OrthodontistPhiladelphia, PA

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses primarily on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of misalignment of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists work with all age groups, from early childhood to late adulthood. However, an orthodontist may choose to focus on one particular age bracket. Orthodontists correct existing teeth alignment issues and jaw irregularities as well as work to prevent future conditions from developing or progressing. An orthodontist helps treat dental abnormalities, including crooked teeth, bite problems, crowded teeth, teeth that are too far apart, gapped teeth, and jaw misalignment.

Orthodontists must undergo an orthodontic program after completing dental school. An orthodontic residency program includes 2 to 3 years of additional specialized training. The program consists of intensive, focused instruction in two disciplines, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, in which they learn how to properly guide development in the teeth, jaw, and face.

When to See an Orthodontist

Orthodontists primarily treat oral abnormalities using fixed or removable dental devices, such as braces, retainers, clear aligners, and bands, to gradually shift the teeth into proper position. The AAO encourages patients to see an orthodontist when experiencing issues such as:

• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close lips
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed
• Mouth breathing
• Protruding teeth
• Speech difficulty
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits

Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or do not meet at all. Misaligned teeth can have a negative impact on oral and overall health due to inadequate brushing and flossing of poorly positioned teeth. These conditions often lead to tooth decay, gum disease, pain, or difficulty chewing. Seeking orthodontic treatment in the early stages of a condition holds tremendous oral and general health benefits and can prevent various conditions from arising.

What to Expect During Initial Orthodontist Appointment

At the patient’s initial consultation, we take X-rays and digital images of their entire mouth, including teeth, gumline, and jaw. We may also take an impression, or mold of the mouth by pressing a tray of dental material into the upper and lower jaws. This will give us an exact mold of the mouth to create a perfect fit for the chosen appliance. We will physically examine the teeth, ask questions about hygiene and personal preferences, and answer any questions the patient has.

During the following appointment, we will place the appliance agreed upon by the patient. Our team will instruct the patient on care and maintenance as well as any required future visits. Patients may need to come in every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the type of treatment they undergo. Subsequent visits are crucial to ensure the teeth and jaw are moving as desired and to correct any issues before they progress.

How Orthodontists Fit in an Overall Oral Health Plan

Regular dental visits are still integral to one's oral health in order to properly clean the teeth and detect early signs of decay or deterioration. The Oral Health Foundation encourages regular dental visits for many reasons, including examination and prevention of oral cancers, prevention of gum disease, tooth whitening consultations, early detection of oral health conditions, and patient education such as oral hygiene care and maintenance.

Orthodontists and dentists work together to provide patients with an overall oral treatment plan. Working in tandem means patients acquire more dental health benefits. Our primary focus as orthodontists is to treat misalignment and jaw issues, while a primary care dentist focuses on keeping the mouth clean and healthy.