Who provides orthodontic treatment?
Your family general dentist is responsible for coordinating your dental treatment and this may encompass any orthodontic treatment plan including diagnosis, examinations and some orthodontic procedures. However, for more extensive orthodontic treatment your general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist – a specialist with extra training in the development, prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite and jaws.
Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic problems. If the dentist thinks the patient should see a specialist for treatment, he or she will provide a referral to an orthodontist. Orthodontics is a specialty area of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/specialties/definitions.asp . The purpose of orthodontics is to treat malocclusion through braces, corrective procedures and other “appliances” to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Read more about orthodontists and orthodontic treatment at www.braces.org . Although treatment plans are customized for each patient, most wear their braces from one to three years, depending on what conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their new positions. Although a little discom
Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic problems. If the dentist thinks the patient should see a specialist for treatment, he or she will provide a referral to an orthodontist. Orthodontics is a specialty area of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat malocclusion through braces, corrective procedures and other “appliances” to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Although treatment plans are customized for each patient, most wear their braces from one to three years, depending on what conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their new positions. Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usuall
