Orthodontics is more than simply “straightening crooked teeth.” It's a special area of dentistry that focuses on your bite, skeletal and dental relationships, facial aesthetics and form. As a specialist, the orthodontist works closely with your general dentist and other dental specialists to provide you with the comprehensive dental care.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed at least two continuous years of additional training in orthodontics at an accredited university after graduation from dental school. Although some general and pediatric dentists perform orthodontic treatment, it is often very limited and only for a few patients. Practicing orthodontics exclusively allows Dr Michael and his staff of well-trained assistants to truly become experts in their field. We know a lot about smiles because we see so many of them.
Most patients come to the orthodontist because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth. And in fact, studies have shown that an attractive smile can increase self-confidence and directly influence success in your personal or professional life.
In addition to aesthetic reasons, some patients are referred to an orthodontist for functional reasons. Crooked, crowded teeth are difficult to clean and susceptible to decay or gum problems. Some kinds of imperfect bites can aggravate joint discomfort (TMD). Some adults require orthodontics as one of the stages in restorative dentistry (i.e., implants, crowns and bridges).
It is estimated that 80 percent of the population would benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you are uncomfortable about your smile or if the dentist recommends bite correction, orthodontics has the answers for a lifetime.
It is quite common for kids to ask their parents to bring them to the orthodontist. Young people are very aware of the aesthetic benefits of orthodontics and want their teeth as attractive as they can be. If you think that your child might need orthodontic treatment, chances are that you're right. Age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, is the ideal age for your child to be seen by the orthodontist. Dr Michael can develop a treatment plan that takes advantage of your child's jaw growth. Early treatment intervention may, in some cases, eliminate the need for permanent tooth extraction and/or jaw surgery.
Thanks to new and incredibly aesthetic and comfortable self-ligating brackets, it's no longer unusual to see adults in braces, too. Today's dental care enables most people to have a lifetime with their natural teeth. So, it's never too late to have a terrific smile.
Once you have determined that it's time to see the orthodontist, just call our office. Our appointment coordinator will schedule an examination for you. During this visit, we will ask some questions concerning your dental and medical history. We will listen carefully to what you wish to achieve from treatment. We may also take some orthodontic diagnostic records consisting of X-rays of your head and jaws, photographs of your teeth and face and study models of your teeth. This data, as well as information from your initial examination, is used to make a complete diagnosis and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Then, Dr Michael will perform a thorough visual examination and give you a summary of the orthodontic condition he sees.
We will explain in detail any orthodontic problems, describe the plan for treatment, clarify office policies and procedures and discuss the exact cost of treatment. When all of your questions have been answered, it is time to schedule the start of orthodontic treatment.
Dr Michael uses state-of-the-art mechanics and materials, which are more efficient and allow for longer intervals of time between appointments, shorter appointments, shorter treatment times and more comfortable and aesthetic treatment.
Your dentist can tell you when to seek evaluation from an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association recommend all kids be evaluated for orthodontics by age 7.
By this age, the orthodontist can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth. Most kids begin active treatment between the ages of 9 and 14.
Orthodontists recommend you correct dental problems while your child is still growing. Once they stop growing, treatment may take longer and require more extensive work.
That depends upon your treatment plan. The more complicated your spacing or bite problem is, and ....
Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at nearly any age. An ideal time fo ....