Find the Best OrthodontistWoodbridge, VA
Orthodontics is a type of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaw abnormalities. After dental school, orthodontists continue advanced studies at a two-to-three-year residency program. Orthodontists correct misaligned bite patterns and mal-positioned teeth and jaws through devices such as braces, a wire-based appliance that repositions through gradually increased pressure.
Orthodontics for children and adults is available at American Braces & Smile Center in Woodbridge and the surrounding areas. We provide a range of services, including braces. Call us at 703-254-5899 to find out more.
The Importance of Orthodontics
Orthodontics requires years of formal study with an accredited program after dental school. Many patients mistakenly assume any dentist who provides aligners or braces is also an orthodontist. However, this is not the case because some states allow dentists to offer such specialty services without formal training.
Orthodontics may seem to be about achieving straight teeth, but it is a highly skilled specialty of dental medicine. An orthodontist corrects serious issues like misaligned bites, which can cause speech issues, chewing difficulties, and teeth grinding. If left uncorrected, these issues can progress to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
“Orthodontics requires years of formal study with an accredited program after dental school.”
When to See an Orthodontist
Observing any of the following issues may indicate that it is time to see an orthodontist:
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Difficulty biting/chewing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Facial imbalance/asymmetry
- Inability to comfortably close lips
- Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude or are recessed
- Mouth breathing
- Speech difficulties
- Teeth grinding/clenching
- Teeth that meet abnormally or do not meet at all
- Thumb/finger sucking/other oral habits
- Protruding teeth
The best time to see an orthodontist is during puberty, when facial bones are still growing. Corrections made to the teeth and jaw can benefit facial growth and development. However, adults can equally benefit from braces. Moving teeth through pressure may be slower due to the adult's higher bone density, but the results will be similar.
“Corrections made to the teeth and jaw can benefit facial growth and development.”
Finding the Right Orthodontist
Doing research is important. If there is more than one qualified orthodontist in an area, consider each before choosing the most compatible. While some patients want doctors to take the lead, others want to ask lots of questions and develop a treatment plan.
The technology a practice offers is also important. While high-quality treatment does not require all the latest equipment, one does not want an orthodontist who has not changed in forty years. If a patient wants a particular type of braces, they should not assume everyone offers that variety. Some orthodontists only offer traditional metal bracket braces, while others provide multiple options and accelerated braces treatment.
“If a patient wants a particular type of braces, they should not assume everyone offers that variety.”
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What Resources to Use When Looking
A great starting place for finding an orthodontist is to ask one’s regular dentist for referrals. They know the patient’s history and have examined X-rays of the patient’s teeth. This gives them insight into the best services for that patient. Along with that, the dentist will recommend an orthodontist they trust. Asking friends or family members in the local area may also help to find a possible practice to meet the child’s needs.
Online searches can provide names, numbers, and websites of nearby practitioners, along with very useful patient reviews. Visiting a practice’s website can also help identify the available services and help determine if they will meet a patient’s needs. Scheduling an initial consultation with an orthodontist can also help determine if the practice will be the right choice for the patient.
“A great starting place for finding an orthodontist is to ask one’s regular dentist for referrals.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between orthodontics and general dentistry?
Q. When should someone see an orthodontist?
Q. Why is it important to carefully choose an orthodontist?
Q. How do I find an orthodontist?
Q. What questions should I ask a prospective orthodontist?
People Also Ask
Q. What should I be looking for in an orthodontist?
Questions to ask a Potential Orthodontist
For many, financial concerns are a priority when it comes to choosing an orthodontist. Here are some questions to ask to help compare affordability:
- Do you help patients with their employee flex spending accounts?
- Do you offer a military or first responders discount?
- Do you offer free consultations?
- Do you offer low- or no-interest payment plans?
- Do you provide in-house insurance options for patients without dental insurance?
- If multiple family members require orthodontic treatment, will you offer a discount?
- Which dental insurance providers do you accept?
- Will you file paperwork for out-of-network insurance?
“For many, financial concerns are a priority when it comes to choosing an orthodontist.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do orthodontists do?
A. Orthodontists diagnose and misalignments of the teeth and jaw. They correct them with devices like braces and retainers. These devices function by applying pressure that gradually repositions the bones.
Q. Why is my dentist not an orthodontist if he can give me braces?
A. Some states allow dentists without formal training to offer orthodontic services. However, these dentists are not qualified orthodontists. You must see an adequately trained orthodontist to have your teeth and jaw issues properly diagnosed and addressed for long-term healthy functioning.
Q. What qualities make a good orthodontist?
A. A good orthodontist must have the proper training from an accredited program. Beyond that, all patients and families have individual preferences. For example, if you are interested in accelerated braces treatment, you must find an orthodontist offering that service.
Q. What steps should I take to find the best orthodontist?
A. The easiest way to find a good orthodontist is to get a referral from your dentist. Online searches are helpful and may yield a number of online reviews of local orthodontists. Friends, co-workers, and family are other great resources.
Q. Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?
A. Though orthodontic treatment is most associated with kids and teens, adults can benefit too. These days it is much more common for adults to wear orthodontic appliances. There is no age limit on braces, as long as the patient has good oral health.
Quality Orthodontic Services Can Transform Smiles
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.
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Definition of Orthodontic Terminology
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Prompt orthodontic treatment prevents minor issues from developing into major problems. Orthodontics can help correct misalignment issues and enhance the appearance of one’s smile. Braces and other corrective devices protect the health and stability of the teeth, jaw, and face.
If you are looking for orthodontic care, let American Braces & Smile Center in Woodbridge help out. Call us at 703-254-5899 to discover more about our policies and services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2021
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