When do you need an orthodontist

First, a dentist vs orthodontist will have similar educational backgrounds. If accepted into dental school, they must complete a four-year doctoral program. After graduation, a general dentist may begin to practice dentistry. Dentists will earn either a D.

Both degrees require the same curriculum, but schools will call them one or the other. At this point, to become an orthodontist, the dentist must then serve a two- or three-year residency in orthodontics at an American Dental Association approved university-affiliated program. Ideally, an orthodontist will be certified by the American Board of Orthodontics , the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association. An orthodontist will typically tag his or her name with D.

So in comparing the educational backgrounds of a dentist vs orthodontist, both require extensive schooling before practicing. A dentist must complete 8 years of higher education while an orthodontist has to complete 10 or 11 years in order to specialize. Now you know that both dentists and orthodontists have an extensive educational background before they start practicing their profession.

And orthodontists are more specialized with higher education. But which one do you need for your dental issue? Typically your primary care dental provider, a dentist will diagnose, treat and manage your overall oral health care.

This includes performing routine dental work like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. But a dentist will also remove or repair problem teeth, fill cavities and make models for dentures. A dentist office employs several dental hygienists, who typically take care of your X-rays and cleaning while helping the dentist with other tasks as needed. Some dentists complete additional coursework and offer orthodontic services.

If the orthodontist can't find a problem, your child might use some soft orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots on the braces that are bothersome or rubbing against the inside of the mouth or gums. Braces create nice smiles, but that's not all they do. Good orthodontic care contributes greatly to oral health. Straight, aligned teeth can make it easier to chew food, and can even help prevent snoring. But these benefits don't come cheap.

Fortunately, there are ways to get braces at a reduced cost:. It's worth the effort and patience it takes to find an orthodontist who will treat your child. Straight teeth are more than just attractive — they can help keep your child's mouth healthy for a lifetime. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Why Kids Need Braces Kids can need braces for any number of reasons, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a "bad bite" known as malocclusion.

Type of Braces Braces correct alignment problems by putting steady pressure on the teeth, which eventually moves them into a straighter position.

Fortunately, there are ways to get braces at a reduced cost: Smiles Change Lives. This program serves kids and teens between the ages of 10 and 18 in all 50 states. To be eligible, your family can't earn more than a certain amount based on where you live and how many people are in your family. In addition to the income requirements, your child's teeth must be well cared for.

For more information or to apply, visit the Smiles Change Lives website. Dental schools. After completing dental school, dentists who want to specialize in orthodontics must continue their training in specialized programs.

At these dental schools, kids can often get braces at a reduced rate. These schools are especially interested in complicated cases. The orthodontists-in-training will be supervised by more experienced orthodontists during the treatment.

One thing to remember is that the treatment may take longer to complete than it would in an established orthodontist's office. Appointments also may need to be scheduled during school hours. Search online for a list of dental schools to find one near you. Your dentist and dental societies. Some general dentists will do braces and may be willing to work with your family on the cost. Your dentist is also a great person to ask about orthodontists in the area who might accept lower payments.

If your child needs braces, it can be a little more difficult to tell. If a child has baby teeth that are crooked or crowded, it can be a sign that they will need braces in the future. Poor nutrition during the infant and toddler stage, poor dental hygiene , and genetics are all reasons why children and adults may end up needing braces.

The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an appointment with an orthodontist no later than age 7. The logic behind this recommendation is that when a need for braces is identified, early treatment can improve outcomes. Even children with no visible crowding or slant to their teeth can benefit from a check-in with an orthodontist. The best age for getting braces varies from person to person. Most of the time, treatment with braces begins between the ages of 9 and 14, once children start to get their permanent teeth.

But for some people, treatment with braces as a child is just not possible. Whether because of expense, inconvenience, or lack of diagnosis, many people have to put off orthodontic treatment until their adult years.

Remember that as you age, your jaw will continue to grow, which can cause an increased crowding or narrowing of your teeth. Metal braces, ceramic braces , and invisible braces are the most common types of teeth straightening treatments. This surgery can be a minor procedure to change the way your teeth are aligned in your mouth.

It can also be a more serious process whereby your jaw is surgically realigned to better accommodate speaking and chewing. Crooked and crowded teeth are the traditional telltale sign that you or your child might need braces.

There is a difference in wanting braces for cosmetic reasons and needing braces for continued oral health.