What You Need to Know about Orthodontic Specialist

Having misaligned teeth often makes a person feel less confident. But worry not! Issues with crooked or crowded teeth can be addressed by visiting an orthodontic specialist. Let’s get to know this dental specialist.

An orthodontic specialist is a professional in the field of dentistry with the skills to diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaw structures.

In addition to correcting existing dental issues, orthodontic specialists are also trained to identify potential dental problems that may develop later in children during their growth and development stages.

 

Medical Treatments Provided by Orthodontic Specialists
Orthodontic specialists perform orthodontic treatments using devices such as braces, aligners, and myofunctional appliances to correct the position and arrangement of teeth in the mouth.

Conditions that can be treated by an orthodontic specialist include:

• Malocclusion: a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth that prevents proper contact when biting. The upper jaw may be too far forward (overbite), or the lower jaw may be too far forward (crossbite).

• Crowded teeth: an overcrowded arrangement of teeth in the jaw, causing overlapping or lack of space for teeth to grow in their proper positions.

• Gaps between teeth: a condition where there are large spaces between the teeth.

• Crooked teeth: a condition where teeth cannot grow straight or are misaligned with other teeth.

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve oral function, allowing for more comfortable biting, chewing, and speaking. Besides health reasons, well-aligned teeth also enhance facial aesthetics.

Treatment with braces and aligners ideally begins in childhood or adolescence. This is because children and teenagers are in a growth phase, making it easier to effectively manage misaligned teeth or jaw structure changes. However, orthodontic specialists can provide treatment for all ages.

 

When to Visit an Orthodontic Specialist?
If you experience or notice misaligned or overlapping teeth, it is recommended to see an orthodontic specialist. The specialist will conduct a series of examinations to determine the diagnosis and necessary medical actions.

An initial examination is also advised for children, especially around age 7, to detect and address dental development issues early on. If you need further consultation, schedule a session with an orthodontic specialist at Tzu Chi Hospital.