Orthodontia is the dental specialty dealing with the movement, realignment or space maintenance of the teeth. Braces or orthodontic procedures vary from person to person, but we will discuss them here at length. Firstly, we will talk about how a dentist becomes an orthodontist. A dentist has to get a four-year degree then go on to dental school to obtain the doctorate in dentistry. This is another four-year degree. Once that is completed the dentist may choose to go on to a dental specialty.

If they decide to go on to be a specialist, they will need to go an additional four years to obtain a license in that field. Also, the state in which they live may require state certification to practice in that state. Each state has slight differences in the requirements to practice dentistry. There are several types of dental specialties. These include, pediatric (children), periodontics (treatment of the gums), oral surgery, public health, endodontic (root canals), and orthodontic (braces). These are the most common referrals from the general dentist. There are some specialized specialties such as dental fears and orthognathic which involves facial reconstruction.

We will talk about orthodontics and why we need to see an orthodontist cincinnati oh. Orthodontia is sometimes considered cosmetic as it aligns the teeth to where they should be according to appearance and function. Most times braces are diagnosed and put on children. Depending on the severity of the realignment, the braces can be on for up to five years. Every patient is different and exhibits different needs for their teeth. Teeth and the size of the jaws are all apart of diagnosis and what type of orthodontia is going to be done.

There are several types of gear that is used in braces. First the bands are placed by putting spacers in and then going on to applying the bands around the teeth. Each band has a different purpose but are only put on the back teeth. Then the brackets are adhered to the anterior teeth. After that is done then the patient will be fitted for the wire. The wire is bent and seated into the bands on the back teeth and fitted into the brackets on the front teeth. Every week or whatever the orthodontist has determined, the patient will come back for adjustments. The wires are tightened or loosened at each visit depending on the type of treatment and how long the braces are scheduled to be on. There are other mechanisms used in braces such as headgear, rubber bands, and other gear as prescribed by the Orthodontist.

Oral hygiene also plays an important role in the maintenance of braces. If teeth and braces are not kept clean, then decay can center around the hardware. Specific oral hygiene instruction is given to the patient and using specialized cleaning equipment will make keeping the braces clean an easier job. Using a proxabrush, floss threader, and small headed toothbrush will help with getting into all the tiny areas of the braces and the visible tooth structure.

In summary, the orthodontist is a specialist who has not only taken eight years of dental school and an additional four years of the specialty. The braces or orthodontic dental specialty is for straightening and re-alignment of the teeth. Sometimes for appearance and sometimes for functionality. Oral hygiene is taught specifically to keep braces and teeth from getting decayed while the braces are on. Most braces are on from 2-5 years at length. Keeping the teeth surrounding the hardware clean will prevent decay and having to have several fillings when the braces come off.