can efda do braces?

When a patient comes in for his initial appointment to get his braces on, he’ll notice he spent more time with the orthodontic assistant than the orthodontist. So, why is that? Why doesn’t the orthodontist do all the work?

Please allow me to explain. Say you come in for a regular check-up or adjustment, the orthodontist will come over to see how things are going and where your teeth are relative to the specific plan he or she has made for your teeth. At that point, the orthodontist will advise the assistant regarding what needs to be done. But, why doesn’t the orthodontist just do it?

The assistants are qualified to perform these procedures, which are typically not too complicated.

When you get braces, the assistants clean off your teeth and get you set up to have the braces put on. They’ll put a cheek retractor in your mouth because it’s important to keep your mouth dry, so the tongue, lips and saliva don’t touch the teeth. This can affect the interface between the braces, the teeth and glue used. Then, they’ll prepare the teeth and put the braces on. Next, the orthodontist takes a look at the teeth and moves them around where he or she wants them. At that point, he or she shines the curing light on the teeth, and there’s a chemical reaction that occurs to harden the cement and fix the braces into place. The procedure will continue until all brackets are placed. Then, the orthodontist will instruct the assistant regarding which wires to use and how they should be tied in.

When you get your braces off, they assistants usually remove the colored elastic rings around the braces, remove/change the wires, and clip the wires to ensure you are comfortable. They’ll show you how to brush your teeth and use rubber bands or elastics.

The assistants are certified and well-trained, and, frankly, can perform these procedures more quickly and efficiently than the orthodontist. The orthodontist allows the assistants to do what they’ve been trained to do, and are best at doing. Most assistants have experience before they start in a dental office. They typically take a course lasting from 12-18 months, where they learn medical background. They go over different dental specialties and general dental subjects before they actually come to an orthodontic office. Now, if we were to hire an assistant with no previous experience, they would be certified as a general dental assistant and have that basic knowledge. At that point, he or she would go through a 4-6 week training period taking out wires and rubber bands and changing appliances.

Overall, it’s no different than the role of a nurse at a doctor’s office, taking your vital signs and drawing blood. The doctor could do that, but his time is typically spent doing things the nurses couldn’t do. It’s the same at an orthodontic office.

Next time you go to an orthodontist for treatment, and spend most of your time with the assistant, don’t worry. You are in capable hands. We at Beecroft Orthodontics employ some of the most well qualified staff. Set up an appointment with us if you need help with any oral issues.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg,

Virginia Phone: 540-898-2200

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Let’s start here because orthodontists and dentists both begin their careers by graduating from dental school. However, only those students in the top of their dental class will be accepted into an orthodontics residency program because of its extremely competitive nature. Once accepted, students will undergo an additional two to three years of full-time training concentrating on orthodontia. This includes a focus on braces, bite problems, and straightening teeth. Most general dentists will not have this kind of rigorous supplementary training, although there are few who do. Only after a dentist has successfully completed this residency program may they refer to themselves as an orthodontist. To put it simply, orthodontists are essentially dentists who have specialized, additional training in orthodontics.

Dr. Scott Mateer completed his undergraduate studies at Marist College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He attended Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class. Upon completion of his dental degree he then attended Montefiore Medical Center where he received his specialty certificate in Orthodontics. Here he underwent extensive training in Orthodontics on patients of all ages using the most state-of-the-art techniques.

DIFFERENCES

While both professionals work in the field of oral care, the difference between an orthodontist and dentist comes down to a matter of specialty.

Dentists address general dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, so it could be said that they specialize in issues with the teeth and gums. Dentists focus on maintaining their patients’ good oral hygiene and perform regular cleanings every six months.  There are dentists who specialize in a particular type of oral care. For example, a periodontist is a specialist who treats the gums and the bones beneath the teeth.

Orthodontists are dentists who have decided to expand their education by specializing in the alignment of teeth. They spend a lot time studying the jaw and the movement of teeth, and then address dental issues with tooth and jaw alignment. They deal most often with issues regarding bite, called malocclusions. Some of the most common problems they treat are:

ARE GENERAL DENTISTS ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN TEETH?

The short answer is, yes, they can. In fact, a dentist who did not complete an orthodontics residency program may have the knowledge to do so through qualified seminars. However, he or she may not have the skill level because, unfortunately, many workshops lack the kind of rigorous examinations and testing that would truly gauge if the material was mastered. As a result, a dentist on this path may offer cookie cutter services that treat each patient’s issues the same.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A DENTIST OR AN ORTHODONTIST FOR BRACES TREATMENT?

Ideally, dentists and orthodontists should work together to provide exceptional care. Generally speaking, dentists are the experts at keeping your teeth healthy while orthodontists are the experts on jaw issues and teeth alignment. In fact dentists often refer their patients to an orthodontist if there are alignment problems or a bite abnormality.

That being said, the choice of a treatment provider always belongs to the patient, though, it is worth remembering that an orthodontist will be focused solely on orthodontic issues. Some general dentists will have a fair amount of orthodontic experience; however, the best way to ensure that you’re getting the optimal care you deserve is by receiving treatment from someone who specializes in what you need. It carries the least risk, and you are assured that your orthodontist is well versed in all the new treatments, as well as the older ones that might be a good fit for you.

Orthodontists have the experience and training to deal with whatever issue may arise. Additionally, orthodontists focus on long-term care plans that are individualized for each patient’s unique needs. These plans ensure you finish the process with the healthiest smile possible and are able to retain it for a lifetime.

SUMMING IT UP

Here’s what we learned:

Orthodontists perform teeth straightening procedures daily and stay up to date on all the latest best practices and technology, invest in the newest equipment, and are frequent participants and leaders in orthodontic classes, seminars, and workshops.

Completion of the following must be submitted with the registration form:

If you are unable to attend this program and we receive your cancellation at least Ten business days prior to the course, you will receive a full refund except for a $100 processing fee.  All cancellations must be received by our office via email at efdaa4u@efdaaservices.com. Custom courses scheduled cannot be changed or cancelled; thus there is no refund on the tuition.

Occasionally courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment.  Students will be given a full refund, unless the student requests transfer to another course.  Every reasonable effort will be made to reach students of cancellations and/or changes.

Students will be required to bring all orthodontic instruments, some orthodontic supplies that are commonly utilized in an orthodontic practice.  Armamentaria such as orthodontically banded typodonts; regular typodonts, bench mounts and some consumable orthodontic materials will be provided by EFDAA.  A list of the required materials will be sent to you after you have registered in the course.

To adequately ensure that you are well trained, you must arrive on time and bring the required materials listed in your student kit. Students will not be able to attend the required class.

To our knowledge there are no institutions providing financial aid for this short of a program.  We will be accepting several credit cards, cashier checks, money orders or dentist checks for tuition payment.  We accept MasterCard, VISA and American Express.

Attendance is mandatory and any missed day requires repeating the course at the regular tuition rate.

The written final examination is part of the home study program and will be due 10 days after you receive the home study program.  Practical examinations will be given throughout the course.  The home study syllabus is very comprehensive and will prepare you for the state OA written examination.  Your continued study is the key to successfully becoming a permitted OA.

All graduates from the program will be required to sit and pass a Dental Board administered written examination in procedures listed in the OA category.  This written examination must be with a 75% pass rate. Information on protocol for sitting for this Dental Board examination will be provided to all registered students upon acceptance.