Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

You might know that an orthodontist is responsible for providing you with treatments like braces or clear aligners, but do you know what your orthodontist is qualified to do, and how they differ from your dentist? Orthodontics is a specialisation of dentistry that requires additional training. Your orthodontist can address a range of issues related to your teeth and jaws, and can help to improve the overall function of your teeth as well as the appearance of your smile. Read on to find out what orthodontics actually involves and if you could benefit from a consultation…

What is orthodontics, exactly?

Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry that focuses on the correction of teeth and jaws that are not positioned properly. Addressing misalignments, also known as malocclusions, can help to resolve a range of oral health issues, as well as pain and discomfort when chewing and biting.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed further training and education, which allows them to diagnose, prevent, manage and treat irregularities that affect the teeth and jaw. They are qualified to treat a broad range of problems and conditions in patients of all ages. If you have noticed that your teeth are crowded or crooked, or you are concerned with your bite for any reason, it is worth consulting with an orthodontist or asking your dentist for a referral.

How is an orthodontist different from a dentist?

Both your dentist and orthodontist are qualified practitioners who specialise in oral health. Your dentist has completed training which allows them to diagnose and treat a range of conditions related to your teeth, gums, tongue and mouth. Your orthodontist has also received general dentistry training, but would have gone on to receive additional training that allows them to specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw misalignments.

Your dentist will typically provide treatments such as dental x-rays, check-ups, extractions, fillings, gum disease management, cosmetic and restorative procedures, and certain oral surgeries. Your orthodontist, on the other hand, will monitor facial growth in children, diagnose and treat misalignments, provide dental appliances and straightening treatments, and perform certain surgeries to straighten the teeth.

What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists are able to use a number of devices to alter the position of the teeth. These include both removable and fixed devices, such as braces, retainers, aligners, space maintainers and bands.

Your orthodontist is able to diagnose a range of abnormalities related to your teeth and jaws. These include crooked and crowded teeth, a misaligned jaw, and bite-related problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. They can also resolve spacing issues, such as large gaps between the teeth.

Why see an orthodontist?

The most common reason to see an orthodontist is to resolve a malocclusion, which is essentially a misalignment of the teeth and jaws. In most cases, malocclusions are caused by genetic factors and occur when the upper and lower jaw do not line up, or when there is misalignment between the teeth and jaws.

If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to a number of problems — these include crowded teeth, which can be difficult to clean; a misshapen jaw; and an irregular bite. Bite-related problems can even place excess stress on the chewing muscles, and contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders, which are often associated with headaches and pain in the jaw, back, shoulders, ears and neck.

How can we help?

At iSmile Orthodontics, we understand that each of our patients’ orthodontic needs are different, which is why we customise each treatment according to your concerns, lifestyle and aesthetic goals. We treat patients of all ages, and are committed to providing top-quality care so that you can obtain your ideal smile.

When it comes to treatments, we offer a comprehensive range of options, including orthodontics for children and adults. For children, we offer early orthodontic evaluations and intervention, while we provide our teenage patients with a wide range of braces options, as well as Invisalign. For our adult patients, we are able to provide traditional metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners.

To find out more about what the team at iSmile Orthodontics has to offer, 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.