You may have gone to the dentist and have had them tell you to make an appointment with an orthodontist for an evaluation. But, have you ever wondered why your dentist can’t just let you know if you need braces and provide them for you if they’re already taking x-rays of your teeth and jaw? Let’s dive into what makes an orthodontist different from a dentist, and what each of them can provide for you.
Orthodontists Start as Dentists
It may not come as a surprise to you that orthodontists and dentists go through the same initial 4 years of training. When studying to become a dentist, doctors work through dental training to get an overall education on the mouth, teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. This allows them the ability to perform your cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants and dentures.
Orthodontists Get Additional Training
Your orthodontist differs from your dentist in that they receive additional 2-3 years of training to become your orthodontist. This additional training is the same type of additional training a surgeon has to go through before being distinguished from a regular physician. Orthodontic training gives your orthodontist the ability to specialize in aligning your teeth, improving your bite and fitting you with orthodontic appliances to correct any misalignment issues you may have.
What Can a Dentist Do?
It’s important to visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth, gums, and jaw are healthy. When going to visit your dentist, you can ensure your dentist will help you with:
- Tooth decay
- Root canals
- Gum disease
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Orthodontic referrals
What Can an Orthodontist Do?
When a dentist recommends you to an orthodontist, your teeth, jaw, and gums will be evaluated in a different way than your average dentist. At an orthodontist, you can expect them to help you with the following common problems:
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Under-bite
- Protruding upper teeth
- Cross-bites
- Gaps in the teeth
Are you starting to think your problems may better be solved by seeing an orthodontist? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Drs. Savage, Sabol, and Visser. They’ll evaluate your mouth and help you find the best orthodontic treatment to give you the smile of your dreams.
