Is It Time For A New Smile?
Has your teen been told they need orthodontic treatment? Or maybe you're an adult, ready to finally love your smile. The award-winning orthodontists at Let's Smile Dental, Dr. Ghatri, Dr. Manny, and Dr. Kang can help you get the smile of your dreams.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist in the field of orthodontics, a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws.
An orthodontist can provide a range of services, including braces, Invisalign, Trudenta headache relief and more. Check out our full range of services below!
Whether you need a Springfield orthodontist, Fairfax braces or Invisalign in Reston, we've got you covered! Schedule your FREE orthodontic consultation at any of our 3 convenient Northern VA locations and you'll receive full details on our recommended treatment plan.
A Board-Certified Orthodontist Is The Gold Standard
Your choice of an orthodontist is one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to determining the long-term health of your dentition. By most metrics, choosing a board-certified orthodontist will be the best and most well-supported choice by professionals in the dental care industry. There are other things to consider, however, and your decision will depend on a number of factors discussed below.
Board-Certified Orthodontists
A board-certified orthodontist is an orthodontist who has the distinction of being certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, (ABO). This certification is optional for these professionals, but it can indicate a higher degree of competence, professionalism, and dedication. Choosing an ABO certified dental care professional is a good way to ensure that your care will be done according to the highest professional standards. Dr. Ali Ghatri has the distinction of being a board-certified orthodontist.
Orthodontic Generalists
A general dentist will have a broad-ranging scope of expertise and experience covering a spectrum of orthodontic care and will be able to treat a wide variety of conditions. Like a general practitioner in medicine, an orthodontic generalist sees all kinds of patients regularly, and when he or she encounters a patient with a specific, sometimes unusual condition, they will send the patient to see a board-certified orthodontist who specializes in the specific area of orthodontic care at issue.
Orthodontic Specialists
An orthodontic specialist, as opposed to a general board-certified orthodontist, is a professional who has chosen to specialize in one area of orthodontic care. They will usually have more expertise in their area of specialty than a general orthodontist. Ordinarily, a patient will first visit a generalist. Then, if the patient needs specific care for a certain condition, his or her orthodontist will send them to be seen by a specialist. The advantage of seeing a specialist is they will have more experience and training in a single area of orthodontics and will be specially equipped in that area.
Reputation Matters
Of course, just because a given professional does not have the distinction of being a board-certified orthodontist does not mean that he or she is not a capable and talented professional able to provide the highest standard of care. Likewise, board-certified orthodontists are not necessarily the best. It is important to do some research when choosing an orthodontist. You should check for reviews online and ask your friends, family, and neighbors who might have received care from the orthodontist you are considering.
First Exam Around Age 7
It's not always exactly clear when a child should get braces, however, it’s best to at least be examined around age seven. As permanent teeth erupt, dentists and orthodontists can carefully monitor the progress and potential problems that may arise as the dentition develops. Dental professionals are looking for serious issues that are unlikely to correct themselves on their own before recommending an age for braces.
Typical Patterns
It's clear that there are certain patterns when it comes to how teeth erupt and exfoliate. Girls will generally get their permanent teeth sooner than boys. By age 13, children should have their second molars in. There are many variations amongst an individual’s tooth size, shape, and position. The age a child receives braces is dependent on their unique developmental pattern.
Cause for Concern
Severely crowded teeth contribute to tooth decay. Malocclusion can lead to fractured teeth and even TMJ pain. Impacted teeth can cause disruption in the normal eruption pattern of neighboring teeth. Due to the spectrum of symptoms a misaligned bite can cause, the age at which a child receives orthodontic intervention is dependent upon their specific case.
Age-Sensitive Treatments
The right age for braces may have limits set by the natural development of a child or adolescent. There are certain types of headgear that can only be used on a growing patient, while there are other appliances that can only be used before the palate fuses together. In certain cases, a palate can set by the age of 14, so it's important for parents to consult with their dentist about swiftly moving to correct the problem.
Finding the Answers
For most parents, there is no reason to push up the age for braces. Most kids will have relatively normal growth until their teeth have fully come in. At that point, an orthodontist can recommend the best course of treatment as to how to straighten and fix any lingering problems. Talking to an orthodontist sooner rather than later is the best way to get a good handle on early dental health for your child.
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