An orthodontist specializes in preventing and correcting tooth and facial irregularities. These include overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, too much space between teeth, and/or overcrowding. Results are typically achieved by using braces and retainers, which the orthodontist adjusts gradually over time.

Who needs an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be seen at least once around the age of seven in order to identify any developing problems, particularly in terms of jaw alignment and palate expansion. Certain irregularities can be fixed more easily if caught early on than if allowed to progress for years. An orthodontist can also help correct some speech impairments.

Beyond a childhood checkup, anyone with concerns about their bite and/or the appearance of their teeth can benefit from visiting an orthodontist. Although orthodontic procedures like braces are typically seen on teenagers, adults of all ages are improving their smiles in record numbers. A healthy, straight set of teeth can greatly improve an individual’s self-esteem and confidence.

Many people mistakenly believe that orthodontics is a purely cosmetic field. Actually, proper orthodontic care can help to improve oral health in a number of ways. A severe overbite or misaligned jaw can cause difficulty chewing and in extreme cases contribute to malnutrition; out-of-place teeth can lead to prematurely worn-down molars; and severely crooked teeth, because they are more difficult to clean, contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

What to expect when you first meet an Orthodontist

On your first visit, the orthodontist will introduce themselves and listen to your concerns. They will then perform a brief examination of your teeth, and likely order x-rays. These may be taken in the office and developed while you wait, or you may need to make a second appointment to discuss the results.

Your orthodontist will take into consideration your current teeth alignment, information from the x-rays, and other factors, such as your age, to decide which treatment option(s) to suggest for correcting your situation and/or preventing problems in the future. They should provide a complete explanation of what each procedure entails, including the estimated amount of time it would require, how often you need to return for adjustment visits, what pain (if any) you should expect, what costs are involved, and a realistic assessment of how successful the treatment would be for your particular situation. Orthodontic services typically include some combination of braces and a retainer, though other treatments (like palate expanders) may be used in certain cases.

Orthodontic services

Braces are small brackets adhered to each tooth using special glue, and then connected to one another by a thin wire. The orthodontist periodically adjusts each bracket, generally every few weeks, to slowly cause the teeth to shift positions due to the increased pressure. Typical braces are stainless steel, but a patient may choose (purely for cosmetic reasons) plastic or ceramic brackets, and/or clear or colored wire, based on their personal preferences.

The average brace treatment lasts from one to three years, but may be longer or shorter depending on the severity of the irregularities. While most orthodontists agree that it is easier to use braces on younger patients, whose mouths have not finished growing, they can also be successfully used on most adult patients. New invisible braces are now available to treat certain cases.

Retainers are removable metal devices that wrap around the bottom and top rows of teeth to hold them in place. While a retainer may be used alone to correct orthodontic problems, it is most typically used after braces are removed to ensure teeth maintain their new positions. Often, patients wear retainers full-time (except for eating and brushing) immediately after having their braces removed, and then wear them only at night for an extended length of time. Teenagers with braces should expect to wear their retainer until their early twenties in order for their new smile to last a lifetime.