Why Should You Visit The Orthodontist For The Perfect Smile

An orthodontist is a dentist who works to correct alignment issues of the gum and teeth to provide a better smile and bite to the patients. They are responsible for keeping your teeth in shape and maintaining the form of your smile. Many people often get confused between dentists and an orthodontist. Simply put, a dentist is like a general healthcare provider. They focus on the broader spectrum of dental issues. So, when you are at a dentist and notice some alignment issues, they might recommend you to a specialist, thus, an orthodontist.

Orthodontists use spacers, braces and retainers to align your teeth. Additionally, many orthodontists are now offering Invisalign for that beautiful smile and perfect bite. For those who do not know, Invisalign is a type of braces that are clear and almost invisible to the naked eye instead of the traditional metal wired braces. Here are some details about an orthodontist that you should know.

Reasons why people visit orthodontists

Primarily, many people visit the orthodontist when they notice any crooked teeth or jaw-related issues, such as an underbite or an overbite. Moreover, many patients are children or teenagers since fixing crooked teeth growth early on is better. Properly aligned teeth boost self-esteem and provide comfort while chewing and breathing. Moreover, people visit an orthodontist to make their smile more aesthetically appealing by improving the structure or alignment of the teeth.

Who do orthodontists treat?

Orthodontists are trained to treat people of different ages, but most patients are children or teenagers. Children or teenagers visit an orthodontist more than an adult because it is easier to fix alignment when the teeth are starting to grow. That does not mean that adults can not go to an orthodontist, but their treatment is more extensive when they do.

How do they plan the treatment?

Commonly, to diagnose any alignment or bite problems, they would take multiple X-rays and molds of your teeth to get to the root of the problem. An experienced orthodontist will schedule a session before thoroughly examining your teeth and jaw for any deviation, and then they will determine what needs to be fixed. Based on X-rays, molds, and visual examination, they will chart out the treatment plan best suited for the patient’s needs.

How do orthodontists treat the patients?

While there is no clear-cut answer to that since each patient has a different problem, they use metal braces, retainers, and spacers to deal with any alignment problem. Many orthodontists are now offering Invisalign to patients who do not want to wear metallic wired braces. The braces function to put pressure on your teeth to move them into the desired alignment. So, during each session, the orthodontist will adjust the braces to maintain the optimal pressure. Depending upon your specific problem, they might use other orthodontic equipment as well. For instance, an orthodontist might use a spacer or an expander to create spacing in the teeth.

An orthodontist can even help deal with jaw pain, various gum-related issues, and even sleep apnea. Moreover, even if you do not have a pressing dental problem, you should schedule a preventive session with orthodontists to determine any issues with the alignment of your teeth.