Orthodontics is the field of medical science that deals primarly with malocclusions, or improper bites. Most malocclusions are inherited, as seen in patients with crowding, spacing, protrusions, and extra/missing teeth. Others are caused environmentally, by harmful habits (such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and night-grinding), dental disease, or facial accidents.
Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to maintain, and a serious malocclusion will often lead to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Left untreated, these dental abnormalities become more severe in later years, leading to pain and pressure in the jaw, additional dental treatment, and possible surgery.
Thorough and accurate diagnosis is critical to successful orthodontic treatment. While your orthodontic appliance may be a highly efficient precision instrument, and your personal treatment plan may be elaborate and comprehensive, your treatment will not be successful unless it’s based on sound diagnosis.
Orthodontists are the only specialists uniquely trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat facial irregularities. While all orthodontists are dentists, less than 10% of dentists have received the necessary education to practice orthodontics.
Choosing an orthodontist is really about finding a partner that connects with you and your family over the course of treatment. At the end of the day, we fully understand that pursuing orthodontic treatment is a big decision to make. We would love to be considered to fill that role as you learn more about our practice.
