Orthodontists are typically associated with braces, but they provide a variety of different services to help both kids and adults get their best smile. You may wonder exactly what does an orthodontist do, and if orthodontic services could be beneficial for yourself. Orthodontists provide a range of services for both aesthetic and health purposes that go beyond just getting braces. Here are some of the many things orthodontists do to help their patients achieve healthy teeth.
Apply and Remove Braces
Of course, the most common thing that orthodontists do is apply and remove braces for their patients. Regardless of your age, braces are usually the easiest way to correct misaligned teeth and get a straight smile. There are many different kinds of braces, and an orthodontist will identify what type of braces are going to be most effective for each individual patient and how they should manage them.
Prescribe Retainers and Invisalign®
Many people prefer to use Invisalign® to straighten their teeth instead of traditional braces. This is because Invisalign® is less conspicuous than braces and in many cases is more comfortable as well. Orthodontists can develop Invisalign® solutions for their patients by taking molds that are then used to create the Invisalign® trays. They can also create and prescribe retainer molds, which help patients keep their straight, beautiful smile long after they get their braces off.
Install Jaw Repositioning Systems
For some patients, the natural structure of their jaw causes issues with the opening and closing of their mouth. This often leads to further skeletal and muscular problems in the face and teeth. Although it may sound intimidating, a jaw repositioning system will help patients with jaw problems eat and speak much more comfortably, and will prevent pain and discomfort in the future.
Install Space Maintainers
When a patient loses their baby teeth earlier than normal, it can cause structural issues in the mouth. A space maintainer is a device that helps prevent the teeth from caving in on each other due to a lost tooth. These space maintainers hold the teeth in place with wire and rubber bands, and are removed when adult teeth start to grow in. They are an important precursor to braces and other orthodontic treatment.
There are many procedures that orthodontists perform regularly besides just taking braces on and off. Orthodontic treatment is very important for anyone, because having a structurally sound mouth will prevent health problems in the future. Runnels Orthodontics offers orthodontic treatment for patients in the Destin and Inlet Beach areas in Florida. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation!
