Who is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dental specialists that specialize in giving children and adults the finest smiles possible. While orthodontists are best known for straightening teeth, they can also help with misaligned and uncomfortable bites, tooth movement caused by poor habits like bruxism (tooth grinding), and even sleep apnea in some cases.
An orthodontist can help you or your child understand which of the numerous possible treatment choices is ideal for you or your child by drawing on their knowledge and skill in facial abnormalities, the jaw, and tooth position. There are treatments to suit practically any need or lifestyle, including fixed and removable plates, metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners.
Orthodontists are experts in detecting, preventing, and correcting tooth and jaw anomalies. One of their main responsibilities is to design, produce, or apply orthodontic products to realign teeth and jaws so that normal function and look can be achieved.
Orthodontists begin a consultation with a patient when they first see them, during which the patient outlines the reason for their appointment. After that, he does an examination, which includes taking x-rays, pictures, and plaster casts of the areas that need to be straightened. The Orthodontist will next prepare a treatment plan for the patient to consider.
Orthodontist Job Description
Orthodontists are experts in the shape of the mouth, jaws, and face, in addition to some of the more usual dentist duties. Using numerous diagnostic tests to detect the status of patients’ teeth is one of their responsibilities, but it is not the only one.
- Educating patients on the importance of ongoing orthodontic care and proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal oral health.
- Orthodontic procedures and techniques are taught to assistants.
- Providing orthodontic appliance fittings to patients.
- Taking care of occlusion problems and other oral problems.
- Regular appointments with patients to perform orthodontic appliance modifications, such as tightening braces and to track patient progress.
- When necessary, make referrals to other professionals such as oral surgeons.
- Coordinating orthodontic services with other professionals, such as dentists and oral surgeons, as part of the total treatment strategy.
- Patients are informed about treatment options and costs.
Orthodontist Skills and Qualifications
- All necessary diagnostics are used and interpreted expertly.
- Experience with lingual braces (ideally INBRACE) is preferred.
- In the state where you work, you must have a current license to practice dentistry.
- 2 years of clinical experience in dental practice is required.
- Collaboration and an inclusive work environment are valued leadership characteristics.
- Demonstrated dedication to continuing education and professional development
- Extremely resourceful, creative, and energetic, with the ability to conceive and implement new concepts.
- Dedication to providing patients with the best possible care
- An approved university’s Orthodontic Specialty certificate
Orthodontist’s Salary in California
Although orthodontists are most usually identified with the prescription of braces, they are much more than that. They assist patients in correcting and preventing problems caused by misalignment of teeth and the lower jawbone, which can lead to more serious diseases throughout the body. As a result, orthodontists are crucial in assisting patients in determining why the teeth and jaw muscles are contributing to cavities or neck and spine disorders.
How Much Do Orthodontists Make in California? The estimated annual average salary of an Orthodontist in California is $205,980.
The average hourly wage for an Orthodontist in California is $99.03, that’s about $205,980 per year with the lowest 20% of earners in the field making about $57,240 annually.