Orthodontic dentistry is a subcategory of dentistry. Dentists who work in the orthodontic field are called orthodontists. They specialize in treating dental and facial irregularities, straightening teeth, and aligning teeth and jaw evenly. In this article, we will explain the nature of orthodontic dentistry, who can benefit from it, and the differences between an orthodontist and a dentist who works at a dental clinic.
Who is Orthodontic Dentistry for Used?
It is for people who want to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Misaligned jaw and teeth cause bad bites (malocclusions) which affect the way you smile. With orthodontics, it is possible to change that.
Orthodontic dentistry contributes to enhancing your overall health, as properly aligned teeth facilitate more effective oral hygiene practices and reduce the likelihood of tooth injury or decay. Whether through the use of braces or Invisalign, these orthodontic methods align teeth, enhancing their comfort, appearance, and functionality. Additionally, orthodontic treatment is suitable for people of any age. The primary objectives of orthodontic dentistry include:
- Enhancing the positioning and aesthetic appeal of teeth and jaws to improve social well-being and overall quality of life.
- Establishing optimal positions and relationships among teeth and achieving a strong bite.
- Getting long-lasting and stable results.
What are the Duties of Orthodontic Dentistry?
Duties include treating oral irregularities, abnormalities, and malformations. They use appliances such as braces and wires to treat these dental problems. An orthodontist’s typical duties include:
- Diagnosing teeth, mouth, and jaw abnormalities.
- Evaluating the best treatment method for correction.
- Preparing mouths for braces or other treatments with spacers, arch wires, etc.
- Designing, applying, and adjusting individualized appliances
- Maintaining patient records.
What are the Differences Between Orthodontic Dentistry and a Dentist?
Dentists, comparable to family general practitioners in the medical field, possess the expertise to diagnose and treat common dental issues and diseases affecting the teeth, mouth, and gums. Having completed a General Dental Degree, dentists specialize in general dental care and maintenance across all age groups. Distinct from orthodontists, dentists lack training in the application of braces and other orthodontic treatments during their university education, leading most general dentists to refer patients in need of orthodontic intervention to specialist orthodontists.
On the other hand, orthodontists are registered dental specialists who undergo an additional three years of full-time university training, encompassing orthodontics, facial growth, and development, biology, and biomechanics, in addition to holding a General Dental Degree and a Specialist Orthodontic Degree. Functioning as experts in facial growth and dental development, orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of issues such as crooked teeth, malocclusions, and misaligned jaws. Their proficiency extends to encompassing all available orthodontic treatment options and technologies for individuals spanning children, teenagers, and adults.
Difference Between Orthodontic Dentistry and Endodontist?
Endodontics is characterized by a more hands-on approach, particularly in the need for stronger manual dexterity when working with rotary files. In contrast, orthodontics involves a longer treatment duration and adopts a team-oriented approach. The two specialties demand varying levels of precision and accuracy, with endodontics relying on manual skills for intricate procedures within the tooth’s root canal system, while orthodontics emphasizes precision in planning and adjustments to achieve optimal tooth alignment. As a result, the two specialties have distinct levels of precision, with endodontics highlighting manual skills and orthodontics showcasing meticulous planning and teamwork.
What to Expect from Orthodontic Dentistry?
Initial Examination
Your orthodontic process begins with a consultation. The orthodontist will:
- Discuss your concerns with you.
- Examine your teeth and jaw.
- Use X-rays to detect dental and jaw-related problems.
- Explain treatment options, process, and pros and cons.
Orthodontic Treatment
After the initial examination and consultancy, your orthodontic brace treatment starts. Your orthodontist will:
- Clean your teeth.
- Apply a primer to your teeth to help adhesion.
- Apply composite glue to the brackets of the brace.
- Attach the brackets to your teeth.
- Attach arch wires to the brackets.
- Use rubber bands to tie the wire to the brackets.
Follow-up Appointments
After you have had braces, you will see your dentist regularly to monitor the improvement. Your braces regularly need to be tightened and the elastics and wires need to be changed.
Seeing Results
After your braces are removed, you will have a straight and shining smile. The brace removal usually takes an hour with the cleaning included. You may feel a little pain or pressure during this process which is normal. After the braces are removed, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent teeth from turning back to a misaligned position.
Why Should We See an Orthodontic Dentist?
When you see your dentist to have your teeth checked, they may refer you to an orthodontist if you have problems such as below:
Teeth Straightening
The reason why most people see an orthodontist is because they want their teeth straightened and aligned. Crooked teeth can make you feel uncomfortable with your smile and affect your confidence. Though the most common treatment is wearing braces, crooked teeth can also be treated with the Invisalign treatment. These aligners are removable and will straighten your smile without using metal braces. Compared to brace treatment, this latest treatment doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.
Overcrowded Teeth
Some people have more teeth in their mouths which is called overcrowded teeth. It makes cleaning your teeth difficult because when your teeth aren’t spaced correctly, food particles can collect behind them much more easily and it can cause gum problems in the long term. This condition can be treated with teeth extraction and braces.
Gaps
Some people have natural gaps or spaces between their teeth. Not only do they look unaesthetic, but they also cause tooth decay to occur much more easily. If the gap between your teeth is due to periodontitis, you may need gum disease treatment. There are different ways to treat gaps such as dental bonding, dental bridges, braces, implants, etc.
Bite Issues
Bite issues are also common in many people. There are four types of bite issues which are overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. It can affect the shape of your face. If not treated, bite issues can lead to other physical problems such as grinding, clenching, headaches, and speech problems.
