Orthodontists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the gums, teeth, mouth, and tongue.

If you’re considering orthodontic work, the first question you might have is whether you need to see a dentist or an orthodontist. The answer to that question is that it depends on the type of treatment that you need. Dentists can provide some types of orthodontic treatment, such as the fitment of clear aligners, but if your case requires more specialised care, an orthodontist will be better equipped to handle it. Keep in mind that even if your dentist can provide orthodontic treatment, it’s still a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation to get a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists complete their training in dentistry, as well as a further specialisation that allows them to diagnose and treat a range of oral health conditions related to the teeth, tongue, gums, and mouth. In most cases, orthodontists provide services related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

While dentists are qualified to provide several general, preventative, cosmetic and restorative services, such as fillings, extractions, teeth whitening, dental implants and certain oral surgeries, orthodontists focus on the facial development and growth in children and jaw, as well as teeth alignment issues in children, teenagers, and adults. Orthodontists can customise treatment plans that involve braces, retainers, and other dental appliances.

When should you see an orthodontist?

If you have an oral health issue that you would like diagnosed and/or resolved, but you are not sure which type of practitioner you should see, a good guideline to keep in mind is that your dentist can assist you with most general concerns, while your orthodontist is a specialist. General concerns like toothache, cavities, gum disease and discolouration, for example, can usually be addressed by your dentist. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, especially if they identify a problem with your bite or the alignment of your teeth.

If you are concerned with an issue like crowded or crooked teeth, it is likely that you will benefit from orthodontic treatment. It is also a good idea to arrange an orthodontic assessment for your child before the age of seven years old — this will give your orthodontist the opportunity to provide you with an early diagnosis and treatment plan, which can go a long way in preventing complications in the future.

What treatments do orthodontists offer?

Specialist orthodontists are especially trained and qualified to provide a wide range of treatments designed to improve both the form and function of their patients’ smiles. When it comes to adults, some of the most popular treatments include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. All these treatments can be used to resolve malocclusion, crowded teeth and jaw pain caused by crooked teeth.

When it comes to children, your orthodontist may perform an early orthodontic evaluation to monitor growth and development and begin treatment at the ideal time. For teens, orthodontic treatments often include braces or clear aligners.

How can we help?

At iSmile Orthodontics in Melbourne, we specialise in orthodontics. Our team comprises highly trained and experienced orthodontists and dental nurses, and we offer a variety of advanced orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages.

If you are considering an orthodontic treatment but are not sure which option is best for you, we encourage you to come in and see us. Our specialist orthodontists Dr Ramya Thiyagarajan and Dr Gloria Andrew have both competed their specialist training so you can rest assured that they are able to provide you with top-quality care and help you to achieve excellent results, no matter which treatment you choose.

If you would like to find out more about our team of specialists, please have a look here.

To see the full list of services that we provide at iSmile Orthodontics, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 03 9466 8484 or get in touch with us here.