Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and management of malpositioned teeth. The specialty can also focus on the correction of misaligned bite patterns. Some doctors specialize in dentofacial orthopedics, which is a branch of orthodontics. Here are some common problems addressed by this branch of dentistry. You may be interested in orthodontics if: The procedure is similar to those of a dentist. You may have several appointments before the treatment is complete. Initially, you'll have a consultation visit during which the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. During this visit, the doctor may take x-rays of your teeth and gums and answer any questions you have. Your orthodontist will make you comfortable with the entire process, so you won't have to worry about the discomfort associated with a dental procedure. In some cases, you may need to get a removable appliance to help control things such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Removable appliances may make eating difficult, but they are effective for correcting minor problems such as gapping. Depending on the cause, you may be required to remove the device for eating, flossing, and cleaning. Learn more about orthodontics, check here. Regardless of whether your problem is minor or major, orthodontic treatment can help you improve your smile and your self-esteem. There are several types of braces available on the market, but most require the use of elastic bands to keep the teeth in position. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and how long it takes to correct your teeth. Find out for more information right here. The average person can complete the entire treatment in about one to two years. In the case of a severe case, the treatment may take as little as six months, but for the majority of people, treatment can take as little as a year or two. To become an orthodontist, you must first have a dental degree. A doctorate in dental surgery, also known as a DDS, is required to become an orthodontist. There are ten dental schools in Canada offering this specialty. Make sure to contact the school directly to obtain the most up-to-date pre-requisites. The Canadian Dental Association expects that orthodontists receive two years of specialized training after graduation. Aside from correcting cosmetic issues, orthodontic treatment also addresses oral health issues. Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your overall appearance, which makes it hard to keep your teeth clean. Additionally, misaligned teeth can put extra stress on your chewing muscles, causing headaches and TMJ syndrome. In severe cases, misaligned teeth can even lead to back and neck pain. A professional orthodontist can help restore the confidence of your smile, leading to a more confident and happy life. Children should have their first dental checkup by seven years of age. This early checkup will detect if your child is experiencing any bite or alignment issues. Some problems may be caused by habits, such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of pacifiers. However, even if problems are detected later in childhood, early treatment will give your child the best chance of a straight smile as they grow older. So, it's always a good idea to start treatment early and avoid the need for more advanced orthodontic treatments. Take a look at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontics for more information.
