Orthodontics are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They can straighten teeth, close gaps between teeth, and position the bite to prevent further problems. Orthodontists also help relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, such as clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Orthodontists often prescribe medication to relieve dental problems; however, they cannot prescribe any other medications. If you require a prescription for blood pressure pills or antibiotics, you will need to see a general dentist or physician instead.
It’s always best to ask your orthodontist what type of treatment they recommend before you make any changes to your lifestyle. If they don’t know about certain supplements or medicines that would be appropriate for your condition, it’s a good idea to consult a general practitioner or other specialists.
Orthodontists and Medication
An orthodontist is a dentist whose primary role is to straighten teeth. Orthodontics generally prescribe medication for various conditions, such as for pain and swelling of TMJ or muscle spasms. The use of medications depends on what symptoms you’re experiencing and the orthodontist’s recommendations; it is always best to consult your orthodontist before changing your lifestyle or taking any medications.
What Orthodontists Can and Cannot Do
Orthodontics can help prevent and treat dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral diseases.
However, there are a few things orthodontists cannot do:
- They cannot prescribe medications for pain or discomfort;
- They cannot recommend braces or removable appliances for treatment of TMJ disorders;
- They cannot use any type of root canal surgery to clean out the root of a tooth;
When to See a General Dentist or Doctor
If you want to be certain that your orthodontist is prescribing the right treatment for you, it’s a good idea to make sure that your orthodontist knows about these medicines and supplements. It’s not always easy to get your orthodontist to prescribe the right medication, so it’s always best to ask them what they recommend.
As mentioned above, if you need a prescription for medication or supplements that your orthodontist or general dentist does not prescribe, then you will need to see a general dentist or physician instead.
You can find out more about when it’s appropriate for you to see a general practitioner and how much knowledge of medicine and dentistry an orthodontist needs to practice dentistry by talking with your orthodontist.
When Orthodontists Can’t Help You
If the orthodontic you’re getting treatment from says they cannot help you, many problems can occur. One of the most common reasons why orthodontists cannot help with your case is because you have no insurance. This means that your parents, family or friends will have to pay for your treatment.
An alternative option is for an insurance company to pay for some or all of your treatment. The problem with this option is that it’s very hard to find a COBRA (Congressional Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) qualified orthodontist willing to take patients like you on their books.
Another issue is that there are only so many hours during which an orthodontics can work, and not everybody gets paid hourly during those hours. If your appointment time falls outside of the normal 24-hour working schedule, you are faced with having to wait until another patient is finished before scheduling another appointment with your orthodontist.
When Medications Need to Be Prescribed
If you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or emotional stress, it’s important to consult your orthodontist about how you can take certain medications. While certain medications are considered safe for use during braces or other types of orthodontic treatment, others may be harmful if taken in high doses.
This means that your orthodontist will probably recommend the appropriate medication dosage and will tell you when to take it. Your orthodontist might also advise against taking certain medications at the same time as braces are placed on your teeth.
When medications need to be prescribed, your orthodontist will contact your physician for a referral and will explain what medications would be appropriate for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not a good idea to have your orthodontics prescribe medication for you. It would be best if you always spoke with a medical professional before taking any medications from someone other than your doctor or dentist. If you need an orthodontic specialist and would like to schedule a consultation with Kumra Orthodontics Washington DC, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! We can help answer any questions about whether we offer this service and provide more information on what our practice offers.