If you already have a relationship established with a dentist, you may be understandably hesitant to seek out a specialist. However, a braces specialist offers several benefits to patients who need braces that you may want to consider.
An orthodontist is a braces specialist because of additional training and education. Orthodontists specialize in using dental devices such as braces, bands, and, retainers to move teeth into new positions. Orthodontists provide treatment for a variety of dental conditions, including:
Orthodontic treatment helps patients achieve a healthy bite. Improving the spacing and alignment of the teeth improves patients' ability to speak, chew and eat.
Orthodontists complete the same college and dental school as other types of dentists. They also complete orthodontic school and a two- to three-year orthodontic residency program after graduating from dental school. This additional training sets a braces specialist apart from other dentists because dental schools usually offer a limited amount of orthodontic instruction.
Orthodontic residency programs consist of intensive and focused instruction on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Some orthodontists go on to complete board certification after finishing an orthodontic residency.
The most common reason people see an orthodontist is a condition called misalignment or malocclusion. Patients with this condition have tooth overcrowding, irregular bite patterns, or misshapen jaws due to hereditary differences in the size of the upper and lower jaw or the jaw and the teeth.
These issues can be complex and may require the specialized training and experience an orthodontist has that other dentists may not. Additionally, orthodontists only provide treatments within their specialty. By focusing on one particular area of dentistry, orthodontists can obtain a higher skill level and perform more procedures in that specialty than other dentists.
Braces or other dental appliances are commonly used to treat patients with malocclusion. The orthodontist attaches metal, plastic, or ceramic square bonds to the teeth. A set of springs and wires is used to apply force to the teeth to move them into alignment. Patients with minor malocclusion may be able to use clear braces. Patients with more severe cases may need headgear to help move the teeth into place.
At your first orthodontic appointment, the dentist will perform an oral exam, take photos of your face and smile, take X-rays of your face and head, and take impressions to use for creating molds of your teeth. The dentist uses the information gathered in this exam and your dental history to make a recommendation for treatment.
While there is some overlap between the services offered by orthodontists and other dental providers, the higher level of experience, education, and training obtained by a braces specialist offers advantages to patients who need orthodontic treatment, such as braces.
If you need braces in Laguna Hills, call or stop by our office to make an appointment with an orthodontist.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Braces in Laguna Hills, CA.
Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices…
If the idea of wearing clear aligners intrigues you, do not hesitate to find out more about this treatment. For a long time, traditional metal braces were the only teeth-straightening method available. Now, you can count on aligners to correct bite problems and misalignments.It is not difficult to see braces on a person. This orthodontic…
Braces are a great way to straighten misaligned teeth and gain a more attractive smile that you can be proud of. While most people understand the cosmetic benefits of braces, many are not familiar with how braces can positively impact oral health as well as general health.By learning more about the full list of advantages…
Clear aligners and braces are two different dental options that people may consider when hoping to realign or straighten their teeth. While they both offer the same goal in mind, people may not realize that both have different ways of executing the goal. It is important to know the main differences of clear aligners as…
Wondering whether wearing retainers is really necessary? Read on to learn more. You know braces and aligners can help you get those straight teeth you desire, but retainers are the next step. These little devices will keep your teeth aligned and your smile beautiful for years.Retainers are custom orthodontic devices that help keep the teeth…
Looking for a braces specialist? Read on to learn more. You might be hesitant to see a braces specialist if you already see a general dentist regularly. In some cases, patients have an individual situation that requires consulting a specialist. Generally, these professionals have more experience in orthodontics and a consultation with them might make…