When it comes to achieving a healthy, confident smile, orthodontists play a crucial role. These dental specialists are not just about braces; their expertise goes far beyond aesthetics. In this detailed guide, we will explore the role of an orthodontist, the treatments they provide, and answers to common questions like “can orthodontist do fillings?” and “Do orthodontist do surgery?”.
This blog will also help you understand whether you need to see a dentist before an orthodontist and what a typical orthodontic assistant does.
Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They are experts in:
Straightening crooked teeth
Fixing bite issues (underbite, overbite, crossbite)
Aligning jaws and facial structures
Improving oral function and appearance
At UrgentDent, we provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Munster and Merrillville. Whether you’re a teen or adult, our orthodontists are equipped to help you achieve optimal dental alignment.
Orthodontists use a variety of tools and methods to treat dental irregularities:
Braces (metal and ceramic)
Clear aligners (like Invisalign)
Palatal expanders
Headgear and retainers
Orthognathic surgery (in collaboration with oral surgeons)
If you’re curious about the broader category of treatments, check out our blog on What are Orthodontic Services?
Yes, it’s often beneficial to see a general dentist before visiting an orthodontist. Your General Dentistry provider can ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. Conditions like gum disease or cavities should be addressed before beginning alignment procedures.
This is a common question. Here’s what you need to know:
Can orthodontist do fillings? Technically, orthodontists are trained as dentists first, but they do not usually perform fillings. For cavities or restorative work, you should visit your general dentist or our Dental Fillings service page.
Can orthodontist pull teeth? In some cases, orthodontists may recommend extractions to make space for teeth alignment. However, the extraction is usually performed by a general dentist or oral surgeon.
For comprehensive tooth extractions, visit our Wisdom Tooth Removal page.
Do orthodontist do implants? No, dental implants fall under the expertise of implant dentists. Learn more on our Implant Dentistry page.
Do orthodontist do surgery? Orthodontists themselves do not perform surgery, but they collaborate with oral surgeons for procedures like jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery. Learn more in our blog on How Much Does Orthodontic Surgery Cost?
Do orthodontist shave teeth after braces? Yes, sometimes teeth are slightly reshaped to create even spacing and symmetry. This is known as interproximal reduction.
Do orthodontist file your teeth after braces? This is done in specific cases and helps in achieving optimal aesthetics after treatment.
Orthodontist assistants play a vital support role in patient care. Their tasks include:
Preparing patients for procedures
Assisting during appliance fittings
Taking x-rays and impressions
Educating patients on oral hygiene during treatment
They ensure the orthodontist can focus on delivering precise and effective treatment.
You should consider seeing an orthodontist if you experience:
Crowded or crooked teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Jaw pain or clicking
Speech difficulties due to teeth alignment
Our team at UrgentDent offers Family Dentistry and Cleaning and Prevention services to help detect issues early.
Looking for the best orthodontist in Munster or Merrillville? At UrgentDent, we pride ourselves on providing personalized care with advanced technology and a compassionate approach.
Don’t forget to check out our post on Does Insurance Cover Orthodontics? to understand your benefits.
Orthodontics often works hand in hand with other services:
Cosmetic Dentistry for a complete smile makeover
Teeth Whitening for post-braces brightness
Gum Disease Treatment to maintain oral health throughout your treatment
Ready to begin your journey to a better smile? Schedule an appointment with UrgentDent today by visiting our Contact Us page or calling 219-513-0555.