There are several types of dentists you can choose to visit to help take good care of your teeth. The one that you choose to go with will depend on where you live and the exact dental problems you are dealing with at the time. Understanding what an orthodontist can do compared to a regular dentist can make a difference and helps you to make the right decision for your needs.

To start, an orthodontist is going to use fixed and removable dental devices like bands, retainers, and braces, in order to help move and change the position of the teeth in the mouth. They often have more education and training compared to a regular dentist that provides them with the knowledge they need to properly take care of your teeth. Some of the dental abnormalities an orthodontist is able to help out with include:

# Crooked teeth

# Any problems with the biting pattern of the patient like an underbite or an overbite.

# Crowded teeth that are pushing against one another or teeth that tend to be too far apart.

# Jaw misalignment

The goal of receiving orthodontic care is to make sure the patient’s bite is in good working order. When the teeth are straight and evenly spaced, they can align up with the opposing teeth in the jaw. With a healthy bite, the patient can chew, eat, and speak properly, but when the teeth ore out of line, this is not possible. If you ignore the problem and assume it is not a big deal, it can become harder for the patient to eat and speak normally.

In the past, orthodontists were often associated with kids and teenagers. This is because they would often provide braces and other similar care for younger patients to correct tooth and gum problems. However, an orthodontist is able to provide help with a variety of different dental problems, no matter the age of the patient. It is not uncommon for some adults to finally get into the dentist and find they need braces, a retainer, or something else to help with dental problems they have had for years.

When. You want to take the best care of your teeth, then trusting an orthodontist can make a lot of sense. Finding the right orthodontist in Lake Oswego is a smart decision that will help you take care of the teeth and avoid problems in the future. Whether you are looking for an orthodontist for yourself or for your kids, our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Trust us for all of your dental needs.