Introduction
An orthodontist is a specialist concerned with the growth and development of the jaw and treatment of irregularities in order to improve facial appearance. This is a much more specialized area of work than a Dentist who manages treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the mouth, jaws and teeth and manages their supporting tissues.
What do orthodontists do?
An orthodontist is a specialist with expertise in dental procedures, including teeth alignment correction, cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, and dental veneers. You can seek an orthodontist for your child if they need braces for teeth alignment. If interested, you could look online for a draper cosmetic dentist or a similar dentist near you for ceramic braces and invisible aligners for teeth straightening.
After the orthodontist has made an assessment, they will usually recommend a device for your child to wear in order to straighten the teeth. The devices now worn are almost invisible, whereas a few years ago they were very obvious. All this has now changed, and as the device may be required for a couple of years so it is great that you can hardly see it.
While at the orthodontist a computer model is generated, so that the device is custom made for each client, and this work is very specialised.
You may have seen mail order devices claiming a ‘DIY’ approach to orthodontistry is just as effective while saving you a lot of money – however – research has shown that while the cost is lower, so is the effectiveness. You must see an orthodontist in order to get the best results.
An orthodontist (or Ortodoncista) can also show you or your child how to properly care for teeth, which is a habit that will stay with them for life. Orthodontist treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself, or your child – and they will thank you for it later. It is never too late to see an orthodontist, as teeth are always moving in the jaw and your bite may need realigning in your 30s.
Orthodontists can potentially change lives as they can help you deal with issues that are not primarily cosmetic in nature either. In fact, they can show you how to take comprehensive measures if you suffer from conditions like Bruxism, which can be caused due to stress, depression and anxiety. If you suffer from this issue, you might have to deal with a bruxism tongue, eroded enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity among others. In order to correct it, an orthodontist might prescribe night guards or braces for you, and he or she might also teach you specific exercises and massages to do to tackle the problem. So, after a certain amount of time using the braces and massaging, its severity is likely to reduce, if not, go away.
Speaking of orthodontic devices, the total time in braces or guards can vary from 18 to 24 months, depending on its purpose. But it can take longer and as no one solution suits everyone, some people need 3 years. It is a good idea to take your child along while they are in late primary school at around 10 or 12 years and to get the treatment underway before puberty and before they become too sensitive about their appearance. The orthodontist will advise you on the best time to start the treatment.
Orthodontists in Birmingham
Birmingham is a major city in the West Midlands area of England, which was once at the centre of the Industrial Revolution, with a population of more than 1.1 million people. If you have recently moved your family to Birmingham it is a good time to take your growing children along for a consult with an orthodontist in Birmingham, as these days most children need help in order to get the perfect smile.
A recent survey showed that 75% of young people now require orthodontics in order to reduce crowding and align the bite. It is never too late to realign teeth and perfect looking teeth will give you much more confidence in your daily work and private life.