Have you ever wondered what an orthodontist does? An orthodontist is a special kind of dentist who fixes crooked teeth and jaw problems. They help make sure your teeth line up right so you can have a nice smile and bite your food better.
Who Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who went to extra school to learn how to fix teeth that don’t line up right. They first go to college, then to dental school for four years. After that, they spend two to three more years learning just about fixing crooked teeth and jaws.
How Is an Orthodontist Different From a Regular Dentist?
Your regular dentist checks your teeth for cavities and cleans them. But an orthodontist has one main job – to make your teeth straight and your bite right. Think of it this way:
- Regular dentist: Fixes cavities, cleans teeth, and checks overall oral health
- Orthodontist: Makes crooked teeth straight and fixes how your top and bottom teeth fit together
What Problems Do Orthodontists Fix?
Orthodontists help with many teeth and jaw problems:
Teeth Problems
- Crooked teeth: Teeth that aren’t straight
- Crowded teeth: Too many teeth in a small space
- Spaced teeth: Big gaps between teeth
- Rotated teeth: Teeth that are turned the wrong way
Bite Problems
- Overbite: When your top teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth
- Underbite: When your bottom teeth stick out past your top teeth
- Crossbite: When your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when you close your mouth
- Open bite: When your front teeth don’t touch when your back teeth are closed
How Do Orthodontists Fix These Problems?
Orthodontists use special tools to move your teeth into the right spots. Here are the main ways they fix teeth:
Braces
Braces use small metal or clear squares (called brackets) that stick to your teeth. Wires connect these brackets and put gentle pressure on your teeth to move them slowly. Some kids even get to pick colorful bands for their braces!
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are like invisible braces. They’re clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. You get new trays every few weeks that slowly move your teeth. The best part? You can take them out when you eat!
Retainers
After your teeth are straight, you need to wear a retainer. This special mouth piece keeps your teeth from moving back to where they were before. Some retainers stay in your mouth all the time, while others you can take out.
Palate Expanders
Some kids have upper jaws that are too small for all their teeth. A palate expander is a device that makes the upper jaw wider. This gives teeth more room without having to pull any out.
The Three A’s of Orthodontics at Aligned on Pearl
At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, Dr. Vanderstelt cares about more than just straight teeth. He focuses on what he calls the “Three A’s”:
Airway
Did you know that how your teeth line up can affect how you breathe? Dr. Vanderstelt checks to make sure your airway (how air gets to your lungs) is open and working well. This helps you breathe better, especially when you sleep.
Alignment
This is about getting your teeth in the right spots. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums.
Aesthetics
This fancy word means “how things look.” A nice smile makes you feel good about yourself and can help you feel more sure when you talk to others.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
First Visit for Kids
Kids should see an orthodontist by age 7. This might seem young, but the orthodontist can spot problems early when they’re easier to fix.
Orthodontics for Teens
Many kids get braces when they’re teenagers. This is a good time because all their adult teeth are in, but they’re still growing, which can make moving teeth easier.
Adults and Orthodontics
It’s never too late to see an orthodontist! Many grown-ups get braces or clear aligners to fix their smiles.
What Happens at Your First Orthodontist Visit?
When you first visit an orthodontist, they will:
- Look at your teeth and jaw
- Take pictures of your face and smile
- Take X-rays to see your teeth and jaw bones
- Sometimes make models of your teeth using silly putty-like material
All of these help the orthodontist make a plan just for you.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist
Getting your teeth fixed by an orthodontist has many good points:
Better Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. This means fewer cavities and healthier gums.
Easier Eating and Speaking
When your teeth line up right, it’s easier to bite, chew, and even talk.
A Nicer Smile
A straight smile can make you feel good about how you look.
Better Jaw Health
Fixing how your teeth fit together can help with jaw pain and problems.
Orthodontic Options at Aligned on Pearl
At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, Dr. Vanderstelt offers many ways to fix your teeth:
Clear Aligners for All Ages
Unlike some places, Aligned on Pearl offers clear aligners even for kids.
Damon Self-Ligating Braces
These special braces move teeth with less pressure and might work faster than regular braces.
InBrace Hidden Braces
These braces go behind your teeth, so no one can see them from the front.
Sleep and Airway Treatments
Dr. Vanderstelt also helps with sleep problems like sleep apnea by fixing how your jaw sits.
Jaw Development
Some people need help with how their jaw grows. Dr. Vanderstelt uses special tools like expanders to help jaws grow the right way.
Final Thoughts
Orthodontists do much more than just make teeth look nice. They help with how you bite, chew, speak, and even breathe. At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, Dr. Vanderstelt takes a whole-person approach by focusing on airway, alignment, and aesthetics.
If you’ve been wondering about your smile or have trouble with how your teeth fit together, seeing an orthodontist might be a good idea. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to work on getting a healthy, straight smile that will last your whole life.
Would you like to learn more about how an orthodontist can help you? Call Aligned on Pearl today to schedule your first visit and start your journey to a better smile!