The Orthodontic Profession

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist in the field of orthodontics. They are qualified as a dentist, completing a five-year degree in Dentistry, but has then entered a three year masters/doctorate degree.  An exit examination known as the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) must be passed to then be placed onto the General Dental Council’s specialist list.

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities.Typically, they treat existing and developing problems as well as providing solutions to correct complex malocclusions for children, adolescents and adults.

Orthodontists use the full range of appliances to correct orthodontic problems.This includes traditional ‘train track’ braces, clear aligners or lingual braces (on the inside of the teeth). The specialist orthodontist is in the best position to recommend the most appropriate type of brace to correct an orthodontic problem.

2. Why do people see an orthodontist?

• Orthodontists are specialists
  Patients want to be treated by clinicians they trust but also experts who specialise in complex cases involving straightening teeth, improving the bite and/or the position of the jaws.
• Your smile
  Enhancing your smile can have a huge impact on your confidence and positively change your life.  It also means the additional benefit of making it easier to clean your teeth which is an associated problem with crowding.
• Psychological and physical benefits
  Orthodontic treatment doesn’t’ just focus on how straight the teeth are.  Orthodontists are concerned about how the teeth fit (also known as occlusion).  We are able to 1) Close gaps 2) Relieve crowding 3) Correct deep bites (Overbite) 4) Normalise teeth which are ‘sticking out’ (Overjet) 5) Manipulate the position of jaws by growth modification or surgery.
• Options to suit every lifestyle
  While braces are an effective way of straightening teeth, there are more options than ever before including clear aligners or lingual braces. Whichever brace you are considering, a specialist orthodontist has the training, experience and expertise to treat your teeth with any of the above appliances.
• Orthodontics for Children- interceptive treatment
  In general, comprehensive orthodontic treatment is carried out when all of the adult teeth have come through. However, some orthodontic problems present themselves in young children which can be easily managed and treated.  Interceptive treatment is any treatment that reduces the severity of a malocclusion.  Essentially, it is a short burst of orthodontics to solve a particular problem with the intention of treating with braces for a second phase of treatment at a later stage.

Waiting and doing nothing until the adult teeth come through in such cases can make the occlusion worse and, in fact, make the overall treatment more complicated.

Although early orthodontic treatment won’t be needed for all children, taking your child to see an orthodontist between the ages of 7-10 will give the orthodontist a chance to assess the alignment of your child’s teeth and jaws and determine if and when, early intervention is indicated.

What is the difference between a dentist and orthodontist?

Orthodontists complete an additional 3 years of full time training and are recognised specialists meaning they limit their practice solely to orthodontics – We do braces all day, every day!!

Orthodontists are concerned with the alignment of your teeth and jaws. We want to ensure your teeth are in their correct position which means a straighter smile and better overall oral health.

Dentists will help assess your general dental health, extract your teeth, restore your teeth (prosthodontics and endodontics), ensure your gums are healthy (periodontics) and can also carry out simple orthodontics.  Any orthodontic cases out of their scope, they will refer to a specialist orthodontist.

What is the best time to see an orthodontist for braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child should see an orthodontist at age 7.  However, not every 7 year old should automatically see an orthodontist, but it is very important for them to attend regular check-ups with their dentist.

If your child requires treatment or your dentist feels an orthodontic opinion is needed, they can be referred to a specialist for advice.  The orthodontist can:

• Assess the current developing dentition and determine whether or not there will be adequate space in the mouth for all the adult teeth. If not, you will be informed that orthodontic treatment will be required when your child becomes older.
• Determine if early intervention is needed – Such interceptive treatment can resolve early orthodontic issues