It is a common misconception that dentists and orthodontists are the same professions. Orthodontia is a specialism a dentist can choose to practice, much like if a doctor wanted to specialise within a specific medical area, such as neurology. You may never need to visit the orthodontist; however, it is best to understand who they are and what they do if you require teeth straightening treatment.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is essentially a dentist who has chosen to specialise in jaw and teeth alignment. If you ever need to wear braces, the orthodontist is the person you will need to see. Orthodontists play an essential role in fixing any issues with correcting teeth and can give people confidence in their smiles.
What do orthodontists do?
If you are referred to an orthodontist by your dentist, you likely have crooked and overcrowded teeth or an issue with your bite. An orthodontist specialises in teeth re-alignment, so being referred will probably mean you need braces or other teeth-straightening methods.
Braces are the most notable method for teeth straightening and are commonly used by orthodontists for this purpose. Traditional braces are effectively bands that wrap around your teeth and are held in place through a series of brackets and a wire. This process takes a while, and you will require regular visits to adjust as your teeth move into the correct position. Alternative orthodontic systems, such as Invisalign clear aligners or lingual braces, are a great way to discreetly straighten your teeth without metal ‘train tracks’.
Overcrowding is another common problem that orthodontists treat, which is where your teeth are not able to be pushed through in alignment due to a lack of jawbone. Orthodontists can also treat people for anteroposterior deviations, such as underbites or an overbite, which make it difficult to articulate sentences or chew your food.
Finally, an orthodontist can treat aesthetic issues involved with your teeth, such as malocclusions, and realign the jaw bones and teeth to create a perfect smile.
