Orthodontics is a speciality in dentistry involving various treatment methods and appliances to diagnose and correct malpositioned teeth, crooked teeth, and improper bites. All these are aimed at improving teeth appearance, oral function, and speech ability. To those who need help closing wide teeth gaps, straightening crooked teeth, and treating improper bites, seeing an orthodontist is the only way out.

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What to Consider when Choosing an Orthodontist

Before you settle on getting the services of an orthodontist, there are several factors that you should be mindful of. These include the fees charged, the credibility of the specialist, and the treatment options offered are some of the crucial aspects to consider.

1. Fees Charged

It is essential to understand all the costs involved in an orthodontic treatment before proceeding to have any procedure. It would help if you asked any relevant questions about the possibility of hidden costs. Also, find out about any payment plan or program that applies to your case so you can stay ready.

2. The credibility of the Specialist

Consider doing some research on the reputation of the specialist involved. One starting point is getting referrals from family or friends. You can also look out for reviews by other patients to determine the quality of customer service and the level of care you will get as a patient. These will help you ensure that you entrust your dental health to the right individual.

3. Treatment Options

With the latest advancements in technology, several safe methods and treatment options are available to correct teeth alignment and improper bites. These options come at different costs and require a varying duration of treatment. It would help if you were sure to find a specialist who uses the right option for your case and a top-notch technology level that fits within your budget.

4. Office Design

The environment you choose to get your treatment is also crucial for consideration. A clean and friendly environment will go a long way to inspire your confidence in the ability of the orthodontist to take good care of your teeth. You can rely on the photos and videos posted on the specialist’s website to get some clue on the design of their offices and clinics.


Orthodontic Treatment Methods

There are various orthodontic treatment options that one can opt for, depending on the dental issue at hand. Some of the options include braces, fixed-space maintainers, aligners, headgears, and palatal expanders. Below is a highlight of some of the treatment methods.


Braces

Braces are a combination of various items such as brackets, wires, and bands used in the positioning of teeth alignment. They come in different colours and sizes. Braces are mostly fixed around the teeth to anchor the teeth, helping to align the teeth in the right position as they grow over time. This treatment option may take a duration of between months to years to achieve the right outcome.


Fixed-space Maintainers

This is primarily used in children who have lost a baby tooth to prevent the adjacent growing teeth from occupying the space left by the lost tooth. It involves fixing a band and a wire on the adjacent teeth until space is filled with an adult tooth.


Aligners

There are removable orthodontic appliances used as an alternative in the place of braces. They are ideal for use by adults and are removable when one wants to eat or brush. They are usually used for a treatment period of between 2 to 3 weeks, after which they are changed for tighter options.


Palatal Expander

This appliance is used to expand the mouth roof area. It is designed to aid in the widening of the upper jaw. It mostly comes in the form of a plastic plate with screws.


Retainers

These appliances are useful in preventing the teeth from moving back to their initial position after the treatment process is complete. They can also be used in children to prevent them from sucking their thumbs. They are either made of metal or plastic with a wire that is used to surround the teeth to keep them in position.

Before you resort to any of the above-mentioned treatment options, it is advisable that you consult with a specialist who will diagnose you and recommend the right option and the best oral hygiene practices to follow that will yield the best result for you.