth before they were supposed to come out. When this happens, the other teeth move into the empty space; thereby causing the palate of the mouth to misshapen. Once the new tooth is ready to come in, there may be little or no space. In the past, teeth were pulled to make space for the new tooth. Now, this very rarely occurs thanks to orthodontic care.
Treatment Offered by an Orthodontist
- Jaw realignment
- Correcting crooked teeth
- Realignment of the midline
- Improving overcrowded teeth
- Correcting an overbite or underbite
Treatment Options
An orthodontist can utilize various treatment methods to correct a patients’ issues. What is appropriate for one person might not be for the other. Some of the most popular treatments include:
- Expanders
- Spacers
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners
Would You LIke a New Smile?
If you have concerns about the alignment of your mouth or teeth, and you are wondering whether or not orthodontic care is right for you, contact an orthodontist, like the office of John Redmond Orthodontics for a consultation. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the orthodontist about your concerns and find out what you need to do to get started.