About
Specialist Orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention &
treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are
dentists, but only about 5% of dentists are orthodontists.
- It can take 10 or more years of
education after high school to graduate as an orthodontist. After becoming a
dentist, the future orthodontist must be accepted as a student in an accredited
orthodontic program. Due to the fierce competition for this highly sought post;
academic and clinical excellence are an important prerequisite for selection.
This where the student learns the skills required to manage tooth movement
(orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopaedics).
- Orthodontists
use tools such as braces, retainers and functional appliances (Dentofacial Orthopaedics)
to move teeth into better positions and to retrain muscles. Dentofacial Orthopaedics forms a large part
of orthodontic training and this means our skills and knowledge allow us to
control and modify the growing bones of the jaw and pending eruption of the
permanent teeth, allowing future corrections to take effect more smoothly and
quickly. Jaw modification is so important that when carried out at the correct
age, i.e. while patient is still growing; it can eliminate the need for jaw
surgery later in life!
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The great news is Orthodontic treatment is no longer just
about straightening teeth. Our approach, most importantly, involves a
thorough analysis of the position of the patient’s teeth in relation to his or
her entire face. This “Facially Influenced” orthodontic approach improves the
bite and the aesthetic appearance of the smile and face. By positioning your
teeth correctly in the face, an improvement in the way you smile immediately
will be immediately noticed, as well as in the future. The goal is that your face will age better and you will look younger
for longer!!!!
