All orthodontists are dentists; not all dentists are orthodontists. Of all the dental professionals in the country, about six percent specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental anomalies. An orthodontist in Westmont is skilled in the design or corrective appliances such as braces which bring teeth into perfect alignment.
After the completion of their four year graduate program to become a dentist, a small percentage go on to complete a further two or three years of residency in Orthodontics, only after a successful completion of the study in this dental specialty can they call themselves orthodontists.
When can orthodontic treatment begin?
Monitoring the growth and development of the teeth and oral cavity is important, it is suggested that parents take their children to an orthodontist in Westbrook once they reach seven or eight years of age. As development at this time is not complete, it can be considerably easier to manage corrections with early intervention. There really is no upper age for orthodontic treatment although most people that plan on straightening their teeth do so by their mid 30’s.
What causes crooked and misaligned teeth?
The greatest majority of malocclusions are inherited although a smaller number are acquired. Teeth crowding, large gaps between teeth, missing teeth or too many teeth are common inherited problems.
Acquired problems are often the result of trauma although aggressive thumb sucking as a youngster can also play a big role in acquired malocclusions. Regardless of whether the problem is the result of genes or is something else, these problems are directly related to teeth alignment and appearance.
Crooked and misaligned teeth are very difficult to maintain; the eventual result is tooth decay and gum problems, premature wear, poor bite, difficulty in masticating food, headaches and neck pain. These problems will not correct themselves; treatment by an orthodontist in Westbrook is the only true solution.
If you have a poor bite, crooked or misaligned teeth you need to seek treatment from a qualified orthodontist in Westmont. You are invited to make an appointment with Oakbrook Orthodontics.
