Family dentists are the ones that you will see every six months or so for regular cleaning or fillings, plus other fairly normal procedures. Orthodontists in Baton Rouge are the ones that you will mostly see as a teenager when you need braces or headgear.
School
An orthodontist is a specialist much in the same way as a cardiologist or neurologist. The area of orthodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of facial and dental irregularities.In order to become an orthodontist, you must first become a dentist. Then you must complete an additional three years of study along with the residency program where you will gain clinical experience. Some orthodontists will choose to further specialize in pediatrics or cosmetic procedures, but many will choose general orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedics in order to treat patients of all ages.
Job
Most of the work that an orthodontist will do is correct misalignments with both the teeth and the jaw. This can help correct speech defects, difficulties in chewing, and the inability to maintain oral hygiene. Anteroposterior deviations, commonly called overbites or underbites, can cause difficulties with chewing and also articulating. Overcrowding is very common and can cause oral hygiene issues. The jawbone space is too small to accommodate all of the adult teeth trying to erupt. The orthodontist can either realign the teeth or pull teeth that will allow for proper alignment. Aesthetic issues, such as malocclusions or a bad bite, can be restructured and realigned to create an even smile.
Process
There are many ways to realign or correct the jaw and teeth. In order to determine the best way to fix a problem, the orthodontist will need to take x-rays and create bite impressions. Dental braces are one of the most common forms of treatments used today. A series of brackets are affixed to each individual tooth then connected by an arch wire. This will slowly pull the teeth into the proper position. Headgear or face masks are generally used for overbites or under bites. The braces are applied to the teeth as normal, but then more equipment will be applied around the head and attached to the braces. Not only will the braces correct the teeth alignment but also the additional gear will help to align the jaw. Retainers are used after the removal of the braces to ensure that the teeth don’t regress to their previous positions. Orthodontists in Baton Rouge help to achieve and maintain a great smile, no matter what your age is.