How to find a bite correction orthodontist
An orthodontist who corrects the bite will nearly always need to mount molds of the teeth on an instrument called an articulator (photo on the left). The articulator is indispensable in studying the relationship between the teeth and jaw joints.
FIRST VISIT: A bite correction orthodontist will do a thorough examination of the chewing system (including the jaw joints). After the examination s/he may recommend diagnostic records. The records are part of the data needed for an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. Usually, records will include the articulator mounted models, photographs, and x-rays (or digital images). Typically, x-rays include a cephalometic view (for study of the skeletal pattern and positions of the teeth in the jaws), along with dental, and often, joint x-rays.
A bite correction orthodontist will need to take the time to study the diagnostic data !! This is a very important step, and certainly in the best interests of the patient. It simply is not possible to do a complete, individualized, diagnosis and treatment plan at the chair during the first visit. The popular “one-step initial visit” recommended by most orthodontic business consultants, where the examination, diagnosis, and placement of initial appliances all occurs at the first visit, can miss significant problems. Orthodontics is like building a house, and the orthodontist wears three hats, the architect, engineer and contactor. No one would build a house without proper planning. Every patient is unique with a unique set of problems, and deserves a customized diagnosis along with treatment alternative. This requires that the orthodontist sit down with all the necessary data to thoroughly study the case, and develop a list of the problems, their solutions, and the pros and cons of different treatment options.
SECOND VISIT (THE CONSULTATION): At this visit it is explained to the patient and/or parents what the orthodontist learned by taking the time to study the diagnostic data. What are the problems? What will be the goals of treatment? In some cases not all the ideal goals can be met. What are the treatment choices? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What are all the factors that might be involved with treatment? After the consultation you will have the necessary information to make the decision that is best for you.
TREATMENT: In comprehensive treatment, a bite correction orthodontist will place braces on all of the teeth, including the upper and lower second molars. The second molars are the teeth furthest back in the jaw. Thus they are closest to the jaw joint and the powerful chewing muscles. These teeth have a profound affect on healthy function of the joints and muscles, and must be properly positioned if the bite is to be corrected. Thus the time to begin treatment for the growing patient becomes especially important. For example, if treatment is started too soon, the second molars will not have erupted during the course of treatment, making bite correction unlikely.
Detailing tooth positions and monitoring treatment are important to the bite correction orthodontist.
We are very proud of our talented and experienced clinical assistants. Nonetheless, in our office, the clinical assistants do not direct patient treatment. Dr. G sees every patient at every visit, he makes all treatment decisions, and he does all critical procedures himself. For example- Dr. G always positions the braces on the teeth. In a practice shooting for functional excellence, the positioning of the bracket on the tooth is crucial, and cannot be delegated (sometimes it is done in the laboratory using an “indirect” process). In fact, it is nearly always necessary for Dr. G to remove and reposition brackets in the final, detailing stages of treatment.
A bite correction orthodontist is constantly monitoring the health and stability of the jaw joints.
A patient may develop TMJ pain, popping, or other symptoms of dysfunction before, during, or after orthodontic treatment. Dr. G knows how to handle these problems without having to send the patient out to another specialist.
POST TREATMENT:
In our practice, nearly every patient has a post treatment consultation. Here all aspects of the treatment and results are reviewed with the patient/parent. How difficult was the problem? Did we accomplish all the goals of treatment? If not, why not, and what to do about it? Where do we go from here? What about wisdom teeth? What steps need to be taken to ensure that the patient has a healthy and attractive smile all their life? How long are retainers worn? Should restorative work by the dentist be started right away, or should we wait?
A GOOD WAY TO FIND A BITE CORRECTION ORTHODONTIST IS TO ASK IF HE OR SHE IS A CERTIFIED GRADUATE OF THE ROTH/WILLIAMS SCHOOL.
