Are you considering where to find an Orthodontist in Stamford? If you are struck with many choices when deciding how to choose an orthodontist, it’s good to consider what treatments you need. Let’s first understand what an orthodontist can do for you.
What does an Orthodontist do?
Orthodontists are specialists. One of their primary job functions is to design, fabricate, or use orthodontic appliances to realign jaws and crooked teeth in order to allow for normal functioning and to improve the aesthetic appearance of smiles. They specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaw causing facial irregularities. Aside from that, they can also provide the foundation for proper tooth, jaw and lip support. Here are some of the many responsibilities of an orthodontist:
- Treating occlusion issues and other oral conditions.
- Fitting patients for various orthodontic appliances.
- Scheduling regular checkups with patients to make adjustments to orthodontic appliances, such as tightening braces, and tracking patient progress.
- Educating patients about ongoing orthodontic care and explaining proper oral hygiene methods for good oral health.
Types of orthodontic appliances:
- Elastics (Rubber Bands) – Helps improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth.
- Forsus™ – An alternative to headgear. Helps promote growth in adolescents, o eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
- Headgear – Used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw.
- Herbst® Appliance – Used mostly for children and is worn for about 12-15 months. It reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward.
- Separators or Spacers – Placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
- Twin Block Appliance – Unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full time, and removable for easy hygiene.
- Palatal Expander – Used to expand or widen your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made.
- Retainers – They can be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened.
- Positioners – Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for four to eight weeks.
When do you need an Orthodontist?
You can schedule to see an orthodontist if any of these criteria sound familiar to you:
- Your teeth are crooked, misaligned, or overcrowded
- You have an overbite or an underbite
- Your teeth affect your ability to chew food or speak properly
- Your teeth are giving you various aches and pains
You may also like to meet an orthodontist if you want to readjust any of your orthodontic appliances or to fix the overall look of your teeth for appearance purposes.
Difference between a dentist and orthodontist.
An orthodontist is not to be confused with a dentist. A dentist helps patients maintain good dental health. Dentistry is a broad medical field that focuses on the health of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentists treat a wide variety of oral health issues and diseases including cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases such as gingivitis.
A dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health and provide you with the hygienic care you need. An orthodontist will be able to evaluate the alignment of your teeth and determine the best course of action to correct your bite.
At Stamford Dental Spa, we offer a range of different treatments to suit every patient’s needs. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 or Contact us to book an appointment with our Orthodontist.