{"id":29501,"date":"2025-06-03T10:45:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T08:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helvident.ch\/?p=29501"},"modified":"2025-07-25T17:13:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T15:13:46","slug":"orthodontist-when-and-why-to-consult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helvident.ch\/en\/orthodontist-when-and-why-to-consult\/","title":{"rendered":"Orthodontist: when and why consult an orthodontist?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been advised to make an appointment with an orthodontist? Find out more about this profession and the differences between orthodontics and dentistry. What are the main reasons for consulting an orthodontist? At what age can you start seeing an orthodontist? We've included all the relevant information in this article.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is orthodontics?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

L'orthodontics<\/a> is a specialty of dentistry. In other words, an orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training after his or her initial training. In Switzerland, orthodontics is one of four federally recognized specialties, along with periodontology<\/a>oral surgery and reconstructive dentistry.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The etymology oforthodontics<\/em> sheds light on its meaning. The word comes from the Greek ortho<\/em> which means right<\/em> and odontos<\/em> which means tooth<\/em>. The aim of this specialty is to correct the positioning or alignment of the teeth and, by extension, the jaws. It is also known as dentofacial orthopedics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The orthodontist is involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this type of anomaly. The aim of orthodontics is not so much aesthetic as functional. Poorly positioned teeth or jaws can interfere with breathing, speaking, chewing or swallowing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An orthodontist in Lausanne, and more generally in Switzerland, deals with all kinds of malformations of the oral cavity. He can move teeth forward or back, and treat malocclusions, maxillary deformities and mandibular deviations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At what age should you see an orthodontist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontists see both children - from the age of 5 - and adults in their practices. The earlier a problem is treated, the better the results. We therefore recommend that you consult an orthodontist immediately if you notice any abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the ages of 5 and 7, treatment is preventive and short-lived. If the orthodontist deems it necessary to fit dentofacial braces, they will be light and reduce the risk of complications in adolescence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the ages of 8 and 11, we speak of interceptive treatments. At this age, baby teeth coexist with permanent teeth. Orthodontic monitoring can detect anomalies in the teeth and jaw growth in good time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the ages of 11 and 16, teenagers have all their permanent teeth. In the event of an anomaly, the orthodontist implements corrective treatment. This may involve braces or braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware that some seemingly harmless gestures can have negative consequences. For example, sucking your thumb or a pacifier, or pushing on your teeth with your tongue. In the long term, misalignments increase the risk of cavities and chronic gum inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons for consultation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your general practitioner or dentist can refer you to an orthodontic specialist. Children's and adults' consultations with an orthodontist in Lausanne are mainly due to : <\/p>\n\n\n\n