When we think of orthodontics, we often picture braces, retainers, and friendly, straight smiles. But did you know that orthodontics is more than just cosmetic dentistry? Orthodontics started in ancient times and continues to innovate in the wonders of dental alignment.
It isn’t only about aligning your teeth. It is a profession that requires additional years of education and training beyond dental school to acquire the necessary expertise in correcting dental and jaw abnormalities. Without orthodontics, aligning the teeth and positioning the jaws can be challenging.
A few exciting and less well-known things about orthodontic care might surprise you.
Only a Few Are Certified Invisalign Elite Providers
Becoming a qualified Invisalign Elite Provider takes work. It is a certification provided to orthodontists with a high level of expertise in utilizing the Invisalign treatment for several patients. Align Technology, the manufacturer of Invisalign, often requires orthodontists to attend continuing education programs about Invisalign.
To become a Certified Invisalign Elite Provider like an orthodontist in Westminster, they should have handled at least 300 active cases of Invisalign treatment and cared for 50 patients every six months. It can be challenging for an orthodontist to achieve this without expertise in this technology.
This criterion guarantees that the orthodontist has adequate hands-on expertise using Invisalign to treat various orthodontic problems. The orthodontist’s track record is analyzed by Align Technology, considering aspects like the precision of treatment planning, the level of patient satisfaction, and the accomplishment of all treatment goals.
Not All Dentists Are Orthodontists
You read it right. Not all dentists can perform the tasks of an orthodontist. On the other hand, orthodontists can do what treatments a dentist can provide.
Dentists are specialists with extensive education and training in oral health care. They are the ones who will be in charge of your routine dental examinations, cleanings, and fillings, in addition to any other essential dental treatments you may require.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, are a unique subset of dental specialists and belong to the area of dentistry. They are general dentists who have completed additional training to become orthodontic specialists. They focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities, particularly those that affect the teeth and jaws.
They study complexities of tooth movement, jaw alignment, facial aesthetics, and various treatment options.
Orthodontists Use a Very Light Metal for Braces
Traditional orthodontic brackets and wires come from stainless steel, an excellent material for this purpose. It is exceptionally robust and long-lasting, which is necessary given that braces must be able to endure the stresses applied to the teeth while they straighten.
It’s also highly biocompatible. It works on teeth alignment without the risk of allergic responses–no one wants to experience unwelcome pain or irritation due to braces. It is also cost-effective, making it more affordable for dental patients.
But there are also other options aside from metal. Ceramic brackets allow for a more discreet look. It blends with your teeth color, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Orthodontist Consultation May Start at Seven Years Old
While some think the age of seven is still young, bringing them for an orthodontist consultation can catch potential orthodontic issues that may arise in the future. At this age, children start to lose their baby teeth and get replaced with permanent ones. Orthodontists can clearly understand how their teeth align and how their jaws develop.
It doesn’t necessarily mean they need braces at this early age. It is because diagnosing and treating some tooth problems while a child is still developing is far simpler. Orthodontists can devise individualized treatment plans to direct jaw growth by first recognizing any possible issues that may arise early.
Improving Your Overall Health
If your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, you may experience difficulties chewing and speaking and potentially develop jaw pain or migraines. Additionally, a good set of teeth makes us smile more frequently. The practice of orthodontics can instill confidence in us by altering our smiles and improving our general look.
The treatment you receive for your orthodontic issues may improve your gut health. Chewing and digestion might be adversely affected when your teeth are not aligned correctly, or your bite needs to be entirely right. Your digestive system will have an easier time doing its work if your teeth are correctly aligned since this will assist in breaking down food more efficiently.
Orthodontic treatments also provide long-term benefits. Straightening your teeth and adjusting your bite can help your teeth last longer, be less likely to break, and even stop problems like tooth loss.
Book an Appointment with a Reputable Orthodontist to Know More About The Profession
Orthodontics is an exciting field about more than just making teeth straight. Asking an orthodontist with years of experience, like Kumra Ortho, will help you understand how they can work their magic to transform your smile.
At Kumra Ortho, all personnel can answer any treatment-related questions, including the latest advancements in orthodontic care. These orthodontists also offer the best solutions for any situation at an affordable rate to help you plan your treatment.
