Why You Should Seek Out a Braces Specialist

Braces Specialist Seattle, WA

If you already have a relationship established with a dentist, you may be understandably hesitant to seek out a specialist. However, a braces specialist offers several benefits to patients who need braces that you may want to consider.

What is a braces specialist?

An orthodontist is a braces specialist because of additional training and education. Orthodontists specialize in using dental devices such as braces, bands, and, retainers to move teeth into new positions. Orthodontists provide treatment for a variety of dental conditions, including:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crowded teeth or teeth with gaps
  • Bite problems
  • Jaw misalignments

Orthodontic treatment helps patients achieve a healthy bite. Improving the spacing and alignment of the teeth improves patients' ability to speak, chew and eat.

Education and training

Orthodontists complete the same college and dental school as other types of dentists. They also complete orthodontic school and a two- to three-year orthodontic residency program after graduating from dental school. This additional training sets a braces specialist apart from other dentists because dental schools usually offer a limited amount of orthodontic instruction.

Orthodontic residency programs consist of intensive and focused instruction on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Some orthodontists go on to complete board certification after finishing an orthodontic residency.

What are the reasons to see a braces specialist?

The most common reason people see an orthodontist is a condition called misalignment or malocclusion. Patients with this condition have tooth overcrowding, irregular bite patterns, or misshapen jaws due to hereditary differences in the size of the upper and lower jaw or the jaw and the teeth.

These issues can be complex and may require the specialized training and experience an orthodontist has that other dentists may not. Additionally, orthodontists only provide treatments within their specialty. By focusing on one particular area of dentistry, orthodontists can obtain a higher skill level and perform more procedures in that specialty than other dentists.

Braces or dental appliances

Braces or other dental appliances are commonly used to treat patients with malocclusion. The orthodontist attaches metal, plastic, or ceramic square bonds to the teeth. A set of springs and wires is used to apply force to the teeth to move them into alignment. Patients with minor malocclusion may be able to use clear braces. Patients with more severe cases may need headgear to help move the teeth into place.

What to expect at your orthodontic appointment

At your first orthodontic appointment, the dentist will perform an oral exam, take photos of your face and smile, take X-rays of your face and head, and take impressions to use for creating molds of your teeth. The dentist uses the information gathered in this exam and your dental history to make a recommendation for treatment.

Conclusion

While there is some overlap between the services offered by orthodontists and other dental providers, the higher level of experience, education, and training obtained by a braces specialist offers advantages to patients who need orthodontic treatment, such as braces.

If you need braces in Seattle, call or stop by our office to make an appointment with an orthodontist.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Braces in Seattle, WA.

 

Recent Posts

Teeth Straightening Treatments From An Orthodontist

An increasing number of Americans are opting for teeth straightening to provide a healthy, beautiful smile. Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to other dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing. Orthodontic treatment is beneficial because it can make teeth fit better and create a better bite. It can also reduce the…

Choosing Between Traditional Braces And Invisalign For Teens

Invisalign® for teens has been a popular choice for patients in this age group. It is not difficult to see why. There are many benefits that these clear aligners provide that other treatments cannot. Still, you should not take the choice between these and traditional braces lightly. It is important to give your teen the…

Invisalign For Teens

Invisalign® vs. Metal BracesAt Lovrovich Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign® for teens so that your teen can straighten his or her teeth without anyone noticing. If your teen wants to improve his or her teeth, this is an excellent way to do so. When evaluating Invisalign® vs. metal braces, there are several things that you should…

Teeth Straightening Options From Your Orthodontist

More people are recognizing the importance of teeth straightening. You can consult your dentist if you think you need this treatment. Receiving a referral to an orthodontist can present the possible types of dental straightening. Here are the different teeth straightening options that your orthodontist can offer.This type of teeth straightening system involves wearing removable,…

Recent Posts

Teeth Straightening Options From Your Orthodontist

Teeth Straightening Options From Your Orthodontist

More people are recognizing the importance of teeth straightening. You can consult your dentist if you think you need this treatment. Receiving a referral to an orthodontist can present the possible types of dental straightening. Here are the different teeth straightening options that your orthodontist can offer.This type of teeth straightening system involves wearing removable,…

The Importance Of Wearing Your Retainer After Treatment

The Importance Of Wearing Your Retainer After Treatment

You need to wear a retainer after your dental alignment. It may seem like a hassle to wear these oral appliances after finishing months of wearing braces or aligners. But it is not. This stage of dental alignment is important for the lasting results of your straightened teeth. Here are the details about the importance…