What’s the Difference Between Getting Braces From An Orthodontist vs A General Dentist?
- May 20, 2019
- 3 min read
- Treatment
Did you know that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists? Dentists and orthodontists are both doctors who focus on ensuring teeth and gums are healthy. However, an orthodontist undergoes an additional two to three years of school to be an expert on ensuring proper alignment of the teeth and correcting issues of the jaw. Once they begin practicing on their own, orthodontists dedicate their careers strictly to the orthodontic field. Moving teeth is a complicated job, and orthodontists are the very best equipped to handle the task. You can trust any of the following to an orthodontist:
- Crowding
- Overbites/Underbites
- Overjet
- Crossbites
- Jaw asymmetry
- Missing or impacted teeth
- Spacing
- Diastema (gap between two front teeth)
On the other hand, dentists are trained to diagnose and treat unhealthy oral conditions like:
- Tooth cavities
- Tooth crowns
- Gingivitis
- Root Canals
- Tooth extractions
They’re also expertly trained to educate patients on healthy oral hygiene habits. Dentists are critical in a child’s formative years because they encourage good oral hygiene habits and identify when a child might need intervention from an orthodontist with Phase One treatment. To learn more about Phase One treatment, click here.
Invisalign offers programs for dentists to learn how to use their software. It’s important to remember that they don’t have those additional two to three years of education like orthodontists. If you have more serious malocclusions, you’re strongly advised to see an orthodontist.
Gathering information is the first step to a perfect, healthy smile. Request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Arruda to learn more about what orthodontic treatment can do for you.
