Orthodontists: Everything You Need to Know

You're undoubtedly familiar with dentists. They support your dental health by brushing and cleaning on a regular basis. Many of their locations also offer fillings and tooth extractions if needed. However, there are several subspecialties within the discipline of dentistry. An orthodontist is one of the most well-known and widely utilized. Their specialty is tooth and jaw alignment correction.

You may have heard of them, but you may want to learn more about their profession and therapies. You can see how orthodontists, such as South Belmont Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, work to maintain their patients' mouths healthy and pain-free as you read. You'll also see that they can do more than just supply braces and Invisalign in Belmont, NC.

How to Become an Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, as in any medical area, extensive coursework and training are required. The initial stage is to attend college and obtain a bachelor's degree. Anatomy, chemistry, and biology are the primary subjects that require attention. Following graduation, aspiring orthodontists must enroll in a four-year dentistry school.

Here, students will focus only on orthodontic treatment and will have the opportunity to begin treating patients. This form of hands-on instruction makes it simpler for them to transition into their position once qualified. Following the training, individuals must pass the National Board of Dental Examinations board examinations.

They are now a licensed orthodontist. However, they must complete a residency at an established clinic. This allows students to continue learning under the supervision of a fully equipped orthodontist before opening their own clinic.

How Orthodontists Treat Patients

Orthodontists employ a range of tools to treat their patients since they specialize in repairing jaw and tooth abnormalities. Braces are most typically used by orthodontists to correct bites, gaps, and misaligned teeth. Teeth aligners, which are removable plastic parts fitted to the form of teeth, are another popular choice.

Orthodontists can also help with various jaw and tooth problems. Some of their patients may have bruxism or persistent teeth grinding or clenching. This condition, if serious enough, can result in tooth loss. Other people may suffer from TMJ condition, which affects the jaw joints and causes headaches and tension.

To address both of these issues, orthodontists can design bespoke mouthguards, which are plastic molds that establish a barrier between the teeth. These tools, which are often worn at night, can help to minimize clenching and subsequent suffering. Athletes typically consult orthodontists because mouthguards protect their teeth.

What Are Some Other Dental Specialties?

As you would expect, orthodontists are simply one type of dentist that specializes in orthodontics. Depending on the severity of your tooth problem, you may need to visit many different practitioners. When your regular dentist notices a problem, he or she will usually send you to one of these experts. Among them are the following:

● Endodontists (focus on the dental pulp and root canals)

● Periodontists (focus on gum disease)

● Prosthodontists (focus on missing teeth)

All of these professionals generally collaborate and refer patients to one another as needed. They understand that their own care can only go so far and will make certain that appropriate assistance is acquired.

In Search of the Ideal Orthodontist

When you see an orthodontist, you may anticipate several follow-up appointments. Teeth and jaw problems cannot be resolved in a single session and might take years. As a result, it is critical that you visit a clinic where you fully trust the orthodontist and feel at ease with their treatment. Not only that, but some practitioners may assist you with surgical treatments!

South Belmont Orthodontics & Oral Surgery is the ideal practice for patients in Belmont, NC. They have been treating all sorts of illnesses, whether serious or mild, for many years. They maintain their gear and knowledge up to date to give the finest outcomes possible. They understand how frightening it may appear to come to them and work hard to put you at ease.

Orthodontists are capable of far more than most people realize. When you visit South Belmont Orthodontics & Dental Surgery, you will realize just how valuable they can be to you and your oral health.