What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are highly qualified specialists in the dental industry, expertly trained in diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental and facial irregularities. A certified orthodontist is trained to diagnose and offer treatment for the oral health conditions of your mouth, gums and, of course, teeth. An orthodontist typically focuses on ensuring your teeth and jaw get set correctly.

Orthodontists will generally provide a range of treatments from straightening misaligned teeth, correcting bad bites and fixing overall jaw alignment. There are many debilitating problems associated with misalignment, for example, difficulty chewing or maintaining adequate oral hygiene and even potential speech defects.

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Orthodontist Near You - Hipp Orthodontics

Dr Jacqueline Cupido is the first Specialist Orthodontist to complete her degree Cum Laude in 20 years and is well known and respected in the industry. This specialist degree takes 4 years of additional studying to master after qualifying as a general dentist; normal dentistry degrees take 6 years to complete. There are only a handful of Specialist Orthodontists in the Western Cape.

When receiving dental treatment from an orthodontist, what does the process entail?

When receiving dental treatment from an orthodontist, they will conduct an initial thorough examination of your teeth and jaw. Panoramic x-rays and bite impression study models will get taken before the orthodontist makes any treatment recommendations. The orthodontist will recommend the best treatment plan for your particular condition.

Below is a brief overview of some of the most common dental issues that an orthodontist can successfully treat:

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Spacing

If you have spaces/gaps between your teeth, you may not be confident in your smile. Missing teeth, smaller teeth or other orthodontic issues can result in spacing problems. Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign® help to treat this malocclusion and return your teeth to the correct position.

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Overbite

An overbite or overjet is when your upper teeth stick out too far. Overbite is seen as one of the biggest risk factors associated with trauma to front teeth. Orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign® are effective in correcting protrusion.

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Crossbite

A crossbite is when your upper teeth sit on the inside of your lower teeth. This malocclusion should be treated early so that your jaws are able to grow in the correct direction. The different treatment options for crossbite includes orthodontic braces, palatal expanders and Invisalign®.

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Open Bite

When the upper front teeth do not meet the lower front teeth, this is classified as an overbite. This condition mostly causes discomfort in activities such as chewing and brushing teeth. Most orthodontists consider headgear as the most effective treatment to curb open bites.

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Crowding

If your teeth don’t have enough space in the mouth, they become crowded. A specialist orthodontist like Dr Jacqueline Cupido can help by expanding your jaw and creating room for the teeth to sit. The use of Braces or Invisalign® is effective treatments for crowding.

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Underbite

If your lower jaw extends beyond your upper jaw and forces your bottom teeth to sit right in front of your upper teeth, this is classified as an underbite. We recommend customized braces to help improve the overall appearance and balance of your teeth.

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What does an Orthodontist do? - Can a Dentist be an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists and dentists share many similarities, and both work together to help you improve your overall oral health – but generally work in very different ways. A dentist covers a broad range of oral health issues, while an orthodontist is a dental specialist with a singular focus: straightening teeth and aligning jaws.

Patients should make informed decisions regarding their treatment, and you must understand the several critical differences between dentists and orthodontists:

Orthodontists

  • Orthodontists are registered dental specialists who have completed an additional three years of full-time university training in orthodontics, facial growth & development, biology and biomechanics (they hold a General Dental Degree and a Specialist Orthodontic Degree).
  • Orthodontists are facial growth and dental development experts. They diagnose and treat crooked teeth, bad bites and poorly aligned jaws.
  • Orthodontists are experts in all orthodontic care options and technologies for children, teens and adults.

Dentists

  • A general dentist is similar to your family GP medical doctor; dentists are highly skilled general practitioners that diagnose and treat problems and common diseases which affect your teeth, mouth and gums. Dentists complete a General Dental Degree.
  • They are experts in general dental care and maintenance for all ages. They also perform cosmetic dental procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers and crowns.
    Unlike orthodontists, dentists are not trained at university in fitting braces or overseeing other orthodontic treatments.
  • Most general dentists will refer patients (and even their family members) requiring orthodontic care to specialist orthodontists

How Long Does an Orthodontist Have to Study to Qualify?

According to the South African Society of Orthodontists, it can take a total of 10 or more years of tertiary education to graduate as an orthodontist. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from a dental school, all future orthodontists must get accepted as students in an accredited orthodontic programme. Through this strenuous programme, an orthodontic student will develop all the necessary skills to guide correct facial development (Dento Facial Orthopaedics) and manage tooth movement (Orthodontics). After completing a stringent five-year degree in dentistry, an orthodontist will then undergo an additional 5000 hours (which equates to three years of full-time study) of specialised training in the field of orthodontics. In South Africa, an orthodontist must also get registered as a qualified orthodontist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

What are the main types of Orthodontic Treatments you can get from an orthodontist in Cape Town?

At HIPP Orthodontics, we use the following types of braces:

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Colourful Braces - Metal Braces

Orthodontic braces treatments can go on for months, even years.
Therefore, we encourage our patients to choose braces' colours that they will be happy with and wear for an extended period.

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Ceramic Braces (Aesthetic Braces)

Ceramic braces are the same shape and size as metal braces. However, they offer patients the extra benefit of a discrete aesthetic appearance. The brackets on ceramic braces are a pearl-coloured material that blends in with the rest of the patient's natural teeth.

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Invisalign Braces

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without using traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses 3-D imaging technology to determine the complete treatment plan and help your teeth get from the initial position using custom made aligners. Aligners are generally worn for about two weeks and then replaced by the next set of aligners until your teeth reach their final position.

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Retainers For Teeth

Retainers are specific orthodontic devices that assist in straightening teeth and are one of many orthodontic treatment options. Retainers often get used in conjunction with braces. We usually prescribe retainers during the retention phase and reinforce the work done by traditional braces or Invisalign®.

How to Choose an Orthodontist

Choosing an orthodontist can be a deliberating and challenging task; however, these three key points will assist you in deciding on an orthodontist that is best for you:

Great Rapport with Children

Orthodontists estimate that 45% of children require braces to fix functional problems such as a misaligned bite. Still, up to 75% of children could benefit from straightening their teeth and improving their overall facial shape and appearance.

Children tend to have an acute way of assessing whether they can interact with you openly and trust you. An experienced orthodontist can quickly put a child at ease and make them feel comfortable during appointment visits or when preparing a child’s treatment plan.

Excellent Reviews

Before scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist, it is vital to ascertain whether or not your chosen orthodontist is reputable; it is natural for a quality orthodontist to have excellent reviews.

Check out what kind of comments people are making against your potential orthodontist. Be aware that it is unlikely for an orthodontist to have a five-star rating. However, if an orthodontist provides a quality service, positive recognition will follow them.

Close Geographical Proximity

When looking for an orthodontist, choosing one that is not a great distance away is vital.

Orthodontic procedures take time, and you will have to return for many check-up appointments as you undergo treatment; travelling back and forth is infinitely easier if your orthodontist is nearby.

What Makes a Good Orthodontist?

While many individuals operate as professional orthodontists, what makes one orthodontist better than another?

Here are seven signs that you are receiving treatment from a skilled orthodontist:

High Standards of Professionalism:

An exceptional orthodontist always maintains the highest standards of professional dentistry throughout your interaction. He (or she) should be qualified, experienced and properly licensed and certified before offering any treatment. Under no circumstances should a professional orthodontist cause you feelings of discomfort, make you lose faith in your recovery process or inappropriately cross any boundaries.

Comfortability with Close Interaction

Visiting the orthodontist can make any nervous, especially children. A great orthodontist is someone who understands the importance of proper communication. They should be in a position to make small talk with their patients, put them at ease before their procedures and comfort them if the orthodontic treatment becomes uncomfortable at any point. This positive rapport will ease patients and hopefully put them at ease for future appointments.

Detail-Oriented Mindset

A good orthodontist should pay strong attention to detail. Correcting teeth is a complicated process. An orthodontist's job requires someone detail-oriented to assess whether the condition of the patient’s teeth has improved since their first orthodontic treatment and duration of wearing braces, Invisalign or dentures. An experienced orthodontist will also take care of braces, Invisalign or prosthetics and ensure they are the correct fit. The wrong fit could cause significant discomfort and derail the recovery process.

Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is an essential component of any dental-related medical care. Visiting a dentist or an orthodontist will usually involve putting sharp metallic objects in their patient’s mouth. If the patient lacks trust in the orthodontist's ability during a procedure, it will create more uneasiness. However, there is no need to worry; if you have chosen a reputable orthodontist, you will be in safe hands, as they will take all the necessary steps and ensure your treatment is as comfortable and painless as possible.An exceptional orthodontist always maintains the highest standards of professional dentistry throughout your interaction. He (or she) should be qualified, experienced and properly licensed and certified before offering any treatment. Under no circumstances should a professional orthodontist cause you feelings of discomfort, make you lose faith in your recovery process or inappropriately cross any boundaries.

Adaptability

An adaptable orthodontist is someone who does not simply apply straightforward solutions to a dental problem just because they are medically proven to work and will think outside the box and come up with custom solutions for orthodontic situations that do not fit the book. A significant portion of an orthodontist's work is restoring smiles making their patients look beautiful again.

Effective Listening Skills

While it may seem obvious, this aspect of people’s skills is not a common one. A good orthodontist should also be a good listener, as this quality is present in those who have learnt to put their preconceived notions of a patient aside and combine their vast dental experience with an attentive manner.

Dr Jacqueline Cupido is the first Specialist Orthodontist to complete her degree Cum Laude in 20 years and is well known and respected in the industry.

Get the smile you’ve always wanted with HIPP Orthodontics today.

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Orthodontist for braces: frequently asked questions about orthodontists

Dr Jacqueline Cupido is the first Specialist Orthodontist to complete her degree Cum Laude in 20 years and is well known and respected in the industry. This specialist degree takes 10 years to master, while average dentistry degrees take six years to complete.

There are only a handful of specialist orthodontists in the Western Cape. Here are a few things you may want to ask, along with some helpful information about patients' and families' most frequent questions.

What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are highly qualified specialists in the dental industry, expertly trained in diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist typically focuses on ensuring your teeth and jaw get set correctly.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontics?

An improved smile

Increased self-confidence, especially during developmental years

Improved functionality of the teeth

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Better wear patterns of the teeth

At HIPP Orthodontics, we offer colourful braces, aesthetic (ceramic braces), invisible Braces (aligners), retainers for teeth, Invisalign braces, braces for kids, and adult braces.

Our team at HIPP Orthodontics encourages parents to bring their children in for an early orthodontics assessment as it may be the necessary key for providing a healthy, happy smile as they grow into adolescents.

Simply call our practice at 021 948 6580 or schedule an appointment! Or by email reception@hipporthodontics.co.za. We will be happy to schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the information you may need.