Duties of an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dental specialists who help correct malformations of the mouth, including crooked or misplaced teeth or misaligned jaws. As a dental professional doctor, orthodontists perform a variety of duties to treat their patients.
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Consultation
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An orthodontist begins treatment of patients with an initial consultation, where the doctor discusses with the patient the reasons for visiting the orthodontist and uncovers the patient's goals for orthodontic treatment.
Examination
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The orthodontist will then schedule an initial examination or perform it on the same day as the consultation. The examination involves looking closely at the teeth and bone structure of the jaw, taking X-rays and plaster molds of the patient's mouth.
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Treatment Plan
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After the initial examination, the orthodontist devises a treatment plan that he reviews with the patient. This may include the use of braces, retainers, spacers, dental headgear and surgery.
Treatment
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Once the patient understands the treatment plan, the orthodontist will begin work by fitting retainers, adding spacers or dental brackets, installing braces or instructing the patient in the use of orthodontic or dental headgear. The orthodontist may also consult with an oral or maxillofacial surgeon, if surgery will be used as a part of treatment.
Maintenance
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After treatment begins, the orthodontist will periodically examine the patient, modifying the treatment plan, tightening braces or headgear, changing wires and making repairs to any hardware as needed. Orthodontists also check the patient's teeth and gums for general health to ensure that the inclusion of orthodontic appliances is not having a negative effect.
Discharge
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When the treatment plan is complete, the orthodontist is responsible for removing the appliances.
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