To become an Orthodontist, who is a specialist, one must typically complete the following steps:
Obtain a bachelor's degree: you must obtain a bachelor's degree in any major before applying to dental school.
Get accepted into a dental school: you must take the dental admission test (DAT) & apply to dental schools. Dental school typically will take four additional years of classwork to complete.
Complete a residency: after graduation from dental school, a candidate must complete a two-year residency program in orthodontics or a similar specialty.
Get licensed: you must be licensed to practice orthodontics in your state of practice.
Get certified by the American board of orthodontics: to become a certified orthodontist, you must pass an exam administered by the American board of orthodontics.
Keep up with continuing education: to keep up with the latest orthodontic techniques & technology, orthodontists must complete continuing education courses each year, which Dr. Azizi & even his staff continue to do as a group.
Dr. Benjamin Azizi, Penn Dental School graduate & director of Orthodontics at Temple University for over 20 years.
Summertime can be a good time to start orthodontic treatment for several reasons:
More flexible schedule: Summertime is usually a more relaxed schedule with fewer commitments like school. This makes it easier to schedule orthodontic appointments.
Faster results: Since people tend to have more free time to attend multiple appointments during the summer, orthodontic treatment can often be completed more quickly.
Adjustment period: Starting orthodontic treatment can be uncomfortable at first as your mouth adjusts to braces or aligners. Summer is a good time to start treatment because it gives you time to get used to your new appliance before returning to school or work.
Good time for minor adjustments: Summer is a good time for minor orthodontic adjustments which can improve your smile before important events like weddings, vacations or school photos.
Protect teeth during sports: Many summer sport activities put your smile at risk for injury. Orthodontic treatment includes the use of a mouthguard or Invisalign trays. These will protect your teeth & gums during activities.
Overall, summertime can provide a good opportunity to begin orthodontic treatment in a convenient, comfortable & safe way!
It is important to wear a mouthguard if you have braces while playing sports. Mouthguards can protect the lips, gums and cheeks from getting cut or injured by the braces, wires & brackets.
Wearing braces increases the risk of getting injured during sports due to brackets & wires which can cause trauma to the inside of the mouth. If hit by a flying object or an opponent mouthguards help to cushion the blow & minimize the impact of the collision.
In addition to protecting the mouth, wearing a mouthguard can also prevent damage to the braces themselves. A hit or blow to the mouth can damage or dislocate the brackets or wires, this will increase the time & cost of the orthodontic treatment.
Mouthguards are available in various types & sizes. Patients with braces may need a specialized mouthguard. These guards fit over the orthodontic appliances. A dentist or an orthodontist can provide a customized mouthguard to fit over braces & provide full protection. If buying a mouthguard from the store, the directions will indicate to boil & mold to the teeth. DO NOT BOIL & MOLD THE MOUTHGUARD IF WEARING BRACES!! If one boils & bites into the mouthguard, it will stick to the braces & will pull wires and brackets off.
If you have Invisalign, the trays can be worn while playing sports. The Invisalign trays work as a mouthguard to protect the teeth if hit in the mouth. If one is playing a sport and needs an actual mouthguard, while in treatment with Invisalign, this CAN be boiled & molded to the teeth. Although, keep in mind during treatment the teeth are constantly changing and the guard may not fit after a bit.
Overall, wearing a mouthguard when necessary can help to prevent potential trauma to your dentition and your orthodontic appliances. If you need a mouthguard, just ask one of our assistants & they will gladly provide one!
When a patient gets braces bonded to their teeth this is not the last time to see the orthodontist. This is the same for orthodontic appliances & Invisalign. When a patient starts any type of orthodontic treatment they will be required to schedule and keep appointments usually between every 4-8 weeks, or whatever the orthodontist recommends.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SHOW UP WHEN TOLD?
It is important to show up to appointments because it keeps the patient on track to finish their treatment within the estimated treatment length given. If a patient doesn't show to appointments it will also be hard to achieve the perfect result. The orthodontist plans the treatment to progress in a way to achieve a perfect smile. This means there will be specific wires used, braces placement & elastics. If a patient doesn't show for a while the wires & elastics start to lose their activity which will just put the patient's teeth at a halt and stall progress. Not showing up for appointments can also lead to brackets braking, wires poking or coming out & running out of take longer & could even cause much pain.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ORAL HYGIENE IF ONE DOES NOT SHOW UP?
If a patient doesn't make it to scheduled appointments this means wires are not being removed to allow normal brushing & flossing. When there are wires in it can be very tedious & hard to reach all areas while cleaning. If a patient doesn't show for appointments and plaque is not removed from around the wires, the teeth will end up with decay, cavities & gum issues.
Having bad oral hygiene during treatment can also cause the teeth to move slower. This would be another setback during orthodontic treatment. If the gums start to become puffy or are bleeding when touched, this is a sign there is bacteria. So, it is very important to make it to scheduled orthodontic appointments!!
