Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of problems with teeth, bite, and jaws. Dr. Kate Nguyen is a licensed orthodontist, ensuring that you will see results and receive the best in orthodontic care at Streamline Dental Specialsites.
It takes several years to become an orthodontist. They typically need to spend 2-4 years in an undergraduate program. They have to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT), then they spend four years in dental schoolwhere they earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. Dr. Nguyen received her undergraduate degree, a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, and her doctorate, a DDS, MS from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco.
After completing a dental program, they apply to orthodontic specialty programs, which last three years. They will learn about orthodontics (tooth movement), surgical orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (guidance of facial development). Upon completion of that program, they are qualified as a dental specialist in orthodontics. They then go take their board certification test from the American Board of Orthodontics. To practice orthodontics, they must earn a license, which is regulated by the state. They need to complete a postgraduate education program and may be required to take an additional state examination.
Once they are in practice, orthodontists use orthodontic devices to straighten teeth, correct irregular bites, close gaps between teeth as well as bring teeth and lips into alignment. Orthodontists also can help with cosmetic and implant dentistry. For people with crowding, overbites or other types of bite problems, orthodontic procedures can help improve appearance and build self-confidence.
Braces are the most common orthodontic devices. Braces use continuous pressure to move teeth in a specific direction. Braces are usually worn for one to three years, depending on how severe your problem is. In addition to braces, orthodontists sometimes use functional appliances to direct the growth of the jaw in young children. Dr. Nguyen is also a certified Invisalign provider, giving you more options for your orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic problems that Dr. Nguyen can help improve include misaligned, crooked, or crowed teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, overbite, under bite, open bite, misaligned or incorrect jaw position or disorder of the jaw joint. If you think that you may have one of these problems, there is no reason for you to suffer in silence.
Dr. Schlesinger is forth generation native of Las Vegas. He graduated from dental school at The University of Connecticut and medical school at the University of Texas, Houston. He completed a combined six year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training program at Baylor and the University of Texas in the world renowned Texas Medical Center. Dr. Schlesinger is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and enjoys offering a full range of oral and facial surgical procedures. Additionally, he is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at both the UNLV Medical and Dental School.