Isn’t orthodontic treatment done just for cosmetic reasons?

Absolutely not!  While the cosmetic impact is the most outwardly noticeable (and the first thing we notice when talking to anyone is their teeth!), orthodontic treatment sets the stage for a lifetime of oral health.  Straight teeth are much easier to clean and maintain and properly aligned occlusions (bites) help prevent abnormal tooth wear and jaw growth, and jaw joint problems.  For children and adults, orthodontic treatment is a great investment in your long term health and self esteem.

Your professional consultation is just a phone call away!  Dr. Kimberly Haug is an Alton native and has been providing unforgettable smiles to the Riverbend area since 1995.  As a specialist in orthodontics, she is uniquely trained to address your orthodontic needs.  To reach the office, call 463-7002 or visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net.

My dentist says I need braces. What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist when it comes to straightening teeth?

Just as there are specialists in medicine (such as cardiologists, neurologists, etc.), there are specialists in dentistry. Orthodontists are dental specialists who dedicate their professional lives to correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontists are qualified general dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two academic years—sometimes more. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely trained experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. That means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and that is all they do!  Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and/or jaws) in young children, teens and adults.

While there are dentists who have attended after-hours courses or seminars and put on braces, selecting an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is your assurance that you have chosen an orthodontist.  Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the state of Illinois requires written and oral board examination and certification to practice as an orthodontist.

Dr. Kimberly (Gibbons) Haug is an Alton native and Alton High School graduate.  She obtained her general dental degree from SIUE School of Dental Medicine and her orthodontic specialist degree from St. Louis University.  She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.  She has offices in Alton and Highland and has been practicing orthodontics since 1995. 
For more information about orthodontics, please visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net or call Dr. Haug’s office at 463-7002.  Haug Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to fit most any budget.