Who Is an Orthodontist and What Do They Do? Insights from an Orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago

Orthodontist in Edison Park Chicago

If you are suffering from dental problems, who should you turn to for help? A dentist or an orthodontist? Most people are familiar with the roles of dentists and what they do. But what exactly does an orthodontist do?

To give you a better idea, we’re going to discuss the role of an orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago, and we’ll also explain the kinds of treatments they provide to their patients.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in treating misaligned teeth or “malocclusion.” Their focus is on correcting the position of teeth and enhancing the overall look of the face. Your Edison Park orthodontist can treat a variety of dental issues, including (but not limited to):

  • Misaligned bites: When it comes to dental conditions, bite correction is the most common reason patients look for an orthodontist in Edison Park. In simple words, your teeth are misaligned, and you must correct this problem. When you do not have perfectly straight teeth, you will experience bite problems. There are many different types of bite problems, including open bite, crossbite, overbite, and underbite, to name a few.
  • Teeth spacing: Teeth spacing is another common dental problem that an orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago can help you with. Teeth spacing not only has a negative impact on the appearance of the face but also on oral health and digestion. Because of the spacing, it can get challenging to brush and floss correctly — not to mention the difficulty in chewing. It can also be a contributing factor to tooth decay. Teeth being separated by large gaps can also result in the crowding of teeth, leading to poor oral health, bad breath or “halitosis,” plaque buildup, and cavities.
  • Jaw issues: Jaw problems or misalignment issues are not quite as common as the issues mentioned above. However, if you notice any changes in your jawbone, this can result in problems with your mouth. When you have consistent pain in your jawbone, you will know that you have a jawbone problem. Your jaw may also make a creaking sound now and again. A knowledgeable orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the most appropriate treatment option.

Your Edison Park orthodontist will check your oral health and hygiene during your initial appointments. They will conduct many different exams, checking the teeth and jaw alignment. Based on the tests, they will recommend a treatment plan.

What do orthodontists use for the treatment?

Edison Park orthodontists use braces or Invisalign® aligners to straighten the teeth and correct their alignment. The type of treatment will be determined by the patient’s preferences and oral health. Braces and Invisalign are designed to put pressure on the teeth and gums. As a result, the teeth shift into an ideal position, resulting in better alignment.

You will require multiple visits to your Edison Park orthodontist over the course of the treatment. When you come in for your appointment, they will check your teeth’ position and make any necessary adjustments to your braces. If you use Invisalign, your orthodontist will provide you with a new set of aligners once the position of your teeth has been changed.

Looking for the Top-Rated Orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago?

Now that you have a clear idea of what an orthodontist can offer, are you ready to schedule an evaluation? If so, and if you’re looking for the top-rated orthodontist in Edison Park, Chicago, look no further than Dr. Gordon J. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations.

Our goal at Smile Innovation is to provide our patients with affordable, cutting-edge orthodontic treatment in a comfortable and professional environment. Our patients are our priority — and we go above and beyond to provide them with personalized care and attention.

Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to schedule an appointment.