What Makes an Orthodontist Special?

All orthodontists are dentists. Not all dentists are orthodontists, but many people still use the terms interchangeably. Your dentist might refer you to an orthodontist to fix your teeth if you are dealing with misaligned jaws or teeth, an overcrowded mouth or an overbite. Why do you need an orthodontist instead of a dentist? There are a lot of reasons to see a specialist to fix certain conditions.

How Do Dentists Become Orthodontists?

Orthodontists are dentists who take additional training to become licensed in straightening teeth. An orthodontist must attend dental school to become a dentist, then he or she goes on to get specialized education in braces, misaligned teeth and overbites. It can take an additional two to three years for a dentist to get a license to practice as an orthodontist.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are usually associated with braces, especially for teenagers, but these specialists treat people of all ages. In fact, it’s recommended that children see an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old to catch problems in the jaw while it’s still developing. Many adults see an orthodontist to straighten their teeth because they never got braces as a child.

Modern orthodontists have many different orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth beyond the metal braces that are associated with adolescents. Invisalign is a popular method to fix minor orthodontic issues, but clear braces are also available. What works for you depends on the particulars of your situation.

What Happens at Your Appointment With an Orthodontist?

Your orthodontist will want to examine your teeth and mouth, much like your dentist does. You may need more x-rays taken to give the orthodontist a panoramic view of your mouth. You will probably need to open your mouth to have it measured. Be prepared to talk about mouth pain and tenderness, clicking when you open your jaw or other problems you have with your teeth and mouth. Your orthodontist will want to know your goals for treatment.

Once the exam is completed, you should get treatment options that include the length of time and cost. Many dental insurance plans don’t cover orthodontic treatment for adults, but each plan does have specific details that outline what is covered and what isn’t. Even if your plan covers orthodontic care, it will most likely only cover a portion of the fee.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your mouth and jaw to give you more confidence and better health. Make an appointment with an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, to talk about your teeth today.

Thank you to the experts at John Redmond Orthodontics for their expertise in orthodontics as part of an overall health plan.