Should You Be Seeing an Orthodontist?

By Wesley Daczkowski, DDS

Dr. D’s Smiles and Daczkowski Orthodontics

. https://daczkowskiortho.com/

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Should You Be Seeing an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that concentrates in the moving of teeth and jaws to not only create a gorgeous smile, but to give the patient the best function possible for teeth that will last a lifetime.

Not only do aligned teeth make it easier for you to bite, chew, and speak, they make people feel good. When you see someone with a great smile, do you notice their confidence, energy, and good self-esteem?  That is exactly what orthodontists aim to give every patient.

What Additional Education Does an Orthodontist Have?

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, an orthodontist must graduate as a dentist first, and pass the dental board exam to obtain his dentistry license.  Then they must complete orthodontics specialty training consisting of 2-3 more years, specifically focusing on teeth movement, alignment, and jaws. This additional training should give the patient confidence in an orthodontist’s expertise and their ability to move teeth to perfection.   

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the governing organization for orthodontists who bring them the most current best practices, education, health laws, and any other news focusing on the specialty of orthodontics.  Orthodontists rely on this professional organization to stay up to date.

When Should You Take Your Child To an Orthodontist?

The AAO recommends that all children should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.  Although younger children do not have their full set of adult teeth, there are several appliances that the orthodontist can utilize to manipulate bone and help influence teeth growth.

Is Orthodontics Only For Children?

No. Many adults benefit from teeth alignment. In years past, it was not common for adults to seek orthodontic treatment, but this is no longer the case.

There are now affordable treatment options for all ages. These include: traditional braces, clear braces or Invisalign^®. Invisalign is especially helpful to teens and adults who don’t want to be seen wearing braces.

Additional Benefits

Proper teeth alignment not only makes your smile look great, it can help prevent uneven or excessive wear of the teeth.  Straighter teeth are much easier to clean, promoting enhanced oral hygiene.

When you choose an AAO orthodontist, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist and an expert in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Schedule an appointment today and let them help you create the smile you’ve always wanted.