How to Choose an Orthodontist

STAFF
Published: April 17, 2008

Dr. Parrott
   
So maybe your dentist, a friend, or a family member suggests that you seek orthodontic treatment ? where do you go from there? Certainly a quick look in the phone book will yield several names of people advertising their ability to place braces on your teeth; but do you really know what all of those letters after names mean, or what the various dental memberships signify? As with any branch of healthcare, it helps to be informed before making a decision that will impact your or your family member’s wellbeing.

    The American Dental Association (ADA) is an organization comprised of both general dentists and dental specialists. About 70 percent of U.S. dentists are in this organization. It is a good source of information on all aspects of oral health care, including orthodontics. For instance, the ADArecommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven ? even earlier in some cases.

But who should you see for such an evaluation? Is it necessary for every child to see an orthodontist at this age? In most cases, your general dentist is aware of developing orthodontic problems and will make treatment recommendations accordingly. Some general dentists, and many pediatric dentists, offer orthodontic treatment to their patients while others refer their patients out to a specialist in orthodontics.

    Orthodontic specialists, or orthodontists, are dentists who have earned either a Master’s Degree or a Certificate in Orthodontics from an accredited orthodontic residency program after obtaining their dental degree (D.D.S./D.M.D.). Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Thus, by selecting a practitioner who is a member of the AAO, you have the assurance that the treatment is being performed by someone who has completed a minimum of two years of advanced specialty training in a university-based, ADA accredited program.

    What about Board Certification? To be a board certified orthodontist, a dentist first must graduate from an ADA accredited orthodontic program and then submit to a voluntary examination process by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The ABO maintains an up to date list of its diplomats on their web site (http://www.americanboardortho.com). Both the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association only recognize board certification by the ABO for those practicing asOrthodontists.

    WHAT TO EXPECT DURING ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION/TREATMENT

    The initial visit to an orthodontist typically includes a medical/dental history, clinical examination, photographs of face and teeth, and any other records that may be required to determine the need for and/or timing of orthodontic treatment. If treatment is indicated, dental impressions and radiographs (x-rays) will aid the orthodontist in recommending the appropriate treatment option(s) for the patient. Orthodontists aretrained to strive for an ideal result ? a perfect balance of esthetics, function, and stability whenever possible; however, depending on your goals for treatment, it may be desired to place more emphasis on one component at the expense of another. Once your orthodontist has explained the pros and cons of any realistic treatment options, it is imperative that you all agree on treatment goals and that you understand the patient’s role in helping to obtain that result.

    Orthodontic treatment time varies depending on the severity of the malocclusion (“bad-bite”), the growth status of the patient, and the type of treatment (extraction vs. non-extraction, surgical). Once appliances are placed, it is important that the patient remain committed to making routine visits back to the orthodontist (every four to ten weeks), to following the caregiver’s instructions (rubber band wear, hygiene, dietary restrictions), and to notify the provider should any problems arise. A full commitment on your part combined with sound diagnosis and treatment are keys to successful orthodontic treatment.

    Sources: www.ada.org; www.braces.org; www.americanboardortho.com.