Is An Orthodontist Just For Braces?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use oral appliances to dental irregularities and improve the function and appearance of patients’ smiles.

Orthodontist for braces is highly trained dental professionals who must complete an accredited orthodontic residency program after earning their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). 

While an orthodontist can certainly help you if you want braces, they can also provide other services that may benefit you. If you have problems with your bite or jaw alignment, an orthodontist can create a treatment plan to correct these issues. They can also provide you with advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums and prevent future problems from occurring. Orthodontic treatment can treat dental and facial problems, such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites.

Orthodontic treatment in Phoenix can take several months, depending on the severity of the problem. In some cases, surgery may be required in addition to orthodontic treatment.

Types of Orthodontic Services

Phoenix orthodontics offers several treatments:

• Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are an innovative alternative to traditional metal braces. They are clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. They provide a more comfortable and convenient way to straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets.

• Clear braces

Clear braces are an orthodontic device used to straighten teeth and correct an array of dental issues. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear braces are made of a transparent material that makes them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them ideal for those who want to have their teeth straightened without drawing attention to the fact that they are wearing braces. Clear braces work the same way as traditional metal braces but offer more aesthetic benefits. They can treat many orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, misalignment, and gaps between teeth.

• Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets bonded to each tooth and a thin archwire running through them. The archwire is then tightened periodically to move teeth into the desired position gradually. Traditional metal braces can treat many orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites. You, however, require regular visits to an orthodontist near you for adjustments and assessment.

• Space maintainers

Space maintainers are tools used in orthodontic treatments to help keep the space left by a missing tooth or teeth until the permanent tooth can grow. They are often made of metal or plastic and can be removable or fixed. Space maintainers help to prevent other teeth from shifting into the gap left by the missing tooth, allowing for proper alignment of all teeth when the permanent one grows in. They also help to preserve facial symmetry and can even improve speech patterns.

When Should I Visit an Orthodontist?

It’s recommended that children first visit an orthodontist around age 7. However, there is no perfect age to begin treatment, and many patients are well into their teens or even adulthood before seeking orthodontic care. The best time to visit orthodontic dental offices is when you notice that your child’s teeth are not aligned correctly or if they are having difficulty chewing or speaking.

Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist

Some of the benefits of seeing an orthodontist include the following:

• Achieving a straighter smile

• Improving your bite (occlusion)

• Improving chewing function and digestion

• Alleviating pain in the jaw joint (TMJ)

• Correcting thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits

• Improving your self-esteem

Schedule an Appointment

An orthodontist is much more than just someone who puts braces on your teeth. They can do so much more to improve the health and appearance of your smile, from correcting misalignment issues to treating overbite or underbite problems. 

Visit uSmile Orthodontics for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of your condition to recommend the best course of action.