What is Orthodontic Dentistry?
The American Association of Orthodontics describes it as the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment or prevention of irregularities in the teeth. To be an orthodontist in the US, they should undergo two – three years of training in orthodontics on top of their four year dental course. Their training must be accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.
What is the cause for orthodontic problems?
Often times the problem is genetic. The size and irregularities in the teeth and jaw is inherited. This could mean crowding, overlapping an overbite underbite, gaps or missing teeth. But other orthodontic problems are also caused by bad habits you had as a child like thumbsucking or long use of feeding bottles. It can also be caused by accidents or dental disease.
What habits cause a bad bite?
Habits like thumb sucking, finger sucking, nail biting, tongue thrusting, prolonged sucking on a pacifier or even as simple as mouth breathing can lead to orthodontic problems in the future.
When is the best time to start bringing your child to an orthodontist?
Usually between the ages of five and seven. This is when their permanent teeth start growing. It is important that an orthodontist can check on their teeth early to see if there are any signs of potential orthodontic problems.
