What does an orthodontist do?
Orthodontists specialize in correcting the alignment of the jaw and teeth. This includes treatment of crooked teeth, crowded teeth (meaning teeth that are too close together), and unevenly spaced teeth. Crowding and spacing of teeth are the most common reasons to visit an orthodontist. Braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are two tools an orthodontist uses to fix asymmetry of the mouth and teeth.
Common indicators that could help you recognize the need for orthodontic treatment are:
- Mouth breathing
- Misplaced teeth
- Speech difficulty
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Spacing or teeth gaps
- Protruding teeth
- Inability to fully close lips
- Difficulty chewing
Scheduling regular appointments with an orthodontist near you lets you address your specific orthodontic concerns effectively.
To become an orthodontist, one must complete a rigorous educational and medical training pathway. Here's an overview of the following:
- Bachelor's degree: Although there isn't a specific college major needed to become an orthodontist, most students complete their undergraduate studies in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-dentistry. Maintaining a high GPA and completing prerequisite biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses is essential.
- Dental school: Aspiring orthodontists must attend dental school after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Dental school programs typically last for four years. They undergo a rigorous selection process, including submitting applications and interviews and meeting specific academic and entrance exam requirements (e.g., Dental Admission Test - DAT).
- Licensure: After dental school, individuals must obtain a dental license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by country or region but generally involve passing a written and practical examination administered by the dental regulatory board. This examination assesses the candidate's knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical understanding of safe and competent dental practice.
- Orthodontic residency: Orthodontic residency programs are typically full-time and range from two to three years. During the residency, aspiring orthodontists focus exclusively on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Residents work closely with experienced orthodontists, gaining hands-on experience managing orthodontic cases. They also conduct research and may have the opportunity to present their findings at conferences or publish in orthodontic journals.
- Board certification (optional): While not mandatory, some orthodontists pursue board certification to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is one organization that offers certification. This process involves passing written and clinical examinations to assess the orthodontist's knowledge, skills, and ability to provide high-quality orthodontic care.
Common orthodontic problems and how orthodontists treat them
Orthodontic problems vary across different people according to their age and underlying medical conditions. They can severely impact an individual's oral health and facial aesthetics. Hence, orthodontists are vital in treating these dental and facial irregularities. Some common orthodontics problems include the following:
- Impacted teeth (partially or fully trapped in jawbone)
- Rotated teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Underbite: When lower teeth stick out further than the upper teeth
- Overbite: When upper teeth stick out further than the lower teeth
Orthodontists offer their patients various treatments depending on the condition's severity. Each treatment is carefully tailored and designed according to an individual's needs. Some standard treatments include the following:
- Braces: Braces involve using metal or ceramic brackets to affix the teeth to their positions. Metal braces have wires that weave through the teeth, while ceramic braces are clear and almost invisible.
- Clear aligners: Adults prefer clear aligners as a popular alternative to braces. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit an individual's teeth and consist of two to three sets. After one or two weeks, patients can switch out each set for the next set in the series. Some well-known brands include ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
- Retainers: Orthodontists provide retainers after a patient's treatment with aligners or braces ends. Retainers are essential to maintaining the teeth in their proper positions and preventing them from drifting apart. They are slightly flexible, thin, transparent, and made of plastic-like material. Retainers can be either removable or fixed. Moreover, they are custom-made to fit the exact placement and shape of the teeth.
- Palate expanders: Orthodontists offer palate expanders as treatments to children. They help widen a child's upper jaw, making moving or manipulating their facial bones more manageable as they develop. Moreover, they can form extra space without needing tooth extractions or other procedures.
- Orthodontic surgery: Some cases of overbite, underbite, or other jaw deformities may necessitate surgery. Hence, orthodontists perform surgical procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery, to rectify such skeletal issues.
Prepare for your first appointment with an orthodontist near you
Preparing for your first orthodontist appointment can help ensure a smooth and productive visit. To be sure you're well-prepared, consider taking the following steps:
- Gather relevant information: Before your appointment, gather any relevant dental records, including previous X-rays, dental history, and any documentation from the last orthodontic treatment (if applicable). These documents will provide valuable information to the orthodontist and help them assess your specific needs effectively.
- Pen down questions and concerns: Compile a list of questions or concerns regarding your dental alignment, bite, or oral health. These steps will help you address all crucial aspects during your appointment and ensure all essential details are noticed.
- Prepare to discuss your goals: Before seeing an orthodontist near you, consider your expectations and desired outcomes from orthodontic treatment. Are you concerned about your appearance, bite, or overall oral health? Communicating your goals to the orthodontist will help them understand your needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to your objectives.
- Oral hygiene routine: Good dental hygiene habits are necessary before beginning orthodontic treatment. To guarantee a clean and healthy mouth, carefully wash and floss your teeth before your visit. This will enable the orthodontist to conduct a comprehensive examination and provide accurate recommendations.
- Arrive early and bring necessary documents: It is best to come to your appointment a few minutes early to get plenty of time to fill out any required papers or update your medical history. Bring your identification, insurance information, and any referral forms if applicable.
- Dress comfortably: Select comfortable clothes for your appointment. The orthodontist may need to take X-rays, examine your mouth, and discuss treatment options. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and removing excessive jewelry or accessories will facilitate the examination process.
How can you maintain the health of your teeth?
Healthy teeth require maintenance. Being mindful of your everyday oral care routine can help ensure your teeth remain healthy.
Consider adopting the following actions to uphold your oral health:
- Make sure to brush your teeth before bed: Brushing your teeth before bed helps get rid of plaque and bacteria that develop throughout the day. Plaque left unattended may harden, resulting in calculus accumulation and gingivitis.
- Keep your tongue in check: Plaque may also develop on your tongue, resulting in various dental health issues and poor breath. Whenever you clean your teeth, gently brush your tongue as well.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is a crucial preventative measure against tooth decay. It defends your teeth against harmful bacteria and combats decay-causing pathogens.
- Give flossing the same importance as brushing: Even though flossing can be challenging, it stimulates the gums, helps remove plaque, and lowers localized inflammation.
- Consider using a mouthwash: Mouthwash provides three benefits: it decreases the acid levels in the mouth, cleans hard-to-reach areas near the gums, and promotes the remineralization of the teeth.
- Drink more water: This may help reduce the adverse effects of sticky, acidic foods and beverages by cleaning remnant food particles from your teeth throughout the day.
- Eat fresh foods: Besides having more beneficial fiber than ready-to-eat foods, fresh, crisp vegetables are better for your teeth. Eat fewer sweets and acidic foods. Acid develops when sugar reacts with saliva in the mouth and can wear away the tooth enamel. These acids bring on cavities. Teas, coffee, and acidic fruits can also erode the enamel and should be consumed in moderation.
- Routinely see the dentist: Visiting the orthodontist for cleanings and exams at least twice a year is advisable. An orthodontist can examine for cavities, eliminate calculus, and detect potential oral health problems.
Finding the best orthodontists near you in NYC
Are your teeth making you hesitant to smile? This is an ideal moment to book an appointment with an orthodontist. You can use Zocdoc to find top-rated dental professionals in New York. Utilize our website or mobile apps to create your Zocdoc account and make instant, free bookings today! Filter your search using your condition, location, and insurance.
Once you have curated your account, you can complete those mundane waiting room forms online and be stress-free at your orthodontist's office. We send customized email and text reminders to help you maintain your health. Thousands of genuine patient reviews are available on each profile to help you pick from a wide range of orthodontists near you. Zocdoc supports information transparency by creating a separate profile for every orthodontist on the website. The profile contains information about the doctor's educational background, certifications, accreditations, fellowships, work experience, awards, and verified reviews from past patients. With Zocdoc, you can select your preferred insurance carrier too. Choose your provider from the provided selection and verify whether the orthodontist you prefer is in-network, meaning they accept your insurance plan.
Suppose you prefer to keep your insurance details private from your provider when booking an appointment on Zocdoc. In that case, you will be prompted to either provide your insurance information or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Certain providers may require insurance information to schedule an appointment. However, if you do not have insurance or choose not to use it, you can effortlessly search for another provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
All the bookings on Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and 100% free!
Orthodontic statistics in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the New York metropolitan area has the highest concentration of orthodontists in the United States, with a notable total of around 6,530 professionals. Based on the 2017 Orthodontic Workforce Report published by the American Association of Orthodontics, New York (NY) stands out with the highest percentage of active orthodontists nationwide. There are about 3.86 orthodontists for every 100,000 people in NY.
The Department of Dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, collaborated with Loyola University in Chicago and conducted an epidemiological study to estimate the prevalence and utilization of orthodontic treatments among children. According to the results of this study, orthodontic procedures are the third most sought-after treatment, constituting nearly 14.5%.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists[1]
American Association of Orthodontists[2]
MouthHealthy
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Center for Biotechnology Information
The American Academy of Oral Medicine
Manhattan Family Orthodontics
Area Dental Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
NHS
Healthline
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