Why Straighten Teeth? Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant side effect of orthodontic treatment.
When should I see an Orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age eight. Although only a few orthodontic problems need to be corrected at that age, an early exam allows the orthodontist to offer advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age to start treatment.
Why Select an Orthodontist? Just as there are specialists in medicne(such as cardiologists, neuroligists, etc.) there are specialists in dentistry. Orthodontists are dental specialists who dedicate their professional lives to correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The majority of members of the American Association (AAO) limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists are qualified dentists. who after graduating from dental school, enroll in a full time, accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two (sometimes three) academic years. By learning about tooth movement and guidance of facial development, orthodontists are uniquely qualified experts in theses fields. Are there different types of braces? Braces differ from one another in many ways. How they attach to the teeth varies. Most attach on the cheek side of the teeth, while some attach on the tongue side. Braces vary in appearance. Some braces are clear, nearly invisible, while others are made of stainless steel and may or may not have colored elastics around them. All braces are designed to enable the orthodontist to move teeth in three dimensions. The mechanics or techniques used for moving teeth vary as well. Talk with your orthodontist about his or her approach to orthodontic treatment.
What is a Board Certified Orthodontist? A board certified orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence. The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status.
Once all baby teeth are out, you are ready for braces!
