A lot of people have crooked or crowded teeth, and it is absolutely normal. If you have a similar problem, you can change the way you smile with orthodontic care. What is orthodontic care? What does it involve? How can you select an orthodontist? In this post, we will ask some of these questions for your help.
What is orthodontics?
In the simplest terms, orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that deals with crowded, crooked or protruding teeth. The treatments usually deal with dental and facial irregularities, which can be anything like a bad bite or even ‘smile’ issues. In many cases, it might be related to the misalignment of the bones, jaw issues, missing or even extra teeth. In case you have an orthodontic problem, your dentist will refer the case, although many dentists do specialize in basic orthodontic care and greffe de gencive.
How to select and orthodontist?
As mentioned, your dentist is the best person to find an orthodontist for you, but again, you can always ask around to find references. Keep in mind that many dental clinics have different departments, so if you are already visiting one, you may want to check if they offer orthodontic care. Also, the internet always comes handy for finding local dentist.
Experience of the appointment
Your first appointment with an orthodontist doesn’t have to be expensive or extensive. You can expect to hear a lot of questions, and your dentist will check your mouth thoroughly to find the signs and issues of the concern. He may suggest braces, retainers and aligners for the treatment, which may last for a year or more. In most cases, braces are used to correct misaligned teeth, but the treatment plan is customized and the costs can differ.
Ask questions
On your first visit, you need to ask a lot of questions. Talk about the experience and credentials of the orthodontist and if he has been pursuing continuing education. You may also want to know about the treatment process, risks and complications, if any, along with the cost of the procedure. Even with braces, you will still need to visit your dentist at least once in three months, so calculate those expenses, as well.
Orthodontic care is often not a choice, and if you have concerns like a bad bite, which can hamper your eating habits and speech, seek an appointment at the earliest.