Their main focus is on the prevention and treatment of "improper bites". Failure to receive orthodontic care when necessary can result in serious tooth problems including misplaced teeth, crooked jaws and generally poor dental health. Orthodontics is one of several subclasses of dentistry.
Like most health related issues, the sooner you catch a dental problem the better. Orthodontic check ups are no exception. It is a widely accepted norm that by the age of at least seven all children should receive some kind of orthodontic evaluation. Many issues that orthodontists deal with can take years to fix and catching them at an early stage could end up saving you hundreds if not 1000's of dollars.
Some adults who needed treatment as children, but whose parents didn't have the resources or opportunity to provide them treatment, often think it's too late for them to get help. While an older adult's jaw and teeth may no longer be growing, they can still be shaped with professional help. Don't underestimate what a well trained and well equipped orthodontist can accomplish when they get you into their office! Even small improvements to your jaw and tooth alignment can pay off over the years in greater comfort and longer lasting teeth.What specifically does an orthodontist do? Basically they use various procedures and specific tools to shape and sculpt the jaw and teeth so they grow in as straight as possible. Again, the sooner a problem is dealt with the better. The good news however, is that even if you have needed and avoided treatment for years, it is not too late; in order to avoid early loss of teeth and other mouth problems, it is still worthwhile for adults to get to an orthodontist. New procedures and treatments are constantly being developed and a good orthodontist will keep up-to-date with the best and newest techniques.
It's not easy to find a good orthodontist in some locations. Obviously, if you trust your dentist, go with thier recommendations at least initially. Be sure to query acquaintances, look at some online reviews, and of course check out the websites. In addition, be sure to:
Start a spreadsheet in your computer, or go low tech and use a piece of paper to begin recording and organizing information about each possible orthodontist you come across during your research.
Figure out if you are covered under insurance or benefits and perhaps bring it up when talking to the receptionist.
If you've done some online research, you should be aware of some current trends in the field. Ask about them to see if they are familiar with them and if they offer them; this is a good sign if they do, as it illustrates they are up-to-date.
Given the possiblity of cancellations and short notice visits from their existing clients, be prepared with your schedule in case they want to get you in sooner than you expected.
Once you've done the initiall call through, review your notes and make a short list of potential offices and doctors.
Call your shortlist with any remaining or new questions you've come up with, and/or to schedule a consult.
A good orthodontist and office staff will happily answer all your questions. The more you know about each place the more informed of a decision you can make!
Like most health related issues, the sooner you catch a dental problem the better. Orthodontic check ups are no exception. It is a widely accepted norm that by the age of at least seven all children should receive some kind of orthodontic evaluation. Many issues that orthodontists deal with can take years to fix and catching them at an early stage could end up saving you hundreds if not 1000's of dollars.
Some adults who needed treatment as children, but whose parents didn't have the resources or opportunity to provide them treatment, often think it's too late for them to get help. While an older adult's jaw and teeth may no longer be growing, they can still be shaped with professional help. Don't underestimate what a well trained and well equipped orthodontist can accomplish when they get you into their office! Even small improvements to your jaw and tooth alignment can pay off over the years in greater comfort and longer lasting teeth.What specifically does an orthodontist do? Basically they use various procedures and specific tools to shape and sculpt the jaw and teeth so they grow in as straight as possible. Again, the sooner a problem is dealt with the better. The good news however, is that even if you have needed and avoided treatment for years, it is not too late; in order to avoid early loss of teeth and other mouth problems, it is still worthwhile for adults to get to an orthodontist. New procedures and treatments are constantly being developed and a good orthodontist will keep up-to-date with the best and newest techniques.
It's not easy to find a good orthodontist in some locations. Obviously, if you trust your dentist, go with thier recommendations at least initially. Be sure to query acquaintances, look at some online reviews, and of course check out the websites. In addition, be sure to:
Start a spreadsheet in your computer, or go low tech and use a piece of paper to begin recording and organizing information about each possible orthodontist you come across during your research.
Figure out if you are covered under insurance or benefits and perhaps bring it up when talking to the receptionist.
If you've done some online research, you should be aware of some current trends in the field. Ask about them to see if they are familiar with them and if they offer them; this is a good sign if they do, as it illustrates they are up-to-date.
Given the possiblity of cancellations and short notice visits from their existing clients, be prepared with your schedule in case they want to get you in sooner than you expected.
Once you've done the initiall call through, review your notes and make a short list of potential offices and doctors.
Call your shortlist with any remaining or new questions you've come up with, and/or to schedule a consult.
A good orthodontist and office staff will happily answer all your questions. The more you know about each place the more informed of a decision you can make!
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