Orthodontists are dentists that have had an additional 2-3 years of training to become a specialist in diagnosing and treating teeth and jaws which are in malposition. All orthodontists are licensed dentists, however not all dentists are licensed orthodontist with the specialized training.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontist at the first sign of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7.
What exactly is an orthodontic problem?
- Underbite when the lower jaw extends out, placing the lower front teeth in front of the upper front teeth.
- Overbite when the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth.
- Crossbite when upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
- Openbite when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap.
- Widely Spaced Teeth spacing problems or missing teeth.
- Protrusion when the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough.
- Crowding when the mouth has insufficient room.
- Misaligned Dental Midlines when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately.
Any and all of these problems may be a cosmetic problem as well as causing difficulties with chewing, oral hygiene, or speaking. Many adults are opting for orthodontic treatment, it is never too late to correct the issues.
Orthodontic treatment generally takes 12-36 months, so a convenient location for monthly appointments is important.
It is vital that the patient is comfortable with the office environment. Most orthodontic offices are open space, friendly and welcoming.
Available scheduling should be with sports and afterschool activities in mind as well as working parents and patients. Late day, evening and weekend hours make scheduling more accommodating and are a big plus.
Choosing an orthodontist that you feel comfortable with is important. You may have questions or concerns, so they need to be approachable and you need to feel relaxed asking. You may also want to research where they trained and their professional affiliations. Are they well trained and well respected by their medical peers?
Does their staff put you at ease and are they accommodating to the needs of the patient?
Orthodontic treatment is a lifetime investment, however, over the past 25 years it has actually became more affordable and accessible. If you have dental insurance and orthodontic coverage, it is usually financially wise to stay “in-network”. If you are changing insurances during treatment, it is advisable to read the fine print. Not all insurance companies cover “treatment in progress’.