Orthodontist

At your consultation, your orthodontist will discuss your treatment options with you. They'll help you understand your potential outcomes and decide which option is best for you.

What are orthodontists?

Orthodontists specialize in the treatment and management of tooth and jaw misalignments. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic consultation by the age of seven, even if they do not have any teeth yet. Early orthodontic intervention can correct issues with spacing and alignment before they become more severe problems later in life. Children and adults alike can benefit from orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign. Braces straighten your teeth by applying force to the brackets and wires that hold them in place, while Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. Your dentist can help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.

Orthodontists vs. dentists

Dentists and orthodontists are both qualified to treat patients for common oral health issues. But, while many general dentists can perform many of the same procedures that an orthodontist can, only the latter can actually correct bite alignment issues like underbites or overbites. An orthodontist must complete an additional two years of specific education after completing their dentistry degree in order to become specialist in orthodontics. In addition to completing this more advanced training, most orthodontists are also members of the American Association of Orthodontists and specialize in the treatment of more complex cases.

If your dentist has recently recommended orthodontic work to you, it’s important to seek care from a specialist in order to ensure the best possible results. Many patients who have visited a general dentist looking for treatment for their malocclusions or misalignments have had to undergo additional orthodontic treatment to correct the results of their initial treatment later on.

By visiting Dr. John Smith at YourLocalDentist.com for your orthodontic needs, you can rest assured that you are receiving the best care possible to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at 555-888-8888!

Orthodontic treatment process

After your consultation, Dr. Jones will design a treatment plan that is personalized to your situation and needs. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment and the number and timing of appointments needed to achieve your desired results.

When you are ready to begin orthodontic treatment, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare at home for your first visit to our office. These instructions will help ensure a smooth and comfortable process. We will review instructions for caring for your smile between visits as well.

During your first appointment with us, we will take diagnostic records so our orthodontist can examine your teeth and determine the best treatment plan for you. Once our dentist has a clear picture of your current dental health, he will discuss with you what options are available in orthodontics such as traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces or Invisalign® invisible aligners. If it is determined that you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, we will then schedule your appointments accordingly.

Once your orthodontic appliances have been placed and you have completed any necessary adjustments, you can look forward to moving into the retention phase of your individualized treatment plan. This phase can last indefinitely and will be determined by your specific situation. During this time, you will wear your retainers to maintain the position of your teeth and prevent the need for additional treatment in the future. We will provide you with customized care plan to follow for daily cleaning and wearing of your retainers. While your retainers are removable, they should be worn as instructed to ensure the best results from your orthodontic treatment.