Book the best Orthodontists near me in Indianapolis, IN

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a certified dentist who treats, diagnoses, and prevents facial deformities. They adjust faulty bites, realign the jaws, and straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic procedures enhance a person's smile and the functioning of their teeth and jaws

What training does an orthodontist undergo?

An orthodontist completes three stages of education: college, dental school, and orthodontic school. After dental school, they must complete a specialized orthodontic residency training program for two to three years, the same as any other specialists, like surgeons or internists.

Do orthodontists need to study further?

Some orthodontists choose to pursue board certification in the United States. Orthodontists who complete authorized residency programs are certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics also receive board certification. Board certification is optional in the US. However, the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) board certification is a prerequisite for licensure as a specialist in other countries, including Canada.

Is an orthodontist a dentist?

The primary source of dental treatment is typically a dentist. Your dentist monitors your general dental health. They identify issues and do routine exams. They also care for problems like cavities, root canals, crowns, veneers, bridges, and fillings.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, specialize in treating deformities or dysfunctions of the oral cavity, such as malocclusions, sometimes known as "poor bites," and crooked teeth. Orthodontists near you use various techniques to straighten teeth and correct "bad bites." These techniques help straighten teeth by moving them through the jawbones.

Types of orthodontic issues

Some of the common orthodontic problems include the following:

• Underbite- the lower front teeth extend further outwards than the upper teeth
• Overbite- the upper front teeth extend further outwards over the lower teeth
• Crowded teeth- occurs when there is limited space for all teeth to fit, generally in the jaw area.
• Overlapping teeth- happen when the teeth grow in front of or adjacent to existing teeth on the same dental arc.
• Rotated teeth- occur when a tooth rotates around 90 degrees compared to its crown and root.
• Crooked teeth- when the lower or upper jaw size is smaller than usual.
• Impacted teeth- when the teeth are trapped partially or entirely in the jaw bone.

Types of orthodontic treatments

Orthodontics includes a set of treatments that properly position and align the teeth and jaw. The most common orthodontic treatments include the following:

• 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 teeth development. The device creates additional space for teeth growth without requiring tooth extractions or dental procedures.
• 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 teeth aligners are 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 are equally effective as metal braces 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.

What should you expect if the orthodontist advises braces?

Braces work to align your teeth by applying continuous pressure, gradually moving them into a straighter position. After completing treatment with braces, the orthodontist may use a retainer to maintain the teeth’s new alignment.

Once braces are in place, you’ll have follow-up visits with the orthodontist every few weeks. During some appointments, they may only check if everything is in position. At other visits, the orthodontist might adjust the wires on your braces to encourage further alignment. They may also demonstrate how to use rubber bands stretched between specific teeth to help adjust how your teeth fit together.

In some cases, you may require additional devices like headgear. Headgear wraps around the head and utilizes a horseshoe-shaped wire attached to the back teeth, applying pressure to move them back and create more space for the front teeth. One needs to wear it typically at night rather than during the day.

It’s normal to feel some discomfort with braces or other orthodontic appliances. A mild pain reliever can help, and orthodontists usually provide wax to cover any sharp areas on the braces that might irritate your mouth or gums.

The duration of braces can vary, but most people wear them for 1 to 3 years. During this period, it's essential to continue regular dental checkups to clean teeth and check for cavities. The length of time a retainer is needed differs for everyone.

Why are orthodontic treatments becoming predominant?

It is a common misconception that orthodontists are only for children. But the statistics point in a different direction. According to the American Board of Orthodontics, nearly one in five orthodontic patients nowadays are adults. So, why are adults seeking orthodontic treatments more than ever?

Everyone deals with dental problems—dental aesthetics is one of the popular reasons people opt for orthodontic help these days. Orthodontic treatment benefits people of all ages, and older patients often comply better with their treatment. Furthermore, due to the growing accessibility of transparent aligners, translucent ceramic brackets, and lingual braces, it is now more difficult to tell if someone is using orthodontic appliances. So, without worrying about appearing in metal braces, people can now opt for more discreet alternatives.

What is malocclusion, and what are its causes, according to orthodontists?

Orthodontists commonly refer to "malocclusion," which denotes improper tooth alignment. Ideally, when a person bites, the upper teeth should overlap the lower ones, and each molar should fit appropriately into the grooves of its counterpart. Malocclusion presents symptoms such as difficulty chewing or biting food, abnormal wear on the chewing surfaces of teeth, and jaw or mouth pain. Types of malocclusion include Class 1 malocclusion, overbite, overcrowding, overjet, crossbite, spacing, and open bite.

Most orthodontic issues, specifically malocclusions, are often inherited. Genetic factors contribute to protrusion, crowding, spacing, jaw growth difficulties, and missing or extra teeth. Additionally, malocclusions can result from dental diseases, early or late loss of primary (baby) teeth, habits like thumb- or finger-sucking, accidents, and other influencing factors. In certain instances, malocclusion might arise due to oral birth deformities like a cleft palate or lip.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontics benefits nearly everyone, although the necessity for treatment may vary. While many individuals seek orthodontic care for aesthetic improvements to their smile, the advantages extend beyond cosmetics. Orthodontics plays a crucial role in enhancing chewing function and overall oral health.

Common orthodontic issues include overbite (upper teeth extending beyond the lower ones), underbite (lower teeth extending beyond the upper teeth), overlapping teeth, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, rotated teeth, and impacted teeth (partially or wholly enclosed in the jawbone).

Who should avoid orthodontic treatment?

Individuals with severe dental ailments, such as extensive decay or gum disease, should avoid orthodontic treatment. Applying braces to compromised teeth can have a detrimental impact on oral health. If cavities or gum disease are present, seeking treatment from a dentist is advisable. After addressing these conditions, consult with your dentist to determine the suitability of orthodontic treatment for your case.

When should you see an orthodontist?

Do you cover your lips with your hand when you smile? Do you feel uncomfortable smiling among strangers because of a crooked grin? If so, making an appointment with an orthodontist is your calling.

Orthodontists can offer a complete package by treating both internal and exterior issues. Aligned teeth are easy to clean and less likely to have abnormal wear. A healthier bite reduces problems when speaking and eating while preserving the health of your teeth.

What should you expect when visiting an orthodontist? 

Let's take two scenarios: a patient goes to the orthodontist on a doctor's advice. In this instance, the orthodontist will review the dentist's recommendation, who will then finish the consultation.

The second scenario involves the orthodontist discussing any concerns the patient may have regarding the look and functioning of their teeth. The patient must disclose any dental problems they have at the start.

After examining the teeth and speaking with the patient, the orthodontist will discuss the following action. The orthodontist may advise delaying treatment for some individuals. It may be the case if there is no urgent orthodontic treatment or if there are signs of jaw injuries, abnormalities, gum disease, or poor oral health in teenagers or adults. You will need to fix these issues before utilizing any orthodontic equipment.

Remember: Orthodontists can identify whether a child's teeth and jaw will likely develop problems as teens or adults, so it's never too early to evaluate them.

Finding an orthodontist near you in Indianapolis, IN

Do you want to find an orthodontist without having to go through the trouble of filtering from various options? Zocdoc provides a simple and safe way to schedule in-person or online consultations. Thanks to Zocdoc's extensive provider directory and user-friendly interface, you can now search, browse, and book for qualified, experienced orthodontists in your vicinity in minutes!

Visit the Zocdoc website and enter your location, insurance company, and plan details. The search results show reputed orthodontists based on your set criteria.

You can also filter providers based on their medical skills, education, and certifications, enabling them to make informed decisions. Each provider profile on Zocdoc has verified reviews and ratings from previous patients so that you can make an informed decision.

You can also filter out the in-network orthodontists by selecting your insurance provider and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Our online patient support center is here to assist if you're searching for orthodontists who accept your insurance. On Zocdoc, you can easily link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can use only one insurance plan for each appointment.

If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include the details of your secondary insurance in the appointment notes. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can conveniently enter your secondary insurance information to simplify the process.

Depending on the doctor's availability, you can schedule appointments for the same day, 24 hours in advance, on the weekend, or after 5 pm.

Thanks to Zocdoc, booking appointments with an orthodontist near you is simple, secure, and free!

Statistics on dental health in Indiana

The Indiana Oral Health Plan surveyed Indiana third-graders' oral health conditions statewide in 2013. According to this survey, 51% of third-grade students in Indiana had decay experiences, compared to 58% in the United States. Furthermore, 17% of third-grade students in Indiana had untreated decay, compared to 29% in the United States. In addition, the percentage of third-grade students with dental sealants on one or more permanent first molars in Indiana was 34%, as opposed to 33% in the United States (Phipps and Miller, 2014).

Per The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the percentage of adults with permanent teeth pulled in 2010 was 43.6% nationwide, and Indiana's rate of 48.3% was noticeably higher. In 2008, Indiana's proportion of 48.2% was again noticeably worse than the national average of 43.9%.

In Indiana, the highest tooth extraction prevalence in 2010 was among black people with yearly household incomes under $15,000 and low educational attainment. These patterns mirror those of the country and resemble those from earlier years. Experts have linked age to the occurrence of tooth extraction. The proportion of Indiana citizens with permanent teeth pulled decreased as people aged (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010).  

Sources

Healthdirect Australia

American Association of Orthodontists[1]

American Association of Orthodontists[2]

National Center for Families Learning

KidsHealth

Discover Orthodontics

The Indiana Oral Health Coalition

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.