When you think about orthodontics, do you consider seeing your dentist for treatment? An orthodontist probably first comes to mind when you need someone to straighten your teeth or repair a bite dysfunction. However, under the right circumstances, your dentist may be able to meet your needs and give you the smile you have been looking for.
Genetics, poor oral health care and a small mouth or jaw can contribute to crooked teeth. Some people may struggle with misalignment because they sucked their thumb or used a pacifier beyond the age of 3. Any of these factors could also cause bite abnormalities such as a crossbite, underbite, overbite or buck teeth. Some of these problems may be evident in early childhood, while others may get worse later on in life.
Orthodontists focus their training, research and hands-on practice in straightening teeth and repairing jaw conditions. Dentists, meanwhile, are more concerned about the health of the patient’s teeth, gums and nerves. Many dentists will not stray from these areas of practice and will refer a patient to an orthodontist for orthodontic care. However, other dentists get continuing education in orthodontics and develop the skills to help with minor or moderate issues.
Starting at the time teeth begin to emerge in a child’s mouth, it is important to visit the dentist for semiannual checkups. This should be the case even when the person has braces, clear aligners or other mouth appliances. If a patient can get both dental care and orthodontic treatment during the same visit, there is more convenience. The dentist may even reduce the treatment cost. Plus, the dentist will already be familiar with the patient and their health history.
To align teeth correctly, the dentist will likely offer three options: metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners. Stainless steel braces use constant pressure to move teeth. The braces consist of brackets, wires and elastics, which stay on the patient’s teeth for one to three years. Clear braces are similar but use porcelain or ceramic instead. This makes them look invisible. Clear aligners are plastic mouthguards that conform to the person’s mouth. The treatment time for aligners can be half or less than braces.
Some patients may need extensive orthodontic work such as major jaw corrections or repairing gaps or a crowed mouth. In this scenario, it may be more effective to go to an orthodontist instead. The dentist may refer the patient to another professional anyway.
Before you automatically go to the orthodontist for orthodontic care, there could be another option. Your dentist may have the training and knowledge to create a treatment plan with braces or another intervention. Speak to your dentist today and learn about the possibilities of straightening your teeth. You could be just a year or two away from a new and improved smile.
Are you considering getting orthodontic treatment in the Albuquerque area? Get more information at https://familychoicedentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
You may have many questions about wisdom teeth and whether you should ask a dentist to remove them. This third set of molars can cause problems when they begin to erupt in the back of the mouth. While not everyone needs to have surgery to have them extracted, it may be good for your oral…
Is your little one in need of a children dentist near me? Visiting the dental office for the first time does not need to be a stressful experience. Understanding what happens during the first appointment can help kids and their families feel confident and prepared for this important developmental milestone.Early dental visits support a young…
Wisdom teeth cannot fit in the mouth. Four of your adult teeth are wisdom teeth. These teeth erupt after the second molars are already set in the back of the mouth. Because of this, wisdom teeth do not erupt the right way. Some of them cannot even break through the gums. If you want to…
If you are thinking about wisdom teeth extraction, now might be the right time for this procedure. These third molars can create problems in the mouth, both cosmetically and for your health. It is often more sensible to take out the teeth before they ever emerge. Doing so can help you avoid many of the…