A confident and beautiful smile can make a lasting impression. But for many people, achieving the perfect smile does not come naturally and requires professional orthodontic care. And to do this, choosing the right orthodontist is crucial.
Whether you are seeking a perfectly straight smile with traditional braces or modern alternatives with clear aligners, understanding how an orthodontist can help is key. Your orthodontist should have expert knowledge to create a suitable treatment plan to achieve your best smile.
In this article, we will explore what orthodontists do, the range of services they offer, and some tips that will help you choose the right orthodontist in SW Calgary for your smile.
What is an Orthodontist?
First, let us understand what exactly an orthodontist is…
An orthodontist is a dental specialist with advanced studies, knowledge, and experience to diagnose, prevent, and treat misaligned teeth and jaws. While a general dentist can handle a wide range of oral health care needs, orthodontists have advanced training to handle complex cases such as correcting bite issues, straightening the teeth, and aligning the jaw.
When Should You Seek Orthodontic Care?
Seeing an orthodontist is crucial when certain bite, teeth, and jaw conditions are affecting not just your smile but also your quality of life. Your general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for specialized care. Some signs that indicate you may need an orthodontist’s help are:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Difficulty in biting or chewing
- Presence of an overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain due to misalignment
- Teeth grinding causing uneven bite
Services Offered by Orthodontists in SW Calgary
For correction of misaligned teeth and jaw, some common services that your orthodontist may recommend are:
Traditional Braces
This is the most common orthodontic treatment that involves metal brackets placed on each tooth with a wire that spans across to shift the teeth into their proper alignment. Though visible, this type of braces are ideal for mild to severe alignment and bite issues.
For this treatment, the patient is required to visit the dentist’s office every 3 weeks to replace the rubber and adjust the wire to move the teeth. Depending on the complexity of the case, the traditional braces treatment typically lasts 18 – 36 months.
Clear Aligners (ClearCorrectⓒ, Invisalign)
Clear aligners are a modern, virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces. This treatment uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that fit snugly to the teeth to gradually move them to place. Clear aligners are ideal for those looking for a discreet way to correct mild to moderate misalignment.
Clear aligners are created using 3D scans for a bespoke treatment. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, then swapped to a new aligner until you achieve a straight smile. Unlike traditional braces, they are removable, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene.
Retainers and Maintenance
Once orthodontic treatment is complete, a retainer is often necessary to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent shifting. They can be fixed or removable, depending on your orthodontist’s evaluation.
However, not all orthodontic cases can be solved with orthodontic braces and aligners. For more severe bite and jaw misalignment, your orthodontist will work hand-in-hand with a surgeon to correct the jaws and improve the bite and smile.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Orthodontist
Finding the right orthodontist in SW Calgary requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s what to look for when making your decision:
- Check for qualifications and certifications
Ensure your chosen orthodontist is board-certified and has specialized training in orthodontics. This should be displayed in the dental office and verifies that they meet the professional standards for orthodontic care.
- Specializations help achieve your individual goals
If you have certain treatment interests such as clear aligners or advanced braces options, consider that your orthodontist has specialization for them.
- Are they recommended by patients?
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight to the quality of care. Look for positive feedback, patients experiences, and treatment outcomes.
- Use of modern advancements
Modern practices that use advanced technology such as digital impressions and 3D imaging create more precise treatment plans.
- Go for the convenient choice
Choosing an orthodontist close to your home or workplace makes it easier to attend appointments and follow-up visits.
- Evaluate costs and payment plans
Being financially wise is also important as orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment. Ask about associated costs, flexible payment plans, and possible insurance coverage.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is not just for teens and adults. For even younger patients, the earlier the problem is identified and managed, the better and more predictable the outcomes are.
- Early Detection and Treatment – Orthodontists can spot and address developing problems early on, whether it is overcrowding or jaw misalignment. This prevents serious problems later in life.
- Preventive Care – Untreated misalignment can result in tooth wear and gum disease. With correction of bite problems and alignment issues, these complex oral health problems can be avoided.
- Ideal Growth and Development – Early orthodontic intervention can help guide the growth of the jaws and permanent teeth, making future treatments less complicated and more effective.
The Treatment Process
Each patient’s orthodontic needs are unique, but here’s a general outline of what to expect if you seek the expertise of an orthodontist:
- Initial Consultation and Evaluation – During your first visit, the orthodontist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite. This may include digital X-rays, 3D scans, and photos for a complete assessment.
- Customizing a Treatment Plan – After evaluating your case and understanding your treatment goals, your orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. Depending on your specific needs, you may need braces or aligners, or more complex treatments such as jaw correction.
- Treatment Duration – The length of treatment varies on the complexity of the case and the frequency of your dental visits as advised. Your orthodontist will guide you through the expected timeline.
- Follow-Up Appointments – Regular check-ups are necessary to allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Long-Term Care – Once the treatment is complete, long-term care, including wearing retainers, is essential to maintain your new smile.
Conclusion
Choosing the right orthodontist is a significant step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. So, if you have bite problems or teeth misalignment, an orthodontist in SW Calgary can help you with your smile goals.
Whether you are considering braces or aligners, or want to learn more about other orthodontic procedures, Springbank Hill Dental offers expert care tailored to your needs. Book an appointment with us today and let us help you understand your treatment options.