Everyone wants to achieve that perfect and pearly smile. However, engaging in good oral practices is not only important in maintaining your overall appearance, but it is also essential to your overall health. Research has shown that by having good oral and dental hygiene can keep you and your family healthy. An unhealthy mouth, especially if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of a plethora of health problems such as stroke, heart diseases and poorly controlled diabetes. Read on to understand the importance of good oral hygiene.
What is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dental specialists, specialising in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws. They are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
Orthodontists and dentists share many similarities. Both types of professionals work together to help improve their patients’ overall oral health, but they are actually very different. Dentists cover a broad range of oral health issues whereas an orthodontist, specialises in just one thing – the straightening of teeth and alignment of jaws.
It is important that you understand the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist to make better informed decisions on who you and your family should visit if you have an oral problem.
Bring Your Children for an Orthodontist Check-up When They Turns Seven
Dentists may not evaluate your child’s bite but child orthodontists can help. By age 7, he or she would have grown enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate if there is any problem. Usually, a panoramic X-ray would be taken to evaluate any potential concerns with permanent teeth that are getting ready to break through the surface. For example, your child may be missing teeth, or he or she may have an extra tooth, or teeth may be growing in the wrong position.
There are typically three things that can result from your first appointment:
- No treatment is needed.
- Need to be followed periodically while the child continues to develop the face and jaws to see if treatment is needed in the future.
- There is a problem and thank goodness you brought your child down for a consultation!
Wear Your Retainers
If you have retainers, make them a part of your oral hygiene routine. Retainers are to be worn a lifetime. This is because your teeth will constantly change positions throughout your life and so retainers should be worn to make sure that your teeth stay put after treatment. So, be a good role model for your children and start wearing your retainers now!
Consult with an Orthodontist
If your teeth have likely shifted positions, do consult with an orthodontist as soon as possible. There are many orthodontists that offer free or low-cost initial consultations. If you have never had orthodontic treatment, or if you need a touch-up from your previous treatments, set up an appointment with an orthodontist before your condition worsens. Call Dr. Alex Rubinov at (718) 253-0800 today to make an appointment.