What parents need to know about Orthodontics?
It is obvious for any parents that they will care for their child’s oral health. Regular brushing, giving less sugary food, and maintaining other good habits are some of the common things that most parents knows. However, there are many people who may not be aware of the difference between a dentist and an Orthodontist. Both of them provide different treatment and have different qualifications. Orthodontics is usually associated with improving the smile of the person and make proper alignment of Oral health.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics uses their extra expertise to check the misalignment of the teeth and make proper treatment. Orthodontics does proper assessment and treatment of the tooth irregularities and making proper alignment of the jaws. Usually, it is better to make the proper assessment of the teeth at age of nine years. Orthodontic treatment can provide better results after the eruption of adult teeth. However, in some cases, it can give better results before the eruption of an adult tooth. Finally, looking at the seriousness of certain Orthodontic problems, you can get the teeth assessment at the earlier stage too.
Difference between Dentists and Orthodontist:
The basic difference between the dentist and the Orthodontist lies in their qualification. A dentist does the general dental degree, while an Orthodontist does a general dental degree and extra three years of full-time specialization in Orthodontics. An Orthodontist can help you to correct the problems like a crossbite, overbite, irregularities in teeth, improper jaw alignment, etc. For getting the Orthodontist appointment, you can either get a referral from the dentist or you can directly visit the specialized Orthodontist.
Why Orthodontics has prominence for the long-term?
Orthodontics has got a lot of prominence from the long-term point-of-view. It is mainly associated with overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overall facial structure problems. Plaque gets easily collected between the overlap area, space between the teeth, and other areas of the teeth where the brush cannot reach easily. It can further lead to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Some problems like gum disease leads to other health concerns like diabetes and high blood pressure. The misalignment in the teeth leads to problems like headaches, problems while speaking, pain in jaws, improper food chewing which causes gastrointestinal problems. Apart from these, the above problems can cause different psychological problems too.
Orthodontics at different stages of life:
You can go for the Orthodontics assessment when the age is around nine years. However, if some serious problem is there, you can even approach the Orthodontist early. As it is the combination of the baby teeth and adult teeth between the age of nine years to eleven years, the teeth can be moved in the appropriate position as required in the Orthodontic treatment. Later, during the teenage period, the person has mostly lost all the baby teeth and has adult teeth. However, in the case of the crowded teeth, there might be chances of the removal of teeth for making the space for the treatment.
When can it be ideal to see an Orthodontist?
– One has a problem while biting or chewing
– Breathing more through the mouth and lesser from nose
– Presence of protruding teeth
– They have crowded, crooked, or misplaced teeth
Apart from above things, if you find any of the other Oral health related problems then visit the expert at the earliest. Ensure that you make the initial assessment from the Orthodontist when you find any symptom.
Expert opinion
- Dr. Rupali Gujar Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “It is very important to get proper Orthodontic treatment at an early age after nice years. Problems like crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and misplaced teeth must be addressed sooner. You can either get a referral from the dentist or directly visit the Orthodontist. Getting the Orthodontics treatment is a long term process.”
