Orthodontist: Help For Your Crooked Teeth

That perfect smile that we all wish we had can now be a reality, thanks to recent advances in the field of dentistry. The first step on the road to perfection, however, is to make sure your teeth are straight, since crooked teeth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Learn what a visit to the orthodontist can do for you.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in using braces to treat malocclusion, which means your teeth are not aligned correctly in your mouth. Using appliances and instruments such as trays, palatal extenders, and braces, your teeth will be slowly forced into proper position, which will also improve your ability to talk and chew. Additionally, since your chances of tooth decay and gum disease are increased due to difficulty cleaning your crowded teeth, your overall dental health will be improved with braces. Because your teeth will continue to move in your mouth, if your malocclusion is not addressed, the overall structure of your face may change, which could cause additional problems such as sleep apnea. Of course, the main reason for getting braces is aesthetics, which is of vital importance to an adolescent child.

After graduating from a four-year dental school, an orthodontist has to undergo two to three years of additional training in the field of orthodontics. In order to find a good one, you should ask friends, relatives, and neighbors for their recommendations. If your dentist has advised braces for you or a family member, you will usually be given a referral along with the names of any colleagues they can vouch for. You should check with your dental insurance to find out which dentists are on their list of approved providers, and then take the opportunity to look for any reviews of them on the Internet. Once your list is narrowed down to a few names, make an appointment for a consultation with each of them to find out more information about their services, including payment policies and office scheduling.

When you present to the office for your consultation, a full set of x-rays will be taken and photographs and a medical history will be obtained. Your mouth will be measured to determine its size and if there are any anatomical problems, such as clicking or tenderness in your jaws, as well as the severity of any tooth crowding. Treatment recommendations will be discussed, including the cost; typically, you can expect to pay approximately five to six thousand dollars, although the amount you are responsible for will vary depending on the portion your dental insurance will pay. Since regular visits are required for a year or two, look for an office that provides extras to you or your child, such as video games in the waiting room or televisions in the exam room to make your appointment more enjoyable. As far as payment is concerned, most offices have low-interest financing plans available to patients with good credit in addition to information about obtaining a bank loan.

You can get a great smile affordably and easily thanks to the latest innovations in the world of dentistry. There is no reason for you to put off calling a reputable orthodontist in your area to see what they can do for you.