Achieving a straight, healthy, and beautiful smile is not a one-person job—it’s a team effort made up of various dental specialists, each playing a unique and crucial role in your oral health journey. From your dentist who keeps you healthy to the orthodontist who guides your alignment into place to the periodontist, oral surgeon, and prosthodontist who contribute their expertise to complex cases, it truly takes a full roster to create that picture-perfect smile. Botsford Orthodontics would like to introduce you to the team behind your straight smile.
The Role Of Dentists
Let’s kick things off with your dentist, the cornerstone of your oral health team. Dentists are like the general practitioners of the dental world, providing essential services that protect oral health before, during, and after braces. They perform regular check-ups, cleanings, fill cavities and even perform some complex procedures. But did you know they also play a crucial role in your journey to a straight smile? That’s right! Your dentist is often the first to spot potential orthodontic issues, like overcrowding or misalignment. They then refer you to a specialist, like our very own Dr. Botsford, for further treatment.
The Role Of Orthodontists
As specialists in the field of dentistry, orthodontists are extensively trained to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities. Our primary purpose is to help you achieve an aligned bite. We utilize various tools like braces and clear aligners to correct issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and crowding. Here at Botsford Orthodontics, we offer a range of orthodontic solutions, including KLOwen metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign and uLab clear aligners. These treatments gradually move your teeth and jaw into their ideal positions, resulting in a gorgeous, functional, and healthy smile.
The Role Of Periodontists
Next up on the team is the periodontist, an oral healthcare provider focused on the health of your gums. You might wonder, “What do my gums have to do with straight teeth?” Well, actually, quite a lot! Your gums need to be healthy, so your teeth can have a solid foundation to hold on to. Periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. They also play a crucial role in managing conditions that affect the structures supporting your teeth, like the jawbone. So, while orthodontists align your teeth, periodontists ensure that your gums and underlying bone are healthy enough to support these changes. Remember, a straight smile isn’t just about aligned teeth—it’s also about having healthy gums to hold them in place and keep the smile as pretty as possible!
The Role Of Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. They step in when orthodontic issues require more than braces or aligners to fix. For instance, they might perform surgery to correct severe jaw misalignment or remove impacted teeth. In some cases, oral surgeons and orthodontists work hand-in-hand to plan and execute treatment strategies, especially for complex cases. So, while your orthodontist might be adjusting your braces, an oral surgeon could make those adjustments possible in the first place!
The Role Of Prosthodontists
Finally, let’s discuss the role of prosthodontists in your oral health team. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus on the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of oral function. They use devices such as dentures, bridges, and implants to replace missing teeth, ensuring your smile is complete. Prosthodontists work closely with other dental professionals, including orthodontists, to ensure that any prosthetic fits perfectly in your aligned smile. This oral healthcare professional contributes significantly to the comprehensive care that goes into achieving a straight, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile for many patients.
Discover Who Will Be On Your Team To Achieve the Smile You Deserve!
Some patients only need an orthodontist and a dentist to achieve their alignment goals. Some might need an oral surgeon to step in and make some adjustments before they can begin their braces treatment. Some might need a periodontist to improve the health of their gums before treatments. Some might need a prosthodontist to fill the missing gaps. Whatever your alignment needs, there’s a whole team of oral healthcare professionals who can make it happen!
Are you ready to begin your journey to a straighter smile? Schedule a free consultation with Botsford Orthodontics! At your initial assessment, Dr. Botsford will thoroughly examine you, let you know what options are available, and help you plan your next steps. Your new look is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to assist you!