Who is an orthodontist?
A perfect smile is a window to brilliant physical and mental health. Unfortunately, having an aesthetically pleasing smile or the proper facial structure sometimes becomes difficult due to various structural issues. For such problems, seeking orthodontic care from a certified professional is essential to avoid dental issues like gum diseases, tooth decay, etc. Orthodontists are dental care experts specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating irregularities in the jaws and teeth. They work with people of all age groups.
What kind of training do orthodontists undergo?
In the United States, to become an orthodontist, one must begin by completing a four-year undergraduate degree in science-related subjects. After receiving an undergraduate degree, students must pass the dental admission test to apply to dental schools. The dental admission test consists of topics like reading comprehension, perceptual ability, quantitative reasoning, and a survey of the natural sciences.
Once they pass the dental admission test, candidates can apply to dental school for a four-year degree in dentistry, after which they must complete a two or three-year residency program. During residency programs, students train in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists must also possess skills like working and communicating with all age groups, communicating and delegating with their dental assistants, and listening skills.
Difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist
Dentists and orthodontists are healthcare professionals specializing in oral health. General dentists undergo training to diagnose and treat issues related to the gums, teeth, tongue, and oral health. Orthodontists, while also trained in general dentistry, pursue additional training to diagnose and treat malalignments in the teeth and jaws.
Dentists and orthodontists undergo similar educational paths, but orthodontists must attain additional certification before practicing independently. Generally, dentists pursue a pre-dentistry or pre-medical degree in college before progressing to a graduate school of dentistry.
Like other medical professionals, dentists must undergo extensive training, including a residency, and pass a comprehensive exam for certification. The initial two years of dental school involve classroom and lab work, followed by the last two years, where dentists gain practical experience working with patients under licensed supervision. After completing dental school, dentists must pass the National Dental Examination to become licensed practitioners.
Orthodontists typically follow a similar educational trajectory with a pre-dentistry or pre-medical major in their undergraduate studies before entering dental school. After dental school and certification, orthodontists undertake an additional 2 to 3 years of an orthodontic residency program to obtain specialty certification. The American Board of Orthodontics states that orthodontists can enter independent practice upon completing the certification tests.
Which common issues do orthodontists treat?
- Crooked teeth: They can occur in any age group and in milk or permanent teeth. When it happens in milk teeth, it is usually because of exposure to pacifiers or habits like sucking fingers. However, other factors like the size of the jaw or jawline and the genetic makeup can also play a significant role in one's teeth being crooked. Crooked teeth might not cause problems, but in some cases, they can cause many dental issues. One might find it extremely hard to brush or maintain oral health due to crooked teeth and can also find it difficult to chew food; in such cases, visiting an orthodontist is necessary.
- Open bite: Open bite is a structural dental issue that causes the front upper teeth and lower teeth to slant outwards. When the part of the front upper and lower teeth inclines towards the lips, it becomes challenging for the person to close their mouth. Open bite is a malocclusion that can cause many dental hygiene issues and occurs due to prolonged exposure to habits like thumb or pacifier sucking, temporomandibular joint disorders, excessive tongue thrusting in areas with a gap between the teeth, etc. An orthodontist can suggest behavior modification, mechanical solutions like Invisalign, and braces to correct the slanting or roller appliance to limit tongue movement; in some extreme cases, one might have to undergo surgery.
- Closed bite: A closed bite, also known as a deep bite, is a structural dental issue where the lower front teeth thrust into the gums of the upper front teeth. When the person closes their mouth, lower teeth bite into the gums of the upper teeth. Closed bites or deep bites can cause unnecessary damage to the gums and lead to tears, periodontal damage, and intense pain in the gums. Closed bites happen for a wide range of reasons, such as genetic makeup, missing teeth, jaw injuries, the small size of the jaw, and constant grinding or clenching of the jaw.
Common orthodontic treatments
The orthodontic specialty includes treatments that properly align and position the teeth and jaw. The most common orthodontic treatments include the following:
- Braces: Traditional braces use wires, bands, and brackets to shift or move teeth into the desired position. Different types of braces are available, including ceramic or metal braces. Orthodontists examine teeth' structures and recommend appropriate braces to achieve the desired results.
- Clear aligners: Clear aligners can be a popular alternative to metal braces. Clear aligners use a series of custom-built clear aligner trays to straighten teeth. Each set of aligner trays is placed on the teeth for about one or two weeks and then switched to the next stage in the series. Clear aligners and metal braces are equally effective in shifting the teeth into proper positions in the mouth.
- Retainers: Retainers are the next step in orthodontic treatment after clear aligners or braces. They are customized oral appliances that stop the teeth from drifting outwards from the correct position. Orthodontists can guide patients in using retainers to maintain positive treatment results.
- Palate expanders: Orthodontists recommend palate expanders for children since their facial bones are developing and are easier to manipulate and move. A palate expander can widen or enlarge the upper jaw and help with proper tooth development. The device creates additional space for tooth growth without requiring tooth extractions or dental procedures.
Depending on the patient's unique needs, orthodontic treatment may take less than a year or more than two years. Patients must follow the treatment and oral hygiene guidelines during this period to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of orthodontics treatment
Various health and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment include the following:
- It helps you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile.
- It helps clean the teeth quickly and maintain proper dental hygiene
- Improves speech and chewing abilities
- It significantly reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral disorders.
- Reduces pain symptoms linked to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder
Disadvantages of orthodontics
The primary drawback of orthodontics is its temporary nature. Patients must adhere closely to treatment guidelines and exercise patience until they achieve the desired outcome. While some individuals may complete orthodontic treatment in less than a year, others may require two years or more. Treatment durations vary due to individual needs. It's advisable to consult your orthodontist for personalized expectations.
Failure to maintain thorough cleanliness around orthodontic appliances increases the risk of cavities. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to your orthodontist's oral hygiene recommendations.
When should one visit an orthodontist?
If you experience any of the below-listed issues, be sure to visit an orthodontist near you:
- You can't chew your food properly due to the structure of your teeth.
- You are experiencing intense pain due to the lack of space between the front upper teeth and lower teeth.
- You are experiencing constant jaw pain and cannot stop clenching or grinding your jaw.
- You cannot maintain oral hygiene, crooked teeth, or crowded teeth.
What should you expect during your first visit to an orthodontist?
Visiting the orthodontist for the first time might feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect. Whether you’re considering orthodontic care for yourself or a loved one, understanding what happens during the initial consultation can ease nerves and lay the foundation for successful treatment.
The first visit typically begins with introductions and paperwork, where the office staff collects details on your medical and dental history, health concerns, and treatment preferences. The orthodontist then examines and assesses your teeth, jaws, and bite, possibly using X-rays, photographs, and impressions to create a clear model of your teeth.
Following the examination, the orthodontist discusses their findings with you, explaining any issues, their potential impact on oral health, and possible treatment options. At this point, you’re encouraged to ask questions about the treatment process, duration, or expected outcomes. Afterward, the orthodontist proposes a personalized treatment plan detailing the recommended approach, the appliances you can use, and any expected risks or limitations.
Next, the orthodontic team provides a financial overview, covering treatment costs, payment options, insurance coverage, and any available discounts or payment plans. Once you agree on a treatment plan and payment details, you’ll schedule future appointments, marking the start of your orthodontic journey. Depending on your case, follow-up visits may be required for additional assessments, adjustments, or progress checks, ensuring that everything progresses smoothly toward achieving your ideal smile.
Finding an orthodontist near you in Chandler, Arizona
Timely treating dental issues is highly crucial. Proper dental care can prevent further alignment issues or other problems like quick tooth decay. If you live in Chandler, Arizona, and are searching for an orthodontist, then search no more. Zocdoc is here to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and healthcare seekers!
Zocdoc helps you book appointments with clinics and healthcare providers nationwide efficiently and hassle-free. On the Zocdoc website, enter your condition, like 'teeth alignment,' your location, like 'Chandler, Arizona,' your address, preferred date and time, and your current insurance details to access a list of highly qualified orthodontists in your vicinity. You can use the in-built filters to refine your search.
Before selecting a practitioner, view their profile to learn about their education, experience, expertise, affiliations, practice location and time, insurance accepted, and even the verified patient reviews to make the best choice.
Our online patient support center can help you find orthodontists who accept your insurance. With Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, though you can use only one plan per appointment. You may add secondary insurance details in the appointment notes if you have multiple insurance plans. Alternatively, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information directly in the form.
Depending on the practitioner's availability, you can book appointments for the same day, on weekends, and even after 5 pm.
Booking in-person or online appointments with orthodontists near you on Zocdoc is quick, secure, and free!
Dental health statistics in Arizona
America's Health Rankings reported that 60.7% of adults in Arizona visited a dentist or a dental clinic in 2022. The numbers were higher among people over 65 (67.4%) and between 45 and 64 years (62.5%) than adults between 18 and 44 years (55.9%). The report also stated that women in the state (63.6%) went to a dentist more than men (57.7%).
Per the State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report from by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022, 1,860 general dentists, 90 orthodontists, and 100 other dental specialists were legally practicing in Arizona.
Sources
WebMD
Colgate
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Healthline[3]
Healthline[4]
America's Health Rankings
Cleveland Clinic
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Association of Orthodontists
