A medical doctor is a professional with the appropriate training to provide medical diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures.
They have an in-depth knowledge of the human body and its processes, allowing them to give their patients the best possible care.
Dentists and orthodontists are also considered doctors, despite the common misconception that “doctor” only refers to medical doctors.
Who is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist with advanced training in detecting, preventing, and correcting malocclusions (bad bites) and other dental and facial anomalies.
They specialize in correcting jaw and teeth misalignments to restore oral health and improve smile appearance.
The goal of orthodontic therapy is more than to give patients a straighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
In addition to improving aesthetics, oral function and preventing dental disorders, orthodontic therapy is meant to correct bite difficulties.
Is Being An Orthodontist A Good Career Path?
Yes, it is. Good money, great demand, and helping others are some benefits of becoming an orthodontist, but the expensive expense of education, high stress, and long hours are some drawbacks.
A person’s confidence and happiness may increase after visiting an orthodontist to correct aesthetic flaws in their smile.
Additionally, orthodontists assist dental patients in achieving optimal dental health through regular examinations and operations designed to enhance the smile.
There are many factors, including the job outlook, to consider if you’re considering becoming an orthodontist.
How to Become an Orthodontist
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree
A Bachelor’s degree is required to enter orthodontic residency programs and dentistry schools.
To prepare for a medical career, future orthodontists are generally prominent in various natural disciplines throughout their undergraduate education.
2. Pass the DAT Exam:
Students who want to study dentistry after completing their Bachelor’s degrees are expected to do well on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Dental school lasts typically four years, during which students are exposed to every field facet. They study oral anatomy, dental procedures, radiography, and oral pathology.
After completing an accredited dental school, graduates are awarded either the DDS or the DMD degree. But this is only the first step in an orthodontist’s long and rewarding career.
3. Complete Additional Schooling and Residency Programs:
Dentists who want to specialize in orthodontics must undergo extensive training beyond dental school.
These programs run between two and three years and are designed to give students a comprehensive education in orthodontics.
Aspiring orthodontists might learn the ropes by shadowing seasoned professionals in the field during a residency program.
They gain expertise in identifying dental and facial anomalies, designing appropriate treatment plans, and successfully enforcing those programs with orthodontic appliances.
Dentists who have completed an orthodontic residency program and a board examination can use the term “Orthodontic Specialist.”
Orthodontists vs. Dentists
Dentists specializing in various dental conditions provide general dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals.
However, orthodontists focus solely on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
They have extensive orthodontic training and can effectively diagnose and treat malocclusions and other orthodontic issues.
Orthodontists have extensive facial growth and development knowledge, allowing them to design individualized treatment strategies.
They use braces, aligners, and other orthodontic tools to gently shift teeth into place, enhancing oral health and appearance.
NB: Orthodontic treatment times range from patient to patient based on several factors. Some patients may need to undergo treatment for a longer amount of time than others.
Accelerated orthodontics and other developments in orthodontic technology can potentially shorten treatment times. More so, Orthodontists strive to treat patients quickly without sacrificing effectiveness.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
1. Traditional Braces:
Metal brackets are used in traditional braces affixed to the teeth’s enamel. Throughout the course of therapy, a wire will be inserted through each bracket and tightened at intervals.
Brackets, wires, and elastic bands make up metal braces. Overcrowding, spacing between teeth, and bad bites are just some of the orthodontic problems they fix efficiently.
Metal braces are still evident, but modern versions are more discreet and pleasant.
2. Clear Aligners:
Clear aligners, a transparent, plastic alternative to traditional dental braces, are an orthodontic appliance that straightens teeth. Clear aligners like Invisalign have recently skyrocketed in popularity.
These clear, custom-fit trays gently reposition teeth over time. Since clear aligners can be removed, patients may brush and floss their teeth normally and enjoy all their favorite foods without hassle.
3. Retainers:
A teeth retainer is an oral appliance designed to be worn over the teeth to keep them in place. It aids in maintaining the straightness of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Wearing a retainer is a standard need after finishing orthodontic treatment. Retainers keep teeth in their new location and stop them from moving.
Retainers can be detachable or permanently glued to the back of the teeth.
4. Orthognathic Surgery:
Extreme cases of jaw irregularity may be too severe for orthodontic therapy to fix.
In some instances, orthognathic surgery may be performed by a team of specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontics.
Alignment and balance of the jaws are the goals of this surgical procedure. It’s worth stressing that orthodontic care isn’t just for kids and teens.
Orthodontic treatment is not just for children; many adults seek it to fix old dental problems or improve their smiles.
Surgery aims to improve the face’s aesthetics by realigning the dentoalveolar structures of the maxilla and mandible to produce a class I dental occlusion.
Importance of Orthodontic Treatment
1. It corrects Bite Issues:
Biting, chewing, and speaking can all be affected by malocclusions like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. In addition, they can cause tooth decay, headaches, and jaw pain.
Orthodontic therapy can improve dental function and alleviate discomfort by correcting specific bite abnormalities.
2. It enhances Oral Hygiene:
When teeth are crowded or crooked, flossing and brushing them properly becomes more difficult.
It’s possible that you’ll be less successful in preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by brushing and flossing.
Orthodontic treatment increases the likelihood of good oral hygiene and decreases the likelihood of dental disorders by straightening the teeth.
NB: People of various ages can benefit from receiving orthodontic care.
Orthodontic treatment is sought by many individuals to fix or improve their smiles after years of neglect. A beautiful, self-assured grin can be yours at any age.
3. It Prevents Dental Complications:
Dental problems can arise from uncorrected tooth and jaw misalignment.
When teeth are too close, bacteria and food cannot easily pass between them, leading to cavities and gum disease.
Long-term dental health is improved by orthodontic treatment, which helps prevent these issues.
4. It Boosts Self-Confidence:
A person’s confidence and sense of worth can be significantly boosted by simply fixing their teeth and smiling more attractively.
Patients benefit from increased self-esteem and confidence after undergoing orthodontic treatment because of the positive effects on their oral health and the aesthetics of their smile.
NB: Although some early discomfort is to be expected during orthodontic treatment, the process is usually not painful.
After adjustments, some patients may feel a little tender or uncomfortable, but that’s easily remedied with over-the-counter pain medications and wax to protect the skin.
Orthodontists strive to make their patients as comfortable as possible during treatment.
FAQs on Orthodontists Being Doctors
Orthodontic therapy aims to achieve more than just a symmetrical smile. While improved aesthetics is a nice side effect of wearing braces, ordinary dentists typically lack the specialized training needed to diagnose and treat issues related to the jaw and bite.
Your wisdom teeth can be extracted whenever an orthodontist or dentist determines it is essential due to the presence of infections or cysts brought on by the teeth continued development.
The region around your wisdom teeth will be numbed, so you shouldn’t feel discomfort as they’re extracted. You should inform your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience discomfort throughout the operation.
Conclusion
Orthodontists have extensive medical training and are uniquely prepared to treat orthodontic issues.
They restore a patient’s dental health, function, and self-esteem. Thanks to their training and experience, orthodontists can create individualized treatment regimens for their patients.
They use cutting-edge technology and methods to deliver excellent orthodontic care.
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