Due to the rapid expansion in dental and orthodontic technology, the number of available orthodontic procedures has exploded in the last few years. Many of the old procedures have become much safer and have gone down in price, while a whole range of new procedures have entered the modern orthodontist’s repertoire. No matter what type of procedure you need, it’s important to find a qualified Calgary orthodontist who is trained and experienced in the type of work you need done. But before doing so, here’s what you should know.
What’s an orthodontist?
Practically everyone needs an orthodontist at some point—either for themselves or for their children—but not everyone is familiar with the exact purview of orthodontics and how the field differs from dentistry. In short, orthodontists are dentists who have received special training—usually a two-year program in addition to the four-year dentistry program—that enables them to diagnose and treat issues involving misaligned teeth and jaws. Every Calgary orthodontist, as well as those from around the country, must be certified by both the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.
For children, orthodontists typically work to identify and prevent future problems in developing teeth and jaws. The earlier a problem is detected, the sooner it can be corrected—often with braces or other types of alignment procedures that are usually associated with children much more than adults.
Although children have historically been the primary patients for orthodontists, adults are increasingly seeking orthodontic procedures, especially for cosmetic applications such as adult braces, porcelain veneers, or invisalign teeth aligners.
Before choosing a Calgary orthodontist
Before seeking a consultation with a Calgary orthodontist, there are a few things you might want to do, including:
- Ask your general dentist for a recommendation. If your trust your dentist, then there’s a good chance his or her recommendation will be right for you.
- Ask colleagues, friends, and neighbors if they know of any good orthodontists.
- Before going to a consultation, confirm that your Calgary orthodontist has been licensed by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. A full database is available on the association’s website.
Questions to ask your Calgary orthodontist
During your consultation, your orthodontist will ask questions about the issue you need treatment for, and he or she will probably want to take a close look at your teeth and jaw. During the course of this meeting, don’t be afraid to ask any questions that spring to mind. Here are a few that you might want to consider:
- How many years has he or she been practicing?
- How many patients does he or she treat on a weekly basis?
- Is the orthodontist up-to-date on the latest orthodontic technology, and will these tools be used?
- Who will be assisting with the procedure, and what type of training do they have?
- What types of procedures are available for the tooth/jaw issue in question?
- What is the standard procedure in case of an emergency?
- What types of financing are available if you choose to go through with the procedure?
