When should you see an orthodontist?

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Even when feeling cheerful and happy, some people don't smile often or cover their mouths when smiling. The reason is that they are not confident with their teeth and this is one of the reasons to see an orthodontist.

1. What do orthodontists do?

An orthodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the skills of adjusting teeth to move. They will correct your crooked teeth to become more aligned, healthier.
The top reason for both adults and children to see an orthodontist is to treat misaligned teeth (also known as malocclusion). Orthodontists will help straighten your teeth and improve your bite by adjusting the 2 rows of teeth to fit together and the jawbone to be more straight.
The dentist will use brackets, aligners and other devices to help force the teeth to move. In addition, they also use braces to hold the teeth in place.

2. Why should you go to an orthodontist?

Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, extra teeth, ... can cause tooth decay, gum disease or even tooth loss. That's because the teeth overlap, it is difficult to clean in the crevices. In addition, if the patient has a misaligned bite, it can cause problems when eating, chewing and talking.
Before the above problems, the patient should see an orthodontist. After orthodontic treatment, the patient's teeth will be straighter and treated to have a standard bite.

3. When should you go to the dentist or orthodontist?

When is the best time to have a dental exam? This depends on the specific age. That is:
3.1. Dental examination in children Although most people think that it is only when they are teenagers that they think about orthodontic treatment. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says, Parents should bring their children to see an orthodontist before the child is 7 years old. This helps:
The doctor can detect problems with the development of children's teeth (when baby teeth are still there); Although your baby's teeth appear straight from the outside, sometimes there can be minor problems that only a dentist can detect; The examination helps determine if the child's bite is okay. Besides, the doctor can also monitor the child's abnormal oral health problems for immediate treatment or recommend treatment at an appropriate time later; Early detection and treatment, prevent more serious oral health problems; Help reduce the risk of dental injury for children, correct bad oral habits, improve the baby's appearance, correct the position of the permanent teeth, help children have a healthy smile. In addition, there are problems in children such as early or late loss of baby teeth, thrush, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, ... all can be treated by orthodontic treatment. If you notice your child has any of these symptoms, you should take him to the doctor. It is important to note that early screening does not mean immediate treatment. In fact, most children start orthodontic treatment when they are 9-14 years old.
3.2. Dental Examination in Adults If you are self-conscious about your smile, you should see an orthodontist immediately. Don't think that orthodontics is just for kids. In fact, about 20% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Why are more and more adults getting orthodontic treatment? That's because:
Orthodontic treatment can be successful for any age. In particular, elderly patients often completely comply with the doctor's instructions. Besides, with the appearance of cosmetic braces methods such as braces on the inside, transparent porcelain frames, ... it is difficult for the opposite person to know if you are wearing orthodontic equipment or not. So, if you are worried that metal braces may affect your image, then choose about more aesthetic methods of braces; Orthodontic treatment helps to straighten teeth, easier to clean, less wear. A better bite also helps you to have less trouble chewing, swallowing and talking. You will have healthy teeth, without worrying about problems such as tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, ...

In addition to cosmetic problems, you should see an orthodontist as soon as you have concerns about the arrangement of your teeth or problems with your bite. These are the symptoms: Difficulty biting, chewing, speaking; teeth are protruding, crowded or not in the right position,... At the same time, breathing through your mouth, grinding your teeth, not being able to close your lips comfortably, jaw fatigue, ... are also signs that you need orthodontic treatment.
Popular orthodontic adult patients are in the age group of 26 - 44 years old. However, there are also people in their 60s to 70s who still have braces. Treatment is different for each patient, and it usually lasts 1-3 years.
Thus, children should see an orthodontist before the age of 7 to check their oral health and treat periodontal diseases early. Adults should also see a dentist if they have cosmetic problems or have gum disease, malocclusion,...
To examine and treat dental problems, you can go to a specialist. Odonto-Stomatology - Vinmec International General Hospital. Currently, Vinmec is one of the leading prestigious hospitals in the country, trusted by a large number of patients for medical examination and treatment. Not only the physical system, modern equipment: 6 ultrasound rooms, 4 DR X-ray rooms (1 full-axis machine, 1 light machine, 1 general machine and 1 mammography machine) , 2 DR portable X-ray machines, 2 multi-row CT scanner rooms (1 128 rows and 1 16 arrays), 2 Magnetic resonance imaging rooms (1 3 Tesla and 1 1.5 Tesla), 1 room for 2 levels of interventional angiography and 1 room to measure bone mineral density.... Vinmec is also the place where a team of experienced doctors and nurses will gather a lot of support in diagnosis and detection. early signs of abnormality in the patient's body. In particular, with the space designed according to 5-star hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring the patient the most comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: aaoinfo.org, discoverortho.ca, webmd.com