Have you ever wondered how to make your teeth straight and your smile beautiful? Here in Calgary, many families ask us this question when they visit Impact Orthodontics. The answer often lies with a special type of dentist called an orthodontist. Let’s learn about these tooth experts and how we help people get healthy, beautiful smiles.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
So, what is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dental professional who helps fix crooked teeth and jaw problems. Think of them as tooth straightening experts! While a general dentist takes care of your teeth by cleaning them and filling cavities, we orthodontists focus on moving your teeth into the right places.
At Impact Orthodontics, we work with teeth and jaws that don’t line up properly. We use special tools like braces and clear aligners to slowly move your teeth where they should be. This process is called orthodontic treatment, and it helps create a healthy smile that works better and looks great.
Our main job is treating malocclusion. That’s a fancy word for when your teeth don’t fit together correctly when you bite down. We also help with jaw alignment problems and make sure your upper teeth and lower teeth come together just right.
Problems We Help Fix at Impact Orthodontics
Our team helps solve many dental concerns. Here are some common problems we treat every day in our Calgary practice:
Crooked and Misaligned Teeth
When teeth grow in twisted or overlapping positions, we can move them into better spots. Incorrectly positioned teeth can be hard to clean and may cause oral health issues later.
Missing Teeth Gaps
Sometimes people are born without certain adult teeth, or they lose teeth due to accidents. We can close gaps or create space for replacement teeth.
Bite Problems
When your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause problems with chewing and speaking. A functional bite is important for good oral health, and we see this challenge frequently in our Calgary patients.
Jaw Growth Issues
Sometimes the lower jaw or upper jaw grows too much or too little. We can guide facial growth in younger patients and work with oral surgeons for jaw surgery in adults when needed.
How Do People Become Orthodontists?
Becoming an orthodontist takes many years of school and training. In Canada, the path that our Impact Orthodontics team followed looks like this:
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
First, future orthodontists need to finish university with a science degree. We studied basic sciences like biology and chemistry to prepare for dental school.
Step 2: Dental School (4 years)
Next, we went to an accredited dental school to earn a doctor of dental surgery degree or doctor of dental medicine degree. Dental school teaches about all parts of dentistry, from tooth decay prevention to gum disease treatment.
Step 3: Orthodontic Training (2-3 years)
After dental school, we needed additional education in orthodontics. This special training taught us about orthodontic appliances, treatment planning, and how to move teeth safely. We also learned about dentofacial orthopedics, which involves guiding jaw growth.
Step 4: Written Exam and Certification
Finally, we had to pass a written exam and get approval from organizations like the Royal College of Dental Surgeons and meet standards set by groups like the Canadian Dental Association.
The whole process takes about 10-11 years after high school! Only about 6% of all dental professionals become orthodontists because the training is so specialized. That’s why patients in Calgary trust the expertise we’ve built at Impact Orthodontics.
Why Our Calgary Patients Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Getting orthodontic treatment isn’t just about having a pretty smile (though that’s nice too!). Here are some important health reasons why families choose Impact Orthodontics:
Better Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. When teeth align properly, you can clean them better, which helps prevent dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
Improved Function
A properly aligned bite helps you chew food better and speak more clearly. This can improve your overall health and confidence – something we love seeing in our Calgary patients.
Prevents Future Problems
Fixing alignment problems early can prevent bigger dental concerns later in life. Crooked teeth can wear down unevenly and cause jaw problems if left untreated.
Boosts Confidence
A healthy smile helps people feel good about themselves. When you’re proud of your smile, you’re more likely to show it off! We see this transformation every day at our practice.
Why Calgary Families Choose Impact Orthodontics
When looking for an orthodontist, you want someone with proper training and experience. Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- Graduation from accredited dental schools
- Completion of orthodontic residency programs
- Good standing with the Canadian Dental Association
- Years of experience treating all types of cases
- A clean, modern Calgary office with up-to-date equipment
- A caring team that makes every visit comfortable
If you’re wondering how to pick the right orthodontist in Calgary, check out our guide on choosing the best orthodontist in Calgary.
How We Stay Current with Orthodontic Advances
Orthodontics keeps getting better with new technology, and we stay up-to-date at Impact Orthodontics. Digital treatment planning helps us create more precise treatment plans. 3D imaging lets us see exactly how your teeth and jaws fit together. These advances make treatment faster and more comfortable than ever before.
We continue our education to learn about new techniques and technologies. Some orthodontists now use artificial intelligence to help plan treatments and predict how teeth will move. This helps us give our Calgary patients even better results in less time.
Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile Starts at Impact Orthodontics
An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist who focuses on making teeth straight and helping jaws work properly. We use various orthodontic appliances and treatment options to give our Calgary patients healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
At Impact Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontists understand that every patient is unique. We take pride in creating personalized treatment plans that work for your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, bite problems, or other dental concerns, our Calgary team is committed to helping you achieve the healthy smile you deserve.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey with us? Book a new patient exam today and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. Our friendly team will evaluate your teeth and jaws, answer all your questions, and help you understand how orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and confidence. We look forward to welcoming you to the Impact Orthodontics family!
