Who is an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are medical professionals trained in preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. They are trained to offer several oral cavity treatments, such as realigning the jaws, rectifying poor bites, and straightening crooked teeth. Orthodontic specialists can also treat oral issues at any age. Typically, visiting an orthodontist near you can help with the following dental anomalies:
- Misshapen teeth
- Bite issues (an overbite or an underbite)
- Teeth that are too close together or spaced too far
- An unaligned jaw
Braces, bands, and other fixed and removable dental appliances can reposition teeth, while dedicated treatment can improve the bite, enabling one to chew, speak, and consume food properly.
Education and training requirements for orthodontists
Orthodontists go through college and dental school. They also undergo an orthodontic residency program two to three years after dental school. They receive specialized training in treating and managing several dental issues during residency. They concentrate on orthodontics (how to move teeth safely and appropriately) and dentofacial orthopedics (correctly directing facial and jaw movements and tooth development). An orthodontist can also pursue board certification after completing their education. This qualification is optional in the US.
What distinguishes a dentist from an orthodontist?
Dentists and orthodontists collaborate to help you improve your overall dental health, which is one of their many similarities. However, their methods of operation differ significantly. Dentists address many different oral health problems. On the other hand, an orthodontist is a dental professional whose sole focus is aligning the jaws and straightening teeth.
A general dentist must typically complete three or more years of undergraduate study and four years of dental school to graduate. Dentists who want to practice need to pass a demanding national written exam. After their education, they must also clear a state or regional clinical licensure exam. They must maintain their licenses and fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current on the recent advancements in science and medicine. Dental specialists like orthodontists require further postgraduate training.
What distinguishes an endodontist from an orthodontist?
Orthodontists can manage crooked teeth and improve poor bites using specialized tools like braces and headgear. Endodontists specialize in the pulp, the flexible interior tissue of the tooth. They specialize in procedures like root canals and other therapies that deal with infections in this vulnerable pulp.
When should you visit an orthodontist?
Most people visit an orthodontist for malocclusion or misalignment. Malocclusion causes uneven bite patterns and dental crowding. It is managed using the following:
- Braces or dental equipment: The square bonding on the teeth is made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. A set of wires or springs is used to align the teeth. In place of traditional braces, patients with modest malocclusion can frequently use clear braces, also known as aligners. Some individuals might require protective headgear so that external pressure can help straighten the teeth.
- Surgery: It may be necessary to perform corrective surgery to lengthen or shorten the jaw in a patient with a significant underbite or overbite. Wires, surgical screws, or orthodontic plates can support the jaw bone. Dentists may suggest jaw surgery after growth has stopped and other less invasive orthodontic options have failed. A few benefits of having a dental malocclusion corrected:
- Making biting, eating, and speaking easier
- Alleviating the discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint issues (TMJ)
- Separating teeth, making them easier to clean
- Reducing the risk of cavities or tooth decay
Advantages and disadvantages of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can be highly beneficial. However, it can also come with certain disadvantages. Individuals must consider both these factors before visiting an orthodontist to make the most out of their session. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages can allow individuals to make informed decisions and better prepare for the experience and outcomes. The benefits are as follows:
- Improved oral health: Orthodontic treatments correct misalignments and improve oral function, making it easier to maintain proper dental hygiene. Straighter teeth are typically easier to clean and have fewer chances of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Orthodontic interventions lead to a more aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile, boosting self-confidence and improving social interactions. It is done via various equipment, such as clear aligners and other discreet options. These can also cater to those concerned about the appearance of traditional braces.
- Better functionality: Proper alignment of teeth and jaws improves chewing, biting, and speaking abilities. It enhances overall oral function and reduces discomfort associated with misalignments.
- Prevention of future problems: Timely addressing orthodontic issues can prevent issues such as excessive wear on the teeth, TMJ disorders, and speech difficulties that might arise from untreated misalignments.
- Access to modern-day and cutting-edge care: Orthodontists can leverage modern technologies that offer more comfortable treatments, precise planning, and quicker results, providing patients with a more streamlined and efficient experience.
On the other hand, the concerns that may arise out of orthodontic treatment are as follows:
- Discomfort during treatment: Orthodontic treatments can initially cause discomfort, soreness, or pain. These sensations may persist after adjustments, impacting eating habits and daily activities.
- Oral hygiene challenges: Cleaning around braces or orthodontic devices can be challenging, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues if not managed meticulously.
- Aesthetic concerns: Corrective equipment like traditional braces may cause self-consciousness due to their appearance. It can affect one's confidence, particularly in social settings. Even though alternatives like clear aligners exist, they may only be suitable for some instances and are more expensive.
- Need for significant time and commitment: Orthodontic treatment can take months to years, requiring regular visits to the orthodontist and strict adherence to care instructions, impacting one's time and lifestyle.
Even though the above disadvantages may seem concerning, regular communication with the orthodontist and strict adherence to their guidelines can help manage many of the challenges associated with orthodontics.
What should you expect during your first orthodontist appointment?
The dentist is frequently the first to detect misplaced teeth during a typical tooth exam. They may recommend visiting an orthodontist if your rear teeth don't align properly. Your initial orthodontic consultation will involve an oral test, taking photographs of your smile and face, X-rays of the mouth, panoramic (360 degrees) head and face X-rays, and making casts of your teeth using impressions. These examinations will help your orthodontist determine how to complete your treatment and the most beneficial orthodontic procedures.
How to improve oral hygiene?
Good dental hygiene protects your teeth, gums, and smile. It also helps to prevent the majority of orthodontic issues. Thus, it is essential to maintain it. Here are the general oral hygiene guidelines:
- Brush your teeth two times daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as brushes with medium or tough bristles can harm your gums and tooth enamel. Keep your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees toward your gums during brushing. It helps to clean the plaque and germs near the gum line. Remember to clean the sides and backs of your teeth.
- Floss once daily: The areas between your teeth are difficult to clean with simple brushing. You require dental floss to clean these places. Pick up a floss that is about 18 inches long. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between two teeth using your thumbs and forefingers. Use ten up-and-down strokes to thoroughly clean one tooth after tightly wrapping the floss around it in a C shape. Repeat the process with all your teeth. Use dental picks and interproximal brushes to clean in between your teeth if you have dexterity concerns.
- Brush your tongue: Your tongue acts as a sponge for microorganisms. Thus, clean it every time you brush your teeth. Use your toothbrush or get a tongue scraper from the oral health section.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily: Antibacterial mouthwash helps prevent dangerous oral bacteria. It lessens plaque accumulation and wipes away food and debris. To avoid dry mouth, select a formula free of alcohol.
- Avoid using tobacco products and smoking: Smoking is one of the main factors behind oral cancer and gum disease. Therefore, stay away from these items entirely. Your practitioner can also help you quit if needed. Moreover, for specific issues, consult your doctor immediately.
What causes crooked teeth?
Baby teeth and permanent teeth can become twisted due to various factors. Common causes of crooked permanent teeth include the following:
Poor nutrition in children can cause poor dental development and tooth decay. The baby's teeth may fall prematurely, causing permanent teeth to grow crooked or misaligned.
Mouth or facial trauma can knock teeth out of position and affect natural alignment. It can also cause crooked permanent teeth and affect dental appearance.
Poor repetitive habits or behaviors affect the mouth, face, or oral muscle functions. These include tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and using a bottle or pacifier. These repetitive behaviors over prolonged periods can cause permanent teeth to become crooked or misaligned.
A smaller or shorter jaw size has limited gum space to accommodate all the teeth. Therefore, teeth may become misaligned, crowded, or crooked as they grow.
- Misaligned jaw (malocclusion)
The upper teeth must fit slightly over the lower teeth, and the upper molar extensions should fit into the lower grooves. The absence of this kind of teeth and jaw alignment is termed a malocclusion or misaligned jaw. It can also lead to underbite or overbite.
Underbite occurs when the lower front teeth grow outwards more than the upper teeth. Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth grow outwards farther than the lower teeth.
Poor dental hygiene leads to gum diseases and tooth decay, which can cause severe dental issues and misaligned teeth.
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth are a genetic condition. If both or one of the parents has the issue, the child is highly likely to have crooked teeth. Underbite or overbite is also a congenital and hereditary condition.
Finding an orthodontist near you in Atlanta
You can use the Zocdoc website to make an appointment with an orthodontist in Atlanta, Georgia while relaxing at home. Enter your issue, specialty, and location, and the website will quickly provide the top orthodontists in your region.
Every healthcare provider has a dedicated profile on Zocdoc, which includes information about their education, training, certificates, honors, and even verified patient reviews. You can choose the orthodontist you like based on these factors.
If you want to find a doctor who accepts your insurance, add your insurance information (your insurance provider and plan) on the Zocdoc search. It will help you see accurate results of in-network orthodontists near you who accept your plan. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
You can schedule online consultations and in-person visits with an orthodontist through Zocdoc on the same day, up to 24 hours in advance, or even after 5 p., depending on their availability.
Thanks to Zocdoc, finding the best orthodontist in Atlanta is now easier! On Zocdoc, every appointment booking is quick, secure, and free.
Dental health statistics for Georgia
According to a poll conducted in Georgia's third grade in 2011, children with low socioeconomic status (SES) are 50% more likely to have dental decay than children with high SES. Similarly, children with low SES had almost twice as many untreated tooth decay cases and dental care needs as children with high SES.
According to Georgia's 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) statistics, fewer kids from low SES got sealants on their teeth than children from high SES. Children in low-income homes also visited the dentist less frequently for preventative dental care like checkups and cleanings.
Compared to 88% of children in households with incomes 400% or higher over the federal poverty threshold, 75% of children in families with incomes within 100% of that level received one or more preventive dental care visits within 12 months. Adults show significant income-related disparities in oral health. Adults with annual incomes of $50,000 and more are substantially more likely to visit a dentist (85%) than those with annual incomes of less than $15,000 (39%).
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
American Dental Association
Orthodontics Australia
Georgia Department of Public Health
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Healthline
