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How can I make a same-day appointment with an Orthodontist in Seattle?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an Orthodontist in Seattle, book an appointment, and see the Orthodontist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Orthodontists in Seattle who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
How can I find a Seattle Orthodontist who takes my insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Seattle Orthodontist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
How can I book an appointment online with an Orthodontist in Seattle?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Orthodontists in Seattle and book appointments instantly. You can search for Seattle Orthodontists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
How can I find a female Orthodontist in Seattle?
When you search for Seattle Orthodontists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Orthodontists in Seattle who match your preferences.
How can I find a Seattle Orthodontist who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Seattle Orthodontists with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated Orthodontist in Seattle?
You can use Zocdoc to find Orthodontists in Seattle who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
How can I find a video visit with an Orthodontist online in Seattle?
Orthodontists in Seattle on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Orthodontists who offer video visits.
Are video visits with an Orthodontist online covered by my insurance?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Orthodontists in Seattle who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
How can I find an Orthodontist in Seattle who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Orthodontist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
How can I find an Orthodontist in Seattle who sees patients during the weekend?
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Orthodontists in Seattle. Many Orthodontists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
What does an orthodontist do?
Your smile is how you greet everyone. Additionally, it provides a glimpse into the alignment of your teeth. Teeth that have gaps or are misaligned can make you feel ashamed or too conscious. Improperly positioned teeth and jaws (often known as malocclusion) can also cause tooth decay and other painful dental problems. An orthodontist can correct malocclusions so that you can have a confident smile.
An orthodontist completes approximately 12 years of training, including training in general dentistry. DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine) are the acronyms of the degrees that they receive. Orthodontists must graduate from dentistry school and then pursue specialized training in the field. They can obtain a certificate in orthodontics through a residency program that might last up to three years. Additionally, some orthodontists pursue master's degrees in craniofacial biology. For this kind of dentistry specialty, orthodontic residency programs provide intense instruction. These courses concentrate on two distinct fields or disciplines:
- Orthodontics focuses on the safe and efficient positioning of teeth.
- Dentofacial orthopedics: focuses on controlling jaw and teeth growth.
Some orthodontists may choose to pursue board certification. They must also fulfill state-wise requirements for a license to practice.
Should you visit an orthodontist or a dentist?
Dentists and orthodontists are both trained in diagnosing and treating dental problems. However, orthodontists are qualified to provide additional services that dentists cannot. Think of your dentist as a general provider for oral health and your orthodontist as a specialist. A dentist treats common issues like tooth pain, decay, repair, and extraction. They can also treat gum disease and other oral infections.
For complex dental problems, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist. If you notice crooked teeth or other structural issues that need alignment, you may skip the dentist and book an appointment directly with your orthodontist.
Some dental issues that call for orthodontic treatment are:
- Underbite: The lower teeth may appear too forward compared to the upper teeth.
- Overbite: Upper front teeth protrude over the lower teeth in an overbite.
- Crossbites: A crossbite is a relatively common condition when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed.
- Open bite: When biting down, there may be a vertical space between the front upper and lower teeth, generally known as an open bite.
- Spacing issues: In this instance, it doesn't seem like your teeth are filling up your mouth, and there are sporadic voids or gaps between the teeth.
- Misplaced midline: The middle of your upper and lower front teeth aren't positioned correctly in this condition.
What are common orthodontic treatments?
An orthodontist uses fixed and removable appliances to align the teeth and jaw and retrain muscles.
Some of the fixed appliances include:
- Braces: Bands, wires, and brackets are connected to pressure your teeth and move them toward the desired position. Braces are adjusted every few weeks and may last for months or years.
- Special fixed appliances: Since these are attached to teeth by bands and can be uncomfortable, it is the last resort for problems like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
- Fixed space maintainers: In cases where children lose teeth prematurely, an orthodontist may use a space maintainer until a permanent tooth grows.
Some of the removable appliances include:
- Aligners: These are a popular alternative for braces, as aligners are virtually invisible. You need to remove them while brushing and eating.
- Removable space maintainers: While its function is the same as a fixed space maintainer, it comprises plastic or wire branches and an acrylic base.
- Jaw repositioning appliances: Also known as splints, these train the jaw to close better in patients with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Palatal expander: A plastic plate that widens the upper jaw's arch.
- Removable retainers: They prevent your teeth from returning to their original positions.
- Headgear: This holds the back teeth in place while pulling the front teeth. It also slows down the growth of the upper jaw.
Depending on the type of dental problem you have, your orthodontist will suggest the right appliance.
When would orthognathic surgery be necessary?
Orthognathic, or corrective jaw surgery, is performed by orthodontists to correct jaw structure problems that affect activities like speaking, chewing, and biting. The surgery helps treat issues like obstructive sleep apnea and malocclusion or improve the appearance and balance of the face. You may need orthognathic surgery if your upper and lower jaws are out of position and need repositioning for optimal mouth function.
Orthodontists generally provide other treatments before they recommend surgery. They perform surgeries when standard orthodontic treatments like aligners and braces cannot fix the issue. However, orthodontic treatments may also continue after surgery to ensure the teeth properly move into their original places. Some adults may also need the surgery since they are no longer growing, and it is the only way to modify the jaw bones' position, shape, or size.
Some of the standard orthognathic procedures performed include the following:
- Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: Orthodontists perform this procedure by making precise cuts in the lower jaw on either side. Following the cut, it becomes possible for them to move the lower teeth and chin forward, backward, or rotate it. Then, they use screws or titanium plates to fix the lower jaw in its new location and place the teeth in their planned location.
- Bimaxillary osteotomy combines bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and Le Fort 1 to correct complex deformities of the upper and lower jaws. It helps correct conditions like abnormalities in both jaws, significant facial asymmetry, large distances between the upper and lower teeth, and other syndromic conditions.
- Genioplasty: This procedure involves separating the chin point from the rest of the lower jaw, which allows it to be moved forward, lengthened, or shortened without moving the teeth. Orthodontists recommend this procedure for those with a weak chin but do not need braces to improve their occlusion.
- Le Fort 1 osteotomy: Orthodontists use this procedure to separate the upper jaw from the other facial bones. It allows them to move the upper teeth forward, up, down, rotate, or lengthen or shorten your facial appearance. They use screws and titanium plates to place and fix the upper jaw in its planned position. Fun fact: they do not set off the metal detectors and do not need to be removed.
Why do you need braces, and when is the best time to get them?
Dental braces straighten misaligned teeth, align upper and lower jaws, enhance smiles and facial aesthetics, and alleviate pressure on temporomandibular joints. Orthodontics involves using devices to reposition teeth or the underlying bone.
The possibility of moving teeth exists at any age. While achieving "ideal" outcomes is more attainable in most children, it is challenging for only a limited percentage of adults. The reason lies in the malleability of the bone around the teeth (alveolar process) and jaw bones in children, which braces can shape during growth. In contrast, adults may require surgical intervention to modify jaw bones. Therefore, it is advisable to consider visiting an orthodontist near you as soon as the child, parent, or dentist identifies any teeth misalignment issues.
The optimal age range of 3 to 12 years influences when to get braces. In children, orthodontic treatment aims not only for straight and well-aligned teeth but also to enhance the facial profile, ensuring stability throughout adolescence and adulthood. Orthodontic procedures in adults pose significant challenges. People undergoing treatment may wear a lifelong retainer overnight to preserve the treatment results.
Is early orthodontic intervention beneficial?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that one have their first orthodontic checkup at age seven or when they notice an orthodontic issue—whichever comes first. By age seven, your child will have developed adequate permanent teeth for an orthodontist to assess how the jaws and teeth are developing, which can reveal a wealth of information.
If a patient has an issue that, if left untreated, could get worse over time, getting treatment as soon as possible may be in their best interests. Treatment at an early stage will remove the root of the issue, stop the condition from worsening, direct the development of the jaw and face bones, and leave enough room for the eruption of permanent teeth.
Some orthodontic issues may be more straightforward if detected early, regardless of the treatment goals. Correction of some problems may be more challenging if postponed until all permanent teeth have erupted or until the facial growth is almost complete.
Orthodontic treatment has no ideal age. Your teeth can look better and function well, regardless of age. Adults who receive orthodontic treatment often successfully modify and manage their chronic dental conditions. Adults and toddlers go through the same physiological process when shifting their teeth. Due to the denser bone tissue in adults, orthodontic therapy may take slightly longer than for children.
What to expect at your first appointment with an orthodontist?
Typically, a dentist initially identifies misaligned teeth during a regular examination. If there's an issue with the alignment of your back teeth, the dentist may recommend visiting an orthodontist near you. In your initial consultation with the orthodontist, you can anticipate:
- A thorough oral examination
- Facial and smile photographs
- Dental X-rays
- Panoramic (360-degree) X-rays of your face and head
- Impressions for creating molds of your teeth
These diagnostic procedures play a critical role in guiding your orthodontic treatment plan.
Advantages of orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics not only provides cosmetic enhancements but also offers functional and health-related advantages:
- Efficient oral hygiene: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean.
- Improved function: Straightening teeth can enhance chewing and speech functions.
- TMJ disorder relief: Orthodontic treatment can alleviate pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Reduced oral health risks: A well-aligned bite significantly decreases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other health issues.
- Overall oral health: Orthodontics plays a role in maintaining optimum oral healthcare.
How to find an orthodontist near you in Seattle, WA?
Not many people know how vital oral health is to mental well-being. No matter how severe or mild an oral disease is, it may cause worry and anxiety about one's health.If you learn about misalignments or other problems in your teeth, you should visit an orthodontist who will provide you with top-quality care.
To begin your search, log on to Zocdoc and enter the required details: specialty, location, date, and insurance plan. Your information will help you find the best in-network orthodontists in Seattle. Your information will help you find the best in-network orthodontists in Seattle. Further, you can get automated filtered results by updating your Zocdoc account's insurance information. Alternatively, you can photograph your health plan card and upload it on the Zocdoc app to find orthodontists who accept your insurance. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more insurance-related FAQs.
You may use additional filters like distance, time, language, gender, and any other preferences that you may have. Each listed provider on Zocdoc has a unique profile that includes their education, board certification, clinical interests, licensure, and languages. You can also find verified reviews and ratings from previous patients they have treated.
With Zocdoc, you can find a skilled orthodontist near you who listens to your concerns and makes you feel comfortable. You may book an in-person or online appointment with a provider that matches your preferences.
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Oral health statistics for Washington
Tooth decay or dental caries in children can impact school attendance, academic performance, and overall health. According to the 2018 Washington State Health Assessment, about 53% of third graders had dental caries in 2015. Although this number is lower compared to the prevalence rate in 2005, it was more than the Healthy People 2020 goal of 49% for children (aged 6 to 9).
On the positive side, roughly 54% (1 in 2) of the third graders had dental sealants, exceeding the Healthy People goal of 28% for children (aged 6 to 9). Dental sealants can prevent about 80% of tooth decay.
Since Washington is geographically diverse, it is challenging to make dental services accessible to everyone. Around 34 of the 39 counties are entirely or partially designated as dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSAs are the ratio of the population to available dentists.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists[1]
American Association of Orthodontists[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.