Why Consult an Orthodontist?
Your general dentist recently recommended that you make an appointment to consult an orthodontist, but why exactly?
We tell you more about this specialty of dentistry, the reasons for consultation and also when in your development it may be advisable to visit an orthodontist. Read on to find out all about it.
Does Orthodontics Sound Familiar?
First of all, the root of the word helps us understand its meaning. The word comes from the Greek “ortho” meaning “straight” and “odontos” meaning “tooth”. This specialty therefore aims to correct the positioning or alignment of your teeth and jaws.
Orthodontists are specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions. Before being aesthetic, the aim of orthodontics is functional. In this respect, poorly positioned teeth or jaws can interfere with your speech, chewing and the way you digest food.
Dr. Normand Bach, with his many years of experience, deals with all kinds of oral malformations. He can therefore correct malocclusions, but also deformities in the mouth, including deviations of your jaws.
Why Consult an Orthodontist?
As we’ve already mentioned, your general dentist is now advising you to make an appointment to see an orthodontist because they see an abnormality and would like a specialist in this field to contribute their expertise. The reasons for consultation can be numerous and affect children and adults alike.
Here are just a few reasons for consultation:
- Overlapping teeth
- Pronounced spacing between teeth
- Deformed palate
- Too many teeth
- Teeth that don’t touch
Clearly, there are many reasons to consult an orthodontist. It may be a genetic problem, or it may be the result of an accident. In all cases, an orthodontist is recommended to correct your teeth or the bone structure of your face.
It’s often thought that it’s only children who consult orthodontists. Nowadays, it’s increasingly common for adults to turn to orthodontics to improve the aesthetics of their face, or to regain a radiant smile.
Is There an Age for Consulting an Orthodontist?
First and foremost, there doesn’t seem to be any absolute rule. However, the earlier the consultation, the better the results.
From the age of 5, we can expect treatment to be preventive and of short duration. If the orthodontist were to recommend orthodontic appliance, it would not be complex and it would be light. The earlier we intervene, the lower the risk in adolescence.
From the age of 8, baby teeth are next to adult teeth. Orthodontic check-ups can therefore quickly detect disorders of the dentition, but the orthodontist can also intervene in the jaw if necessary.
From the age of 11, teenagers have all their adult teeth. In the event of malocclusion, the specialist will propose corrective treatment. This may involve braces or dental appliances.
Finally, it’s a good idea to observe your children’s behavior. Actions that seem insignificant to us can have consequences for future malocclusions. For example, a child who sucks their thumb or repeatedly pushes on their teeth with their tongue.
Available Dental Appliances
Depending on your situation, your orthodontist will suggest a suitable treatment with a type of appliance.
Invisalign removable aligners: these are clear resin aligners that follow the shape of your teeth and palate. They can be removed for eating, drinking and even tooth brushing.
Fixed appliances: these are brackets glued to the teeth or connected by a metal wire.
But before suggesting any treatment, the orthodontist may take an x-ray of the oral cavity. This is to ensure that the treatment will be effective and that you will be able to withstand it.
In all cases, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The treatment plan will be explained to you, and you’ll be told how it will be carried out and how often you’ll need to visit to assess progress.
Make an Appointment Now
In the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Dr. Normand Bach and his team welcome you with simplicity, and strive to offer you the most optimal treatment for your malocclusions.
Don’t hesitate to contact us now or visit our website. We’ll take the time to listen to you and suggest solutions that will put a smile back on your face. We look forward to hearing from you!
