Orthodontic specialists are dentists with years of additional training in orthodontics. According to the ADA, all orthodontists are dentists, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. Only 5% of dentists have the specialty skills of an orthodontist. The next question is, what do orthodontists do? Here are some orthodontic services that you will find with orthodontic specialists.
Braces to Straighten Teeth
Braces are one of the most common and well-known specialties at an orthodontist’s office. Braces are used to move teeth that are misaligned, gently into position. Moving your teeth into the proper position requires a specialty skill. An orthodontist will have a range of treatment options to correct bites, move teeth, and improve your smile. Braces are a specialty service that you will find is provided by all orthodontic specialists.
Jaw Alignment
An orthodontist not only specializes in tooth alignment, but they also specialize in jaw alignment. Orthodontic specialists are experts in facial growth and development, including jaw alignment. The orthodontist has treatment options to correct misalignment of the jaw. Jaw alignment problems can cause neck pain, pain when chewing, headaches, and more. An orthodontist can correct the problem and ensure the patient doesn’t have to deal with the pain anymore.
Treatment Options
An orthodontist uses a range of treatment options to get results. Depending on the patient’s condition, the orthodontist may use braces, retainers, headgear, surgery, and more to achieve great results. Orthodontists stay aware of the latest treatment technologies to ensure they provide the best patient care. Dental technologies are constantly evolving, and orthodontic specialists stay on the cutting edge of that technology. Their added years of training and experience are used to develop the best treatment options, using state-of-the-art treatments for their patients.
It’s recommended that children who have been identified as in need of orthodontic care start seeing the orthodontist at the age of seven, but there is no age limit on who can benefit from the treatments. Your general dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment, or you may have a concern you want to address. Patients wind up at the orthodontist for different reasons and in different ways. You can learn more about orthodontic treatment by calling us today to schedule an appointment!
