Sometimes it’s easy to get confused when deciding whether an orthodontist or a dentist is best suited to resolve your, or your child’s, dental issue. First, you should note that all orthodontists are trained dentists. However, only 4% of all practicing dentists are certified, orthodontists. This outcome arises from the fact that an orthodontist provides more specialized dental services than a dentist. Consequently, a dentist has to undergo additional training in the treatment of tooth and jaw alignment-related conditions in order to become an orthodontist.
When considering whether visiting a particular orthodontic practice is beneficial, your first consideration is the array of specialized dental services the practice offers. The range of professional orthodontic services you should expect at an ideal orthodontic clinic include:
For adults, an orthodontic practice may offer teeth-mounted metal braces, removable clear plastic teeth aligners, discrete teeth-mounted lingual braces, or ceramic braces. Each custom orthodontic treatment is designed to remedy one or more of several dental conditions such as overbites, teeth crowding, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and overjet.
Pediatric orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment options that orthodontists use to treat teeth and jaw-related conditions affecting children. For kids orthodontic care, an orthodontist most commonly uses metal braces, as well as other orthodontic appliances, to correct a child’s bite. The array of conditions treated using these devices is similar and includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, teeth crowding, etc. While a severe adult dental conditions can necessitate surgical intervention, a child’s developing teeth, gum, and jaw often make invasive orthodontic treatment unnecessary.
Understanding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is very important. It ensures that you only take your case to the most qualified specialist to attend to it. At Jacaranda Smiles, our orthodontist treats patients of all ages, and we also offer pediatric dental care from the same team you know and trust. Contact us today to book your appointment.
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