The dentists at Parkcrest Dental Group help keep your family’s smiles healthy and beautiful! Dr. Steven Harrison is our on-staff orthodontist who can recommend treatments to straighten teeth, no matter what age you are. In today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental Group, we explain when a Springfield dentist will recommend a visit to an orthodontist.
Dentist and Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
First, an orthodontist is a dentist. An orthodontist goes through the same rigorous training and certification as a dentist. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry, and an orthodontist’s goal is to straighten your teeth. We have Springfield dentists and an orthodontist on staff here at Parkcrest Dental.
Adult Tooth Development
Children might start to see an orthodontist as early as age 7. That’s when adult teeth start to come in, beginning with the front teeth. As adult teeth grow and develop, a dentist can see if they come in straight or misaligned. Misaligned teeth may cause uneven wear, speech difficulties, jaw disorders, and even headaches. By the time your child is a teenager, misaligned teeth can affect wisdom teeth. A Springfield dentist may recommend an orthodontist if your child’s teeth aren’t coming in straight.
Misaligned Jaw and Bite Issues
Orthodontics is more than just teeth. Orthodontists also look at the jaw and how it functions. Misaligned jaws can cause abnormal tooth wear, headaches, ear problems, and joint pain. An excessive overbite or underbite (where the lower jaw sticks out further than the upper teeth) is cause for concern. Your Springfield dentist may advise that your child see an orthodontist if they have an underbite, excessive overbite, or jaw misalignment.
What to Ask Your Orthodontist
When you see an orthodontist for you or your child, ask some important questions during the initial visit. Perhaps the most important question is about insurance. Not all dental plans cover orthodontic work. Ask the orthodontist if he or she is a specialist in more than one type of treatment. There are traditional braces, but also Invisalign technology, too. Do your research and find reviews for your chosen orthodontist. At Parkcrest Dental, we are proud to have Dr. Steve Harrison on staff. He’s a respected Springfield dentist who’s been with us for more than 30 years!
Orthodontics & Springfield Dentists at Parkcrest
Talk to us at Parkcrest Dental for all of your family’s dental care needs. We have board-certified dentists and a dedicated orthodontist who’s at the forefront of his field. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 for more details on adult dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics.
