Orthodontic treatments can be an effective option for correcting alignment and spacing issues with your teeth. While these treatments are not particularly new, there are many assumptions that people will often make in regards to these treatment options that can interfere with their ability to effectively assess this option.
Assumption: Every Dentist Can Provide Orthodontic Treatments
An especially common assumption about orthodontic treatments is that this is a procedure that any dentist will be able to perform for their patients. While this is an understandable assumption to make, it requires specialized training and equipment to be able to provide orthodontic treatments. Due to this, individuals should expect to need to visit an orthodontist that has the level of training and equipment needed to provide their patients with effective solutions for their dental alignment issues.
Assumption: Orthodontic Treatments Will Always Involve Pulling Teeth
There are many patients that may need to have one or more teeth pulled as part of their orthodontic treatments. This typically results when a person's mouth may be slightly smaller than average, as this could increase the risk of dental crowding occurring. However, this is not a procedure that every orthodontic patient will need to undergo. During the initial assessment with the orthodontist, they will be able to determine whether tooth extractions will be needed as part of the treatment. If they determine this to be the case, they will advise you as to the particular teeth that should be removed and the expected benefits for your smile. While this can be one of the more unpleasant parts of orthodontic treatments, it can be a necessary step for reducing the stress on your teeth and providing enough room for them to comfortably fit.
Assumption: Alignment Issues Will Return Fairly Soon After The Orthodontic Treatments Stop
Once the orthodontic treatments have been completed, a patient is likely to be advised to wear a retainer for several months or longer. This will help to give the teeth time to settle without being able to shift an excessive amount. Over time, the need for the retainer will decrease until you no longer need to wear it. While your teeth may shift a slight amount, this should be negligible. As a result, your orthodontist may want you to attend a series of follow-up visits where they can assess the settling of your teeth to ensure that it is going according to what they had anticipated. If excess shifting is occurring, adjustments may be made to your retainer to mitigate this issue.
For more information on orthodontics, visit an orthodontics company site like Laveen Smiles.
Share2 February 2022
The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.
