Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They have a variety of treatment options available to help improve the alignment of teeth and jaws. Here are some of the different treatment procedures an orthodontist can perform:
Braces: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets, wires, and bands that are attached to the teeth to apply pressure and gradually move them into their correct position.
Invisalign: This is a clear aligner treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible when worn.
Retainers: After braces or Invisalign treatment, retainers are often used to help maintain the new alignment of the teeth.
Palatal expanders: These are used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for teeth to grow in or to help correct bite problems.
Jaw surgery: In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough to correct severe jaw discrepancies, and orthognathic surgery may be recommended.
Space maintainers: These are used to hold space for permanent teeth when primary teeth are lost prematurely.
Headgear: This is a removable appliance that is worn outside the mouth to apply pressure to the teeth and help correct bite problems.
Lingual braces: These are similar to traditional braces, but they are placed on the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Damon braces: These are self-ligating braces that use a sliding mechanism instead of elastics to hold the wire in place, which can lead to fewer office visits and shorter treatment times.
Clear braces: These are similar to traditional braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires to make them less noticeable.
The specific treatment plan recommended by an orthodontist will depend on the patient's individual needs and the severity of their orthodontic problems.
After completing a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Orthodontics, there are various career options available. Some of them are:
Orthodontist in private practice: Many orthodontists start their own private practice and offer services such as braces, Invisalign, retainers, and other orthodontic treatments.
Academician/Teaching: After MDS, one can choose to teach and train future dentists and orthodontists as a professor, lecturer or a teaching assistant in dental colleges or universities.
Researcher: After MDS, one can choose to pursue a career in research, working in research institutions or universities, investigating new technologies, materials, and techniques in orthodontics.
Corporate dentistry: Many corporations that operate dental clinics and chains hire orthodontists to provide specialized orthodontic care to their patients.
Consultant Orthodontist: One can choose to work as a consultant orthodontist in hospitals and clinics.
Clinical Director: One can take up the role of a clinical director for an orthodontic department in a hospital or a dental clinic.
Orthodontic Advisor: One can work as an orthodontic advisor to dental insurance companies, government health programs, and dental technology companies.
International volunteering: Orthodontists can also volunteer their services in developing countries or disaster-stricken areas.
The choice of career will depend on individual interests, strengths, and goals.
