Orthodontist and orthopedist in dentistry: what is common and what is the difference?

Scope of activity of an orthodontist

The main task of an orthodontist is the correction of malocclusions6,10, which have an extremely adverse effect on the health of the oral cavity and the body as a whole2,8. It also corrects unevenness of the dentition and individual teeth, dentofacial and maxillofacial anomalies10.

Preventive measures taken by the orthodontist are aimed at preventing the development of the above problems and eliminating risk factors10.

The responsibilities of the orthodontist also include the prevention of complications arising from malocclusion2:

• dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint;
• difficulty breathing;
• changes in diction;
• headaches;
• digestive problems.

Even in the absence of serious defects, many strive to have a Hollywood smile and absolutely straight teeth, so the services of an orthodontist are quite in demand.

Orthodontics and orthopedics in dentistry difference

The biggest difference, perhaps, is that in addition to an orthopedic dentist, there is also a general orthopedic surgeon.
Next, the orthodontist sets the teeth in their places, aligns the bite, but does not affect the shape of the teeth themselves.

An orthopedist uses dentures to restore teeth and replace lost teeth, thus restoring chewing function and psychological comfort.

In general, there is quite a big difference between orthopedics and orthodontics in dentistry; specialists deal with completely different treatments and we hope that now you will not confuse them.

What treatment methods does the orthodontist use?

There are various methods of orthodontic treatment. The most common of these is hardware3. It involves the use of various designs - removable and non-removable3,11 - with which you can9:

• expand or narrow the dentition;
• speed up or slow down the rate of jawbone growth;
• change the position of individual teeth and the position of the lower jaw.

The devices that the orthodontist works with include:

• Braces are a non-removable system that is fixed on the teeth3,9. It includes the braces themselves, rings, locks and arches3. These elements put pressure on the teeth, moving them in the desired direction3. The method is considered one of the most effective, which is why braces are used to correct most malocclusions4.
• Plates are removable devices with various active elements (screws, springs, hinges). They permanently or intermittently attack the teeth and jawbone3. Plates can be placed at any age, but the best age is considered to be 6-9 years11.
• A pre-orthodontic trainer is a removable elastic aligner that is usually placed at night3. It improves the position of teeth and normalizes breathing, swallowing and muscle tone1.
• Aligners are transparent aligners made of a special thermoplastic material5. They are made after computer 3D modeling of human jaws5, which allows you to see the final result even before they are installed. Aligners should be worn 24 hours a day, removed when eating and brushing teeth, and replaced with new ones every 2 weeks7.

Bottom line

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with issues of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics in dentistry deals with the problem of restoring chewing and speech functions, returning the patient to the ability to fully chew food and talk with people. If any number of teeth are lost, the patient seeks help from a prosthetist. The choice of dentures depends on the financial capabilities of the patient, the clinical picture, and the equipment of the dental clinic.

The best option is to install implants with subsequent fusion with bone tissue. Such structures protect bone mass from atrophy and completely replace tooth roots. Removable and fixed dentures are cheaper than implants, but do not protect bone and gum tissue from atrophy and loss. The choice of prosthetic method also largely depends on the condition of the patient’s oral cavity: for many, bridges or other structures are contraindicated due to malocclusion, pathology of bone or gum tissue.

Sources used:

• Abolmasov, N. G. Orthopedic dentistry. - Moscow: MEDpress-inform, 2007.
• Lebedenko I. Yu., Kalivradzhiyana E. S. Orthopedic dentistry: textbook. — Moscow: GEOTAR-Media, 2012.
• Wikipedia article

When to see an orthodontist

Some people mistakenly believe that bite correction can only be done in childhood or adolescence. But most of these problems can be solved at any age,2 which is why adults with uneven teeth and malocclusions should consult an orthodontist.

Considering that the appearance of malocclusion pathologies can be prevented already in early childhood, it is better to regularly show the child to the orthodontist, even if his teeth seem straight1. When examining children, the orthodontist draws parents' attention to factors that interfere with the correct formation of the bite. The doctor gives recommendations on how to properly monitor the baby’s diet, breathing and sleep. Normalization of these functions has a beneficial effect on the development of the dental system and the entire organism as a whole1.

Orthodontic treatment is carried out comprehensively, combining the work of a dentist-therapist, an orthopedist and surgeon, a speech therapist, an otolaryngologist and other specialists. However, the leading role belongs to the orthodontist. He develops a comprehensive plan for the prevention and treatment of dental anomalies, coordinates the work of other doctors and conducts follow-up2.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional advice from a doctor. To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, consult a qualified specialist.

to come back to the beginning

Dentist Orthopedist

In dentistry, an orthopedist specializes in restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. He does this with the help of prosthetics, which is why an orthopedist is also called a prosthetist.

You should contact an orthopedist if you notice:

• Loss of one or more teeth
• Decay of teeth that cannot be filled
• Too loose or sensitive teeth
• Aesthetic dissatisfaction with your teeth - an orthopedist can correct the color, shape and size of teeth
• Pathological conditions of the TMJ

Dentists of other specialties are often referred to an orthopedist; for example, when a tooth is more than half destroyed, therapists say that it is not practical to restore such a large defect with a filling and refer you to an orthopedist to install an inlay or crown.

Bibliography

1. Bogdan V. E. et al. Prevention of dental anomalies and orthodontic treatment at an early age // Chief Doctor of the South of Russia. - 2013. - No. 6 (37). — P. 4-6
2. Kyzina S. L., Rebrova A. E. Orthodontics for everyone // Healthcare of Ugra: experience and innovations. — 2022. — No. 4. — P. 33-38
3. Tokarevich I.V. General orthodontics // Educational method. allowance. — Minsk: BSMU. - 2015. - 80 p.
4. Khotayt A. Kh., Butvilovsky A. V. Method of manufacturing a non-removable individual retainer // Orthodontics gnathology. — 2022. — November. — No. 2 (3). — P. 22-26
5. Kipkaeva L. V., Belkevich V. V. Application of the aligner system in the treatment of dentofacial anomalies in the permanent dentition. Design features. Treatment effectiveness // Orthodontics gnathology. — 2021. — April. — No. 1 (4). — P. 50-55
6. Bulgakova A.I. et al. Structure and equipment of dental organizations // Textbook. - Ufa: Publishing house of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education BSMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia. - 2016. - 84 p.
7. Ganjali N. T. Braces or aligners? // Bulletin of medical Internet conferences. — 2014. — T. 4. — No. 4. — P. 370
8. William R. Proffitt et al. Modern orthodontics // Textbook. — 686 p.
9. Demina M.A. Positive and negative aspects of working with orthodontic structures, selection criteria // Bulletin of medical Internet conferences. - 2022. - T. 7. - No. 9. - P. 1440-1442
10. Alimirzoev F.A. Modern ideas about complex treatment in orthodontics // Achievements of university science. — 2014
11. Shkavro T.K., Pavlova I.A. Orthodontic devices // Textbook. – Irkutsk: IGMU. — 2022. — 32 p.

Who is an orthodontist and does he install braces?

Doctors who eliminate defects in the dentofacial apparatus and correct the position of teeth are called orthodontists. Such a doctor corrects interdental gaps, crooked teeth, incorrect jaw position and much more. In his work, an orthodontist uses braces, plates and other devices that eliminate bite defects.

Orthodontists began to appear in Russia back in the Soviet years. If in those days dentists corrected defects solely according to indications, then in new Russia orthodontic treatment is increasingly used for aesthetic purposes.

The problems with which patients come to the orthodontist are divided into three categories:

1. Congenital pathologies associated with underdeveloped teeth, their absence or irregular shape.
2. Genetic inheritance, which leads to malocclusion, crowded teeth, large interdental spaces.
3. Defects acquired during life, for example, these include crooked front teeth.

How to brush your teeth with braces?

This is where a traditional toothbrush and toothpaste don't serve their purpose. Therefore, you will need to buy a special orthodontic brush, brushes and floss from the pharmacy. You can also use an oral irrigator if you wish.

This way you can effectively clean your teeth and the area around the locks. Teeth should be thoroughly brushed after each meal, because food debris is deposited on braces, which contributes to the development of caries and does not look aesthetically pleasing. We have repeatedly encountered patients whose teeth are more well-groomed than those of a person without braces.

Braces hurt the oral cavity, what should I do?

After installing braces, each patient receives wax for locks from the orthodontist. At the very beginning, it is worth applying it to the entire system, because the mucous membrane in the oral cavity is not yet accustomed to contact with foreign objects.

Abrasions and wounds heal very quickly. Their healing can be accelerated by using agents that promote the healing of wounds in the oral cavity.

Where do the best orthodontists in Krasnoyarsk work?

How to find your doctor and find out where the best orthodontists in Krasnoyarsk work? Most patients are introduced to different specialists and then choose from them. To solve the problem of bite, it is worth consulting with several orthodontists. And then choose the one who seems more competent, caring and attentive to you. It also matters what kind of braces and aligners the clinic works with. For example, in Mira dentistry, patients are offered a large selection of designs with different parameters: material, cost, treatment period, size.

Take your time when choosing a specialist who treats orthodontic diseases. Once you find the perfect doctor for you, your years in braces will fly by!

Consultation with an orthodontist

Not everyone can correct the position of their teeth - but if you dream of seeing a perfect smile in the mirror and do not want to deal with dental problems in old age, you need to consult an orthodontist.

Please note that an examination and conversation with a doctor does not obligate you to get braces. This is an informative consultation where you will learn about your characteristics, possible risks and the approximate course of treatment for crooked teeth. After this, you can calmly weigh everything and decide whether to start treatment.

If you find it difficult to decide to wear braces for a long time, come to us. A consultation with an orthodontist will give you a complete understanding of your situation: the doctor will tell you in detail which teeth need correction, how long you will need to wear braces, and which designs are right for you. You will also learn about the risks that are likely if you do not work with the bite and leave everything as it is.