An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional residency in orthodontics following dental school. Such a professional practices a specialized form of dentistry concerned mostly with straightening the teeth.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional residency
in orthodontics following dental school. Such a professional practices a
specialized form of dentistry concerned mostly with straightening the
teeth with special tools such as braces and retainers. These tools apply
pressure to crooked teeth over time, bringing them into a proper
alignment. People see these specialists when they have crooked teeth or
have an underbite or an overbite. Most of the time, the procedure is
cosmetic rather than to fix health problems. Braces used to be an almost
exclusive province of the young, but more and more adults are now
taking advantage of orthodontics to straighten out their teeth later in
life.
It might seem like a recent development, but the very beginnings of the
field can be traced back clear to 400 B.C. In those times, Hippocrates
made writings concerning the early attempts at straightening out crooked
teeth. Of course, it was a long time before the science began to look
anything like we know it now. Several advances were made in the 19th
century, mostly under the close research and observations of Dr. Norman
Kingsley and Dr. Edward Angle. Separately, they came up with the main
focus of the science, which was using external pressure to bring teeth
into alignment. Angle is known as the father of modern orthodontics for
his work in advancing the field.
Though many people go to see an orthodontist for cosmetic reasons, there
are some health issues in some that choose to get braces. Severely
misaligned teeth or jaws can lead to pain and problems with eating. Also
of note is the difficulty some people have following a proper brushing
and flossing regimen when their teeth are too out of alignment. If
overlapped teeth keep food trapped, it can lead to premature decay and
cavities. Anyone with misaligned teeth should talk frankly with their
regular dentist about the benefits they could receive as a result of
getting braces or some other form of alignment.
The education required to become an orthodontist cannot be understated.
Simply to become a dentist, they must complete a bachelor’s degree,
which typically takes four years in today’s institutions (if not
longer). They must then be accepted to and attend dental school, which
is an additional four years of training and education. After becoming
licensed, they then must embark on an orthodontics residency, which
could last as long as two years before they can move into their own
practice.
When looking for an orthodontist in San Jose to correct some issues with
your teeth, know that many adults are now electing to have orthodontic
work done. Braces no longer carry the stigma they once did, and the
results can be life changing. To learn more about orthodontic services
offered in your area, please visit http://www.accu-dental.com/
