Who is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing irregularities related to the teeth and jaw. Along with mending existing problems, they also identify issues that may arise in the future. Orthodontists specifically address and take care of dental abnormalities, such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Bite issues, such as an underbite or an overbite
- Crowded or spaced too far apart teeth
- Jaw misalignment
Straight, evenly-spaced teeth usually line up with the opposing teeth in the jaw, which guarantees proper chewing, eating, and speaking.
Orthodontists and orthodontic treatment significantly impact people's lives. In the past, visiting an orthodontist was mainly reserved for kids or teenagers who required braces. Orthodontists, however, see all types of patients, from children to adults.
What are the educational qualifications of an orthodontist?
Orthodontists primarily attend college, followed by dental and orthodontic schools. Once they complete graduation, these doctors enroll in a residency program that spans two to three years. Since orthodontic schools provide limited instruction, the role of residency in an orthodontist's training is vital. Dental specialists receive comprehensive and concentrated education in orthodontic residency programs, emphasizing the following study fields:
- Orthodontics - It entails the proper and safe movement of the teeth
- Dentofacial orthopedics - It involves practical guidance regarding the development of the teeth, jaw, and face
After completing their education, orthodontists can choose to pursue board certification. However, being a board-certified orthodontist is optional in the United States.
What are the various types of orthodontic treatment?
These days, numerous treatment alternatives are available, including invisible, metal, ceramic, and micro braces, as well as retainers, clear aligners, and braces. Each has its purpose. Orthodontists possess the knowledge to consider every possibility based on factors like age, potential jaw imbalances, variations in tooth sizes, and more. They can help you choose the best treatment to suit your needs by advising you on what to use and when.
The following are the commonly known types of orthodontic treatment:
- Braces - There are four kinds of braces: traditional, traditional ceramic, ceramic self-ligating, and metal braces. In traditional braces, wires are put into slots in the brackets bound to the teeth. Traditional ceramic braces and ceramic self-ligating braces are nearly unnoticeable since they are tooth-colored. Self-ligating metal braces consist of brackets that remain fixed to the teeth and wires that pass through slots.
- Retainers - Removable transparent retainers are thin, clear, and flexible. They perfectly fit the position and shape of the teeth. Fixed retainers are also available. After active orthodontic treatment, both types of retainers hold teeth in their new places, allowing the newly formed bone to strengthen around the teeth. Wearing retainers as directed is critical to the success of orthodontic treatment.
- Clear aligners - Clear, thin, plastic-like trays called aligners are customized to fit a person's teeth. Patients are in charge of putting on and taking out their aligners. A set of aligners can help in tooth movement. When brushing or flossing, patients must take their aligners out. The number of aligners required to correct misaligned teeth depends on the orthodontic issue and its resolution process.
- Elastics - Tiny rubber bands, called elastics, provide additional force to a tooth or set of teeth in ways that braces alone cannot, allowing teeth to shift into their ideal positions. Orthodontists use tiny hooks on specific upper and lower brackets as attachment points. Depending on the individual's needs, the elastics' arrangement may be vertical or diagonal. The placement and removal of elastics are the patient's responsibility. It is essential to wear elastics as directed because wearing them more may put too much pressure on the teeth and is potentially dangerous.
- Surgery - It might be essential to undergo corrective jaw surgery to lengthen or shorten the jaw for a severe underbite or overbite patient. Orthodontists employ wires, surgical screws, or plates to support the jaw bone. Nevertheless, doctors consider jaw surgery an option only if you have reached the end of your growth cycle and if less invasive orthodontic treatments fail.
Is there a benefit to a child's early treatment?
Early or interceptive treatment refers to medical procedures carried out while a child still has some baby teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists advises having the child examined by an orthodontist when an orthodontic issue is identified. Correction of some problems may be more challenging if postponed until all permanent teeth erupt or the facial growth is almost complete.
Early checkup either results in no need for treatment, a potential need for treatment in the future, or the presence of a problem that may benefit from early treatment. Its objectives include:
- Catching the issue as it develops.
- Eradicating its root.
- Directing the growth of the jaw and facial bones.
- Creating enough room for incoming permanent teeth.
After all permanent teeth have grown, a child could need a second round of treatment to place those teeth in the ideal places. There are numerous ways to receive early orthodontic care. To obtain the desired results, the orthodontist may prescribe a permanent or removable "appliance," a tool used to reposition teeth, alter the jaw's position, or hold teeth in place. Appliances are not always required. Removing a few baby teeth might promote a better eruption of the permanent teeth. Orthodontists coordinate the extractions' timing to maximize a child's potential for growth and development.
Orthodontist vs. dentist
Dental issues range from tooth decay to misalignment, and different specialists address these varying concerns. Here’s a guide to understanding the differences between dentists and orthodontists.
- Training Requirements - While dentists and orthodontists share a similar foundation in education, orthodontists go through additional specialized training post-dental school. Dentists generally start with an undergraduate degree in a pre-medical field, followed by four years of dental school. After completing dental school, they must pass both written and clinical exams to become licensed. They may earn either a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. Orthodontists, on the other hand, continue their training with a two- to three-year residency in orthodontics after dental school. This residency focuses on orthodontic-specific skills beyond general dental education, leading to a certification in orthodontics.
- Scope of Practice - Dentists focus on general oral health, offering services like:
- Taking and interpreting dental X-rays
- Monitoring children’s dental development
- Performing extractions
- Filling and bonding teeth
- Repairing cracked or damaged teeth
- Placing crowns or veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Treating gum disease
- Conducting oral surgery
The type of dental issue will often dictate whether you need to visit a general dentist or an orthodontist.
- Treatment Frequency - The frequency of visits to dentists and orthodontists also differs. Dentists recommend biannual checkups to monitor teeth, gums, and overall oral health and may refer patients to specialists as needed. Orthodontic visits are typically scheduled only for the duration of treatment, which can last several months to a few years. Once alignment goals are met, regular dental visits remain essential for maintaining oral health.
Reasons to consult an orthodontist near you
The primary reason for seeking orthodontic care often involves misalignment, scientifically termed as ‘malocclusion’. This prevalent condition, often inherited, emerges from variations in dimension between the lower and upper jaw or discrepancies between the jaw and teeth. Malocclusion manifests in tooth overcrowding, jaw deformities, and irregular bite patterns. Addressing such concerns typically involves various treatments:
- Orthodontic appliances - Orthodontists employ braces or dental appliances to rectify malocclusion. These devices, affixed to the teeth using metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds, exert pressure through wires or springs, guiding teeth into proper alignment. For those with minor malocclusion, clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces, discreetly correcting dental irregularities. Sometimes, a headgear may be necessary to facilitate tooth movement from outside the mouth.
- Post-treatment maintenance - Following the application of braces or aligners, adopting a retainer becomes essential. Customized for each patient, retainers are crucial in preserving the corrected tooth alignment.
- Palate expanders - Especially in pediatric cases, palate expanders are invaluable for widening the upper jaw. These devices effectively address crowding issues by creating additional space in the mouth without resorting to tooth extraction.
- Orthognathic surgery - In severe underbites or overbites resistant to conventional interventions, orthognathic surgery or orthodontic surgery may be recommended. This surgical approach involves manipulating the jaw's length through the use of wires, surgical screws, or plates. Reserved for individuals who have completed their growth and exhausted other orthodontic avenues, orthognathic surgery is a last resort.
- Indicators for orthodontic consultation - These dental issues act as red flags, prompting individuals to consider an orthodontic consultation for optimal oral health. Tooth crowding, overbites, underbites, spacing problems, crossbites, open bites, and misplaced midlines are vital indicators that, when identified early, enable swift and targeted intervention. Consulting an orthodontist addresses current concerns and lays the foundation for a future with improved dental well-being. The timely corrective measures implemented by professionals enhance oral health and have a critical role in instilling confidence through a well-aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile.
What to expect at an orthodontist appointment?
You will probably go through the following procedures during your initial orthodontic consultation:
- An oral examination
- Images of your smile and face
- Dental X-rays
- Panoramic (360-degree) X-rays of the head and face
- Teeth impressions to create custom dental molds
These examinations will help your orthodontist choose the best course of action for your treatment and the ideal orthodontic interventions.
How to find the best orthodontist in San Francisco?
Finding an orthodontist near you who can guide you through the challenges can be difficult. Additionally, whether you want to use their services for your orthodontic requirements or are researching possibilities for your children, selecting an orthodontist is essential. Always give yourself enough time to consider which orthodontist is best for your needs. Zocdoc aims to match patients with the most qualified healthcare providers.
Create a free account, then enter your condition, date, location, and insurance plan before clicking the search button. A complete list of orthodontists in San Francisco will appear based on your search criteria. On Zocdoc, each orthodontist has a profile with a brief introduction, educational qualifications, practice location, and reason for the visit. Zocdoc collects reviews from previous patients who use Zocdoc to book appointments with orthodontists. Verified reviews appear on each orthodontist's profile. You can browse and read these reviews to find the best orthodontists near you in San Francisco, CA.
Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist who accepts your insurance. Use Zocdoc's insurance checker if you need clarification on your insurance plan. If you prefer not to share your insurance information with a provider, Zocdoc gives you options. During the booking process, you’ll be asked to either enter your insurance details or confirm that you’ll be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers require insurance information to schedule an appointment. If you’d rather not use insurance or don’t have coverage, you can search for other providers on Zocdoc who meet your needs. If you run into issues during the process you can reach out to the Zocdoc service team.
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Orthodontists and oral health in San Francisco, California
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, California has one of the highest percentages of professionally active orthodontists. In 2017, approximately 3.77% of professionally active orthodontists per 100,000 people in California. In 2011-2012, more than 80% of American Indian children aged 6-9 years in California had a history of tooth decay, and nearly 57% had an untreated oral disease.
In 2016-2017, around 33% of San Francisco Unified School District screened kindergarteners. Of the children screened, approximately 18% had untreated decay, and about 126 children needed urgent dental care. Areas in central and western San Francisco met the national Healthy People 2020 target for caries experience of 30%. Meanwhile, regions of southern and eastern San Francisco did not.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists[1]
American Association of Orthodontists[2]
American Association of Orthodontists[3]
American Association of Orthodontists[4]
San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership
Fusion Dental Care
The California Oral Health Technical Assistance Center
National Institutes of Health
WebMD
Doyle Orthodontics
