Many people wonder what the difference is between a dentist and an orthodontist, and who they should see. An Orthodontist is a dentist who has had several additional years of training in all areas of orthodontics specialties. Whenever the reason for seeking advice or treatment has to do with the alignment of the teeth, an orthodontist is certainly the doctor to see.
The alignment of the teeth involves several different things. While braces straightening crooked teeth are certainly one major factor in orthodontist practices, this is only one of several alignment problems known as malocclusions.
Spaces between the teeth are called gaps or gapping. Minor gapping problems occur in those whose front teeth do not connect; major problems involve many spaces all throughout the mouth. This is generally the result of a broad arch in the jaw, and without correction the patient may experience many problems throughout life.
Underbites and overbites are both significant alignment problems that can lead to distress later in life. Children with these types of malocclusion problems often suffer from poor nutrition because they cannot chew their food easily. As a child grows, a severe underbite or overbite can cause speech impediments. This can also lead to uneven wear of the teeth leaving an awkward bite pattern that will require more extensive correction if left untreated. Some adults with underbites require surgery to help solve breathing problems and end difficulties while eating.
Crowding can sometimes be so severe that some of teeth are forced to grow in front of or behind other teeth rather than in the natural row. This presents a very complex problem to correct through braces, and only a true expert in the area of alignment should treat these extreme cases.
Sometimes patients have extremely small mouths that will never be able to fit every tooth unless at least some are extracted. If a practitioner recommends extractions before using braces or any other form of aligner the patient should seek a second opinion, just in case. Occasionally one orthodontist may recommend what he or she knows best, but there may be another orthodontist who specializes in a different treatment that can address properly aligning severe crowding without pulling teeth. If multiple specialists agree, then the extractions are probably necessary.
After proper diagnosis of alignment problems, orthodontists have many choices to treat individual cases. A crossbite is similar to an underbite or overbite, but, as implied by the name, the bite lands sideways. A metal appliance can be placed within the upper jawline to slowly adjust this problem until the teeth have all shifted into complete alignment. All other troubles such as crowding and gapping can usually be fixed easily with many different types of clear braces, lingual braces, or even removable custom alignment trays.
Regardless of age or diagnoses, the only dentists who can treat alignment problems are those who have extensive orthodontics Toronto training. Many different treatments are available, each requiring several years of training and experience. Choose an orthodontist best equipped to treat the specific problem for the best results.
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