Have you ever wondered what an orthodontist does? Are you considering treatment?
If you’ve never visited an orthodontist, it can be difficult to understand what procedures they perform or how they’re different from dentists.
Read on to learn more about orthodontic treatment and how you can understand what the dedicated professionals at Vinson Orthodontics orthodontist can do for you.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist that focuses on corrections to the bite and jaw. They can use braces, palate expanders, and other forms of treatment to help patients achieve a natural, beautiful smile.
Orthodontist vs. Dentists
While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists provide specialized treatment to your teeth and jaw, while dentists can provide generalized care.
Dentists are required to undergo undergraduate and graduate training to practice dentistry. Beyond that and any board certifications they choose to obtain, any additional training is optional.
However, orthodontists typically need an additional 5,000 hours of study to enter into orthodontic specialization. That’s in addition to their undergraduate degrees and their dental school degrees. Said another way, all orthodontists are dentists, but all dentists do not choose to become orthodontists.
What Does an Orthodontist Treat?
Orthodontists typically correct jaw and teeth issues. They can also treat any issues you might be experiencing with your bite or chewing.
Orthodontists will typically use some form of appliances — such as braces, palate expanders, or aligners — to perfect your smile. They can resort to other forms of treatment for operations such as tooth removal or alignment, and some orthodontists will also recommend surgery for their patients if necessary.
Reasons to See an Orthodontist
If you’ve ever experienced difficulties chewing, eating, or biting in general, you may have a need for orthodontic treatment.
Also, if you’re worried about having crooked teeth, an underbite, or other aesthetic issues, an orthodontist can help you find the right treatment to obtain your best, natural smile.
An orthodontist can help you with any combination of these physical or aesthetic difficulties. They can also provide you with an accurate assessment of your treatment plan.
Think You Need an Orthodontist? Book a Complimentary Consultation Today
An orthodontist can help you with a wide variety of teeth and jaw alignment issues. And now that you understand a little more about what orthodontists do,, you can have a better idea of whether you need an orthodontic consultation.
If you have any particular symptoms or issues you think an orthodontist could solve, the earlier you seek orthodontic treatment, the better.
To know what your best course of action is, consult an orthodontist as soon as possible. Call Vinson Orthodontics at 919-359-1904 to book an appointment.
