If you have ever wondered what Orthodontic Services are you are not alone. Although most people hear “orthodontist” and immediately think “braces,” orthodontic services encompass a much wider array. When you receive a referral to an orthodontist, it doesn’t automatically mean you will be wearing braces for the next couple of years.
The Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
Understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is the first step in understanding the services offered by your orthodontist. While both complete the same initial training, an orthodontist continues with an additional two- to three-year residency program to earn the orthodontics specialty classification.
To break down the services offered, a dentist may offer some or all of the following:
- Oral examination, including oral cancer screening
- X-rays of the mouth and teeth, including interpretation
- Teach oral hygiene practices
- Correct problems such as cracked teeth, cavities, and gum disease
- Perform teeth whitening
- Conduct root canals
- Perform tooth extractions
- Monitor children’s dental health and teeth
- Install crowns and veneers
- Perform oral surgery
Although an orthodontist may also perform all of the above services, their main focus is slightly different. A dentist focuses mainly on the teeth. An orthodontist will focus on facial growth, including the jaw and bite alignment. Additionally, an orthodontist may offer the following services:
- Diagnose and treat teeth alignment issues
- Correct jaw alignment to ensure a proper bite path
- Perform oral surgery to straighten teeth alignment
- Use orthodontic appliances including braces, palatal expanders, retainers, and Invisalign
As you can see, the job of an orthodontist is different than that of a dentist.
Problems That Are Treated by an Orthodontist
The most common problem treated by orthodontists is misaligned teeth. Among the variations, you have gap teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, and of course, crooked teeth.
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Gap Teeth occur when there is extra spacing between teeth. Although normally visible in the front teeth, this also occurs with molars. While some people, such as Michael Strahan, opt to keep their distinctive gaps, most people elect to correct the anomaly.
An Underbite is when the lower jaw protrudes causing the lower teeth to extend in front of the upper teeth. In some cases, this problem requires oral surgery to reposition the jaw to gain the proper alignment of top and bottom teeth.
An Overbite is one of the most common dental problems. This is noticeable when the upper teeth close over the lower teeth. In many cases with a very slight overbite, an orthodontist may elect not to correct this problem. This is often confused with Protruding Teeth, which are caused by habits such as thumb sucking.
Crowding and Crooked Teeth are often seen together. They are usually the result of a small jaw having inadequate room for erupting adult teeth. This problem is normally correctable with braces but may also require a palatal expander or surgical intervention.
Crossbite happens when the upper and lower teeth exhibit signs of both overbite and underbite. Some upper teeth may fall behind lower teeth, while some will fall in front of them. This is sometimes caused by crowding and is generally correctable with braces or Invisalign.
An orthodontist may also correct facial anomalies such as an incorrectly positioned jaw.
What to Expect During Your Complimentary Examination
House of Orthodontia offers a complimentary consultation or initial exam. This is not a sales gimmick. Our doctors believe that a patient should make an informed decision before committing to an orthodontic procedure.
Because every mouth is unique, there is no “set” plan to sell. Every treatment plan is individualized. The complimentary examination allows our doctors to perform an exam and create a custom treatment if correction is necessary. It also allows the patient a chance to meet our staff, see the office, and decide if they are comfortable.
Once you arrive for your initial exam, one of our doctors will perform an oral examination. If necessary, X-rays and digital images will be taken. Using those, if you need orthodontic treatment, the doctor will develop a custom plan based on the results of the exam. A complete diagnostic record of your appointment will be maintained as a part of your dental record with our office.
Once a treatment recommendation is complete, the doctor will discuss the plan with you. This will include the type of treatment, duration, expected cost, and insurance offsets. Before you make a decision, they want you to be as informed as possible. You may ask questions about any part of the recommendation.
Types of Orthodontic Services Available
If, after an initial examination, a patient is not ready for orthodontic treatment due to age or another reason, Dr. Alkhani or Dr. Lien may recommend an Orthodontic Monitoring program. While in this program, the patients receive monitoring for growth and development. During this period, additional X-rays may be necessary to view growth changes.
If you or your child need orthodontic treatment to correct alignment issues, it may be in the form of braces, Invisalign, a palatal expander, retainer, or even oral surgery. Rest easy knowing that no matter what course of treatment we recommend, our doctors or staff will fully explain it.
Orthodontic Services for the Whole Family
House of Orthondotia offers whole family orthodontic care. Our youngest patients are six or seven, although most children that age don’t require immediate treatment and enter our monitoring program.
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Teens are the most common patient for braces and Invisalign Teen. But our patient lists include adults also. In fact, braces are becoming more mainstream than ever before as people are realizing the overall health benefits of having a straight smile.
You Can Start Today with House of Orthodontia
If you are ready to begin your journey to a perfect smile, you can use the New Patient Consult widget on our website to set up your first appointment. Remember, this is a complimentary examination. Simply select your preferred location and follow the prompts to submit the form.
If you would rather speak directly to one of our appointment coordinators, you may call the Brooklyn office at 929-492-2825 or the Manhattan office at 332-240-0924.
For more information on treatment options and orthodontic services, please check out our orthodontic blog. We can also be found on Facebook and Instagram where we share tips, information, and fun stuff.
