Many people know that orthodontists straighten teeth, but the scope of what these specialized dentists do goes far beyond just ensuring your smile is aesthetically pleasing. Orthodontists like Dr. Carl Wheeler at Wheeler Orthodontics, with locations in Toledo and Archbold, play a crucial role in improving oral health, functionality, and overall quality of life for their patients.
Specialized Dental Training
Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional years of specialized training after dental school, focusing exclusively on aligning teeth and jaws to ensure optimal function and appearance. This specialized training allows them to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities, or malocclusions. Dr. Carl Wheeler, like all orthodontists, spent these extra years mastering the complexities of jaw growth and dental displacement.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Abilities
A significant part of an orthodontist’s job involves diagnosing misaligned teeth and jaw issues. This process begins with a detailed assessment of the patient’s teeth, which often includes X-rays, digital scans, and creating molds of the teeth. These diagnostic tools help orthodontists like Dr. Wheeler at Wheeler Orthodontics develop a precise treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Designing Personalized Treatment Plans
Once a diagnosis is made, orthodontists devise a treatment plan that addresses both functional and aesthetic aspects of the mouth and face. These plans can include the use of traditional braces, clear aligners, or other corrective appliances. At Wheeler Orthodontics in Toledo and Archbold, Dr. Wheeler utilizes cutting-edge technology and techniques to ensure that each patient receives the most effective treatment, whether it’s to correct a simple gap or a complex bite issue.
Treatment of Various Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontists treat a wide range of conditions:
- Crowded Teeth: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit normally, orthodontists can realign the teeth.
- Overbite and Underbite: These conditions refer to the extent to which the upper and lower teeth overlap and are often corrected with braces or aligners.
- Spaces Between Teeth: Also known as diastema, spaces can appear between any two teeth, with orthodontic treatment effectively closing these gaps.
- Misaligned Jaws: Conditions like overjets or crossbites where the jaws don’t line up can lead to difficulty in chewing and speaking, which orthodontic treatments can correct.
Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is not a one-time procedure but a dynamic process that requires ongoing adjustments and monitoring. Dr. Wheeler and his team at Wheeler Orthodontics frequently check the progress of their patients’ treatments during scheduled visits, making necessary adjustments to braces or moving to the next set of aligner trays, to ensure the treatment is moving forward as planned.
Educating Patients
A critical component of what orthodontists do involves educating their patients about their orthodontic issues and the treatments. Dr. Wheeler believes in empowering his patients with knowledge about their dental health. He ensures they understand how to care for their orthodontic appliances and maintain good oral hygiene during treatment, which is vital for achieving the best results.
Focus on Long-Term Results
Orthodontists like Dr. Wheeler are focused not just on the immediate correction of dental issues but also on long-term results and benefits. This includes ensuring that teeth do not return to their previous positions after braces are removed — a common concern in orthodontic treatment. To prevent this, retention strategies such as the use of retainers after treatment are implemented, ensuring patients enjoy their beautiful smiles for a lifetime.
Community Involvement
Apart from their clinical responsibilities, orthodontists often engage in broader community activities related to dental health. At Wheeler Orthodontics, Dr. Wheeler is involved in community outreach programs in Toledo and Archbold, educating the public about the importance of good oral health and the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Trust Your Smile to the Experts!
So, what does an orthodontist do? They do more than just straighten teeth — they enhance patients’ lives by improving the functionality and appearance of their smiles. At Wheeler Orthodontics, Dr. Carl Wheeler and his dedicated team are committed to providing personalized, effective orthodontic care.
Whether you’re visiting their Toledo or Archbold location, you can expect a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of your orthodontic health, ensuring that you not only look great but also feel great about your smile. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, remember that choosing a skilled orthodontist is your first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile.
