In Latin the root word “ortho” means to straighten, and “dontics” means teeth. Orthodontists are dentists who continued their specialty training in a 2-to-3-year residency program after dental school. As orthodontists, we straighten teeth. But orthodontics is so much more than just creating a beautiful smile. We are trained in dentofacial orthopedics and managing and modifying skeletal growth to benefit the occlusion and overall facial profile. In plain terms: orthodontics work to bring harmony to the face by aligning teeth in the jaws and creating a reproduceable, stable bite. The bonus is that the harmony and alignment create a beautiful smile.
(Submitted by Jane Wright)
When should I see an orthodontist? Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral from your dentist to see an orthodontist; however, it is recommended that you are in good dental health and have a regular general dentist before straightening your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time at the age of 7 to check for functional habits (thumb sucking, mouth breathing, etc.), crossbites, traumatic bites, missing teeth, or blocked out teeth. Most 7-year-olds do not need treatment, but there are many things that an orthodontist can do to prevent bigger problems later. Growth and skeletal modification of the jaws is best done in childhood, so it is ideal to identify these issues early.
Adults may want to visit an orthodontist for a range of issues: a bad bite, crowding, sleep disturbed breathing, trauma to the teeth, or pre-restorative work with the dentist. Sometimes patients need more room or teeth rearranged before getting an implant, bridge, or crown. Other times, adult patients are just bothered by their crowding and want to align their teeth.
(Submitted by Jane Wright)
Not every adult needs full orthodontic treatment. Sometimes limited treatment is an option, which focuses on just one area of the mouth. Most patients can choose between braces or aligners to straighten their teeth, and often treatment is completed in a year or less.
One is never too old (or too young) to visit an orthodontist. Our profession shares a common goal: to create healthy, functional, beautiful smiles. For more information on orthodontics, visit For more information on orthodontics, visit www.aaoinfo.org. To schedule a free exam, visit www.crawfordortho.com.
Keep smiling, Kenosha.
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