While dentistry and orthodontics are similar in that they both deal with the health and appearance of the mouth and the teeth, dentistry is a very broad practice whereas orthodontics provide much more targeted treatment.
How Orthodontics Differs From Dentistry
Orthodontics are considered specialty procedures that fall within the realm of dentistry and your dentist is usually the one to identify whether or not orthodontic treatment will be necessary. These procedures strictly concern things such as bite correction, occlusion, teeth straightening, and other issues that directly affect these areas.
Orthodontists can identify irregularities early on and orthodontic treatment in Tulsa, OK can concern treating the early stages of orthodontic issues in children to redirect tooth growth and promote a healthy mouth where future procedures are limited and even unnecessary.
Early orthodontics may include creating space, correcting occlusion, and paying attention to bad habits that promote improper growth. If you visit Tulsakidsdental.com, you can find extensive information regarding early orthodontic procedures and how you can increase your child’s chances of proper growth.
What Orthodontics Sets Out to Correct
Whether you’re seeking orthodontic treatment as a preventative measure or for the correction of a permanent set of teeth, orthodontics sets out to address the following issues.
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Misplaced midline
• Gaps and spacing
• Crowding
All of these things can be corrected and even prevented with the implementation of some orthodontic procedures. Usually, children are advised to undergo orthodontic evaluations before the age of eight to effectively catch incoming irregularities and begin necessary orthodontic treatment.
Occasionally, regular dentists are capable of correcting certain things; however, severe issues, especially those that involve correcting the jaw, will require orthodontic attention and if you don’t meet with an orthodontist directly, your dentist usually refers you to one. Contact us to Make an appointment!
