Overview
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone an additional 2-3 years of training in order to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontics is a dental specialty which aims to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities, such as malocclusions (bad bites).
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:
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Anterior-Posterior problems – Common examples of anteroposterior deviations include underbite (the lower teeth are positioned further forward than upper teeth) and overbite (the upper teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth). Both of these deviations can cause difficulty articulating and chewing.
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Overcrowding – Overcrowding is one of the most common problems orthodontists treat. On occasion, lack of jawbone space means adult teeth cannot erupt in alignment with existing teeth. The orthodontist is able to align the teeth using a number of different appliances.
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Aesthetic issues – In some cases, the shape of the whole face is negatively impacted by malocclusions or a bad bite. The orthodontist can restructure and realign the jaw, lips and teeth to create a beautiful, even smile.
If you have any questions about orthodontists and the treatments they provide, please contact our office
For more information about Orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, please complete our online form or call 415.461.9755.