When you visit Guildford Orthodontic Centre in Surrey for the first time, the orthodontic assistant will be one of the first people you’ll meet. At the first appointment, the orthodontic assistant meets with new patients, takes dental photographs and x-rays, and also takes impressions of the teeth, all to prepare for treatment.
Other parts of an orthodontic assistant's job include performing braces adjustments, and conducting preliminary examinations at your check up appointments.
Is an orthodontic assistant the same as a dental assistant?
In some ways, yes, but there are a few differences. The main one is that a dental assistant mostly works together with the dentist, and helps during procedures by doing things like passing instruments and generally making the process more efficient. An orthodontic assistant tends to work more independently from the orthodontist. they typically work in their own offices, or in the lab creating molds from teeth impressions.
What else do orthodontic assistants do?
Orthodontic assistants do also assist the orthodontist, however! They clean and polish the teeth before the braces are applied, attach the wires, and provide instructions for patients on how to brush and floss while wearing braces.