What do orthodontists specialize in

Selecting an orthodontist who is a member of this organization adds the assurance that treatment is being administered by an individual with specialty education in oral biology and biomechanics. The AAO recommends that children should first be examined by the orthodontist around the age of seven, to ensure that jaw and tooth irregularities are not beginning to form. What does an orthodontist do? Orthodontists are experts in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw.

There are many debilitating problems associated with misalignment, for example, speech defects, difficulties chewing and difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most common issues an orthodontist can successfully treat:. How does an orthodontist realign jaws and teeth? Similarities between Dentists and Orthodontists:. Both dentists and orthodontists start in the same place: they start with a 4-year degree at their choice of university and then go off to dental school either graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine D.

M or Doctor of Dental Surgery D. The main focus of both professions is centred around oral health care. Everything that has to do with the health of your gums, teeth and mouth are what these professions focus on but with that being said this is where the differences come in. Allow us to paint you a picture… Imagine, you are experiencing chest pain.

So like every rational human you make an appointment to see your family doctor. After poking around, they tell you the symptoms you have, should be seen by a specialist. To be specific a cardiologist. The same rules apply to dentists and orthodontists. Dentists focus more so on oral hygiene. Click here to find a registered orthodontist near you.

Hi Ross. Yes, orthodontists can help with this type of problem. You'll first need to make an appointment with an orthodontist to assess the health of your teeth and gums, and to discuss your potential treatment options.

You can make an appointment with an orthodontist without a referral - simply use this tool to find a registered specialist orthodontist near you. Also, if you feel as though you have been intentionally misled about your orthodontic provider's skills, qualifications or experience, you can contact the Australian Dental Association's community relations officer for advice and support in finding a suitable outcome.

July 10, What does an orthodontist do? Comments Jinnentonix says: Is there a distinction between paediatric and adult orthodontics? Thanks for any clarification. Orthodontics Australia says: Orthodontists are trained to treat patients of all ages, from kids and teens right through to adults, and as such there is no distinction within the profession.

Ross Ramsay says: My teeth are moving around, now that I have lost a few. Can this be fixed by an orthodontist? That means they work cooperatively to help you have the healthiest possible smile. Your general dentist is your first line of defense against potentially serious oral health issues that can contribute to severe overall health problems if left untreated.

Your dentist helps provide you with all the preventive care you need for better oral health, as well as routine maintenance for your smile and the occasional cosmetic upgrade. Your dentist is your best primary resource for your lifelong good dental health. Developing a healthy relationship with your dentist is essential for the long-term health of your smile because your dentist will be the first one to notice specific changes that could indicate problem spots or correction needs. These problem spots may include a variety of things, such as:.

Dentists are responsible for providing a full complement of dental and oral health care to patients of all ages and in varying states of dental health and hygiene. Dentists not only have the task of helping improve overall oral health, but also providing instruction and guidance to patients about the following:. Environmental or behavioral factors that can have negative effects on oral health, such as smoking and using tobacco.

Warning against products or home remedies that claim to help brighten and whiten smiles but harm teeth instead. Many of the services dentists provide are preventive. Some would say the most critical services dentists play in the oral health of their patients is by preventing cavities, infections and abscesses requiring more invasive treatments through routine cleanings and thorough patient education.

Delivering the appropriate treatments necessary to maintain the beauty of your smile. It has little to do with your smile and everything to do with your heart. According to Harvard Health Publishing, there is a definitive link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Your dentist can help improve your gum health so you can avoid potential heart health problems down the road. Also, experts suggest an oral health and diabetes connection. Inflammation that begins in the mouth can weaken the body's capability to control blood sugar.

Further, the gum infection known as periodontitis has been associated with low birth weight and premature birth. A lifelong relationship with your dentist can mean the difference between preserving the integrity of your teeth and the beauty of your smile or investing in extensive and extraordinary efforts to restore the beauty of your smile and the integrity of your teeth.

By contrast, orthodontists specialize in specific treatments. Their training extends beyond what your dentist has to offer for certain dental conditions.

In most cases, your dentist will recommend you seek orthodontic care if needed, or work in partnership with an orthodontist who provides the type of care you need if you require more specialized treatment. Orthodontic treatment is designed to deliver healthier smiles by improving alignment. Doing this helps do the following:. Improves alignment, creating a better ability to speak and chew food.

Relieves tension-related headaches and other health problems. Early detection and orthodontic treatment can be instrumental in helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Orthodontists can identify areas of concern for jaw growth while baby teeth are still present. Orthodontists may be able to identify developing problems they can correct preemptively. Orthodontists can provide early treatment to eliminate the need for further procedures later and may decrease the duration of the treatment. Sometimes accidents or injuries require orthodontic treatment to repair in adults.

It can still be highly effective as a tool for treating those injuries, correcting bone problems and so much more.