In the same way that doctors can specialize in areas like neurology and cardiology, dentists can also choose to specialize. Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that aims at preventing, diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities. A lot of orthodontic practices are usually limited to dentofacial orthopedics as well as general orthodontics, but patients of any age can be successfully treated.
All orthodontists are dentists, but for a dentist to become a orthodontist, he or she has to study a further two to three years of advanced specialty education after dental school and gain extensive clinical experience in an orthodontic residency program.
The advanced specialty program includes advanced education in biomedical, basic and behavioral sciences. The students also learn the complex skills required in managing tooth movement (orthodontics) and guiding facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Therefore, only temecula CA dentists who have successfully studied and completed this program can be called orthodontists.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist specializes in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws. There are many problems associated with misalignments such as difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, chewing as well as speech defects. Examples of the most common issues that can be treated successfully by an orthodontist include:
• Overcrowding
This is one of the most common problems that orthodontists deal with. This is usually caused by lack of jaw bone space which results to adult teeth failing to align with the existing teeth. Orthodontists can be able to solve this using several unobtrusive devices and treatments.
• Anteroposterior deviations
The most common examples here include overbite where the upper teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth and the vice versa known as the underbite. Both of these deviations usually result in difficulties in chewing and articulating.
• Aesthetic issues
In some cases, the above problems end up impacting the shape of the whole face negatively. Orthodontists can, however, restructure and realign the teeth, jaw, and lips, to create a beautiful, even smile.
What are the treatment methods used by orthodontists?
Treatment usually starts with a thorough examination of the jaw and teeth. Before making a treatment recommendation, the orthodontists use panoramic x-rays and study model, that is bite impressions. The recommended treatment will then depend on the patient’s particular condition.
Some of the common treatment options that orthodontists use include:
• Braces
This is a combination of brackets that are fixed to each single teeth and an archwire which is used to connect each bracket. They are usually placed to train the teeth gently into proper alignment. The materials used to make braces include metal, ceramics or clear materials (“invisible”).
• Headgear and facemasks
In addition to braces, a headgear and facemask will be designed to fit around the head and is attached to the braces. These devices further help the teeth and jawbone into alignment.
• Retainers
These are used after the use of braces or headgears to ensure that the teeth do not start to move back to their previous positions. They are worn until the underlying bone moves to the correct position.
This is because of the technology that has been put in place. Now a
Additionally, the missing teeth are replaced with the use of dentures, bridges and implants which are considered as the most common procedures for restorative dentistry. Cap and crowns is also used for strengthening your teeth so that it does not get subjected to cavities and decay.
To help a patient feel relieved and relaxed during a dental procedure, sedation dentistry utilizes medications. The level of sedation varies based on the procedure performed. Under normal circumstances, patients stay awake if they are not under general anesthesia.
There are numerous branches of dentistry. People are familiar with most branches. Well-Known branches include general dentistry as well as orthodontics. However, there is one field that people often get work in and they have no idea. The field I am speaking of is prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is a major branch of dentistry and serves a variety of key functions. All procedures in this field are performed by a
• It helps people straighten out their teeth without feeling self conscious. This is a great development because in the past adults avoided braces because it made social and professional situations awkward. Now both adults and children alike can go through the process of teeth straightening without having to feel bad about it.
During a
When one dos not brush their teeth well, their mouth will definitely smell. Always ensure that all parts of the teeth are brushed regularly and correctly.