Misunderstandings about Orthodontics and Their Work

Most people are of the understanding that dentists are the professionals who take care of teeth. However, there is often some confusion as to what an orthodontist does. Here at Creed Orthodontics, we want to take the time to clarify what exactly it is that we provide for our patients. We would like to take a look at common misconceptions about orthodontics with you.

Not Your Family Dentist

First and foremost, it is important to note that orthodontics is not like your typical family dentist. We have different ways of achieving the goal of perfect mouth health with you than what your family dentist might have. We do not handle procedures like filling cavities. That procedure is done by your family dentist. They can also treat other teeth problems like tooth decay and toothaches. Essentially, they handle your everyday oral health problems. It is true that all dentists and orthodontists attend dental school, but becoming an orthodontist takes some extra years of study. The main focus of this study is realigning teeth and correcting different misaligned bites, like overbites.

Specified Reasons for Seeing an Orthodontist

People seek out orthodontic help for very specific reasons. We generally see patients who have braces on a routine basis. An orthodontist often focuses on teeth alignment, especially if people experience teeth growing crooked during their childhood and adolescent years. There are many reasons why this can happen, so the sooner a visit to the orthodontist happens, the sooner these problems can be addressed and taken care of before they become major problems. Some patients start going to the orthodontist as early as seven years of age. Many problems can be detected at a young age, long before they manifest into greater problems. It is also important to remember that facial bones are easier to alter at younger ages and with less pain, so the younger teeth are corrected, the better the experience can be for a child in the long run. In some cases, the family dentist can refer your child to us, but that does not always have to be the case.

Not Limited to a Specific Age

Many people believe that orthodontists only treat children and teenagers. There is a higher ratio of younger patients for orthodontist offices, but they are not the only patients that we treat on a daily basis. There are some college students and adults that see an orthodontist regularly for the same reasons that a child might go and see one. Remember, crooked teeth happen for various reasons, and those reasons can show up at any point in life. Therefore, people can require the help of an orthodontist at nearly any age. It is important to remember that about 20 percent of people over the age of 18 need braces, too, so there are bound to be older people attending our office, too. This percentage appears to be going up each year.

Clunky Head Gear

Many people do not realize that there has been much advancement in orthodontics in recent years. Therefore, people do not need to have as much metal in their mouth as they have had in the past. Brackets have become smaller, and patients can even have braces that go behind their teeth instead of in front to avoid having to show braces all of the time. Then, there are treatments like Invisalign that are completely metal-free.

Conclusion

Here at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas, we want you to have the greatest experience with an orthodontist. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.