Three Benefits Of Working With An Orthodontist
Posted on April 9, 2020
The first time your dentist recommends that you take your child to see an orthodontist, you may be intimidated. You may even be dismissive since sometimes orthodontic braces aren’t viewed as necessary. Instead of immediately start searching for “an orthodontist near me” as soon as one is recommended, you may view it as just a cosmetic procedure. However, there are many benefits to taking your child to see an orthodontist, beyond straight teeth. For that matter, it’s important to remember that a dentist’s advice doesn’t come out of nowhere. Dentists speak from experience and with a good deal of education on their side.
A lot more goes into orthodontic care than people may initially think. It’s important to consider exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your children. Before you start looking for “an orthodontist near me” online, look at the benefits of visiting an orthodontist.
1. Unique Care
Some parents decide against seeking out care from an orthodontist because they feel that the care their dentist provides will suffice. This may be because they don’t understand the true difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. To put it simply, all orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists. Dentistry is much broader than orthodontic care, and it takes less time for a person to become a dentist than it takes to become an orthodontist. Just as a surgeon requires further schooling than what is required of doctors, an orthodontist requires more schooling than a dentist. This is due to the fact that an orthodontist provides more specialized care as they work specifically on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. A dentist does not typically address these things, so that’s why they’ll recommend that you see an orthodontist if they feel they cannot give you the treatment you need.
2. Long-Term Issues
Ignoring the advice of a dentist or orthodontist can lead to long-term health problems. Yes, crooked teeth can look less attractive than straight teeth, but it may also be a sign of serious problems down the road. Misaligned teeth that are crowded or spaced too far apart can lead to jaw pain or breathing difficulties. There is a reason why straight teeth are considered something of a standard; straight teeth are teeth located where they are meant to be.
An orthodontist applies braces to correct such problems which will therefore allow you to be much more comfortable in the long term. Braces can also be used to space out teeth and create room for implants or other necessary corrective surgeries. Before you dismiss the idea of looking for an “orthodontist near me”, consider how guilty you may feel if your child ends up having to pursue orthodontic care later when they grow up.
3. Confidence
The fact is that people feel more confident with a straighter more aesthetically pleasing smile. This isn’t just a belief that people hold in theory; in fact, when Invisalign Teen users were surveyed, 47% of them reported a boost in self-esteem throughout the course of treatment. This was compared to 22% of teens with metal braces. While different types of braces like Invisalign are certainly easier for kids to deal with, there’s no doubt that the results of braces are better than those without them. People with straighter smiles feel more confident, and this can make life personally and professionally much easier in the long term.
When looking for “an orthodontist near me” online, use your best judgement. Not all orthodontists were created equal, so do your research before deciding who to go with. You’ll be glad you did. Our orthodontist, Dr. Parker, would love to help you with your individual treatment plan. Whether you’re looking for braces or Invisalign, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call to get started today!