Have you ever looked at your smile in the mirror and wondered if your teeth are in the right place? There may be a slight unevenness to the teeth or a small space. Many people are not aware that they have similar questions when it comes to the positioning of their teeth. Luckily, there is a type of dentist who specializes in straightening your smile and teeth. They are called an orthodontist.
What’s the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Both Dearborn dentist and orthodontists care about your oral health, but their roles are different. The table below explains the difference:
| Dentist | Orthodontist |
| Provides general dental care like fillings, cleanings, and checkups | Specializes in straightening teeth and correcting jaw issues |
| Treats cavities and gum disease, and performs preventive care | Uses braces, aligners, and other tools to fix misalignment |
| Can refer patients to an orthodontist for specialized care | Receives extra years of training after dental school |
Both work together to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Who Needs Orthodontics?
You may be surprised how many people can actually benefit from seeing an orthodontist. It is not only about having straight teeth, but it is also about having a healthy bite. Common reasons for needing an orthodontist are
- Crowding: When there is not enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth, and the teeth overlap. This can make cleaning the teeth difficult, which can result in cavities!
- Spacing: Occasionally, the opposite of crowding can occur. This happens when teeth are too far apart and spacing exists between the teeth.
- Overbite: This is when your upper front teeth protrude too far out ahead of your lower teeth.
- Underbite: The opposite of an overbite. This is when your lower teeth protrude out in front of your upper teeth.
- Crossbite: This happens when some of your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth.
- Missing or Extra Teeth: Some people are born with too many teeth or not enough teeth. An orthodontist can provide assistance in these cases.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
You may think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic problem, which means it is simply a matter of how they look when you smile. But it is more than that! Here’s why getting help from an orthodontist is so important for your health
- Easier to Clean: Cleaning straight teeth are much easier to brush and floss. When teeth are crowded together and overlapped, food and plaque can get stuck in areas that are difficult to clean, resulting in cavities and gum disease.
- Better Chewing and Digestion: When your bite is correct, you can chew your food in a way that helps your body digest and get the nutrients it needs.
- To Avoid Pain: Having a bite that is not correct may put undue stress on your jaw joints and muscles. This can lead to headaches or pain in the jaw or face.
- Protecting Your Teeth: If your teeth do not fit together well, over time, they can wear down unevenly, leading to chips or cracks.
- Boosting Confidence: A straight, beautiful smile can increase the confidence you have when smiling, laughing, or talking!
| Common Orthodontic Issues | What They Are |
| Crowded Teeth | Not enough space for teeth, causing them to overlap. |
| Overbite | The upper teeth stick out too far over the bottom teeth. |
| Underbite | The bottom teeth stick out in front of the upper teeth. |
| Gaps | Spaces between teeth. |
This table shows some of the problems an orthodontist can help with.
What Happens When You See an Orthodontist?
When you see an orthodontist for the first time, they will have a good look at your teeth as well as your jaw. They may take some X-rays to see what is happening underneath your gums. After that, they will be sure to talk about their findings and what a good treatment plan could look like.
Sometimes treatment is just a retainer, and other times it is braces or clear aligners. Both of these are great ways to slowly and gently move your teeth to the ideal position. The orthodontist will help you figure out which option is going to be best for you and your smile.
A Healthy, Happy Smile Awaits
No matter your age, it is never too late to get a straighter and healthier smile. A visit to the orthodontist is more than just getting a pretty smile; it is getting a healthier mouth! Orthodontists are educated professionals with the training to help you get the smile you deserve.
Get Expert Orthodontic Care for Healthier, Straighter Smiles
Royal Dentistry provides orthodontic care to help patients achieve straight teeth and a healthy bite. Our orthodontist in Dearborn utilizes modern orthodontic treatment to improve oral health and your confidence.
Are you ready to get started? Call Royal Dentistry today to set up your orthodontic consult. Let our team of professionals help you on your way to a straighter and healthier smile!