Television shows today have helped break down some of the confusion surrounding different medical professionals. As we are taken through closed doors into the workings of A&E departments, GP surgeries and nurse practices, more people are becoming informed as to what these different medical workers do in their day to day jobs.
However, there is yet to be a ‘Dentist Behind Closed Doors’ or indeed a ‘24 Hours with an Orthodontist’. While most people are vaguely aware of what procedures a general dentist can perform, very few are aware of the variety of duties that an orthodontist can carry out.
If you have been referred to an orthodontist in Harley Street, it is worth noting that there is more to these dental professionals than meets the eye and they are worth investigating.
What is an orthodontist? What do they do?
So, if you have ever had a friend or family member who has had braces, you will have heard about trips to the orthodontist for the tightening and removal of braces. It is assumed by most members of the public that all orthodontists, including orthodontists in Harley Street, are only able to perform brace related treatments.
It is true that this is one of their primary roles, but with this specialist training there are also some other procedures and skills that are useful to the average dental patient.
Snoring and sleep apnoea
Granted, if you or your partner snore, your first trip is probably to a doctor and not a dentist. However, orthodontists can help you with issues around snoring or indeed sleep apnoea.
Snoring is usually caused by a partial closure of the airway during sleep; as our bodies enter sleep, our throat muscles relax and in certain people this can cause the upper throat to vibrate, causing that dreaded sound at 1am. Sleep apnoea also involves the throat muscles relaxing but can cause pauses in breathing and in some cases, can be fatal.
Our orthodontists can create a device called a ‘mandibular advancement splint’ for both snoring and mild apnoea; this mouthguard pulls the jaw forward and keeps the airway open. For more severe cases of sleep apnoea, different apparatus may be required.
Paediatric dentistry
Children have braces fitted more often than adults, so orthodontists are experts in working with children and are aware of common dental issues in this age group.
If you are looking for a dentist who is an expert in working with nervous or worried children, consider booking an appointment with an orthodontist. They can perform all of the check-ups that a general dentist can and will probably have a more child friendly surgery room too.
Facial surgery
Orthodontists can perform surgery to correct the jaw, neck, face and mouth, provided there is an underlying pathology or serious injury.
If you have been in a car accident for instance, an orthodontist may be involved in reconstructing your jaw and cheekbones.