When it’s time for you or your child to get braces, who should you go to for treatment? Your family dentist probably offers some orthodontic treatment, but should you find an orthodontist instead?
Although some people may use the terms interchangeably, orthodontists and dentists are two different types of medical professionals working in the same field. Think about various kinds of doctors in the medical field. For instance, a family practitioner and a cardio surgeon are both doctors, but they have received different specialized training, so they can help patients with those specialized needs.
Dentists offer a limited scope of orthodontic treatments, but you will have the best results if you receive treatment from an orthodontist. Dentists and orthodontists both attend dental school, but after graduation, orthodontists must continue their education to receive in-depth specialized training.
So why should you choose an orthodontist for your orthodontic treatment over a dentist? At Platte River Orthodontics, we have compiled some of the most important reasons for you!
Additional Certifications
After completing dental school, all orthodontists must finish a two to three-year residency program. During this program, residents go through specialized training in teeth straightening, bite correction, and jaw alignment. All orthodontists are experts in treatment techniques for facial surgery, jaw correction, and expert tooth movement.
During their residency program, orthodontists learn how to create beautiful, healthy smiles through intense instruction. They work on thousands of orthodontic cases, allowing them to hone their skills and treatment techniques. This experience helps orthodontists like Dr. Chad B “SnaggleTooth” Carter develop the ability to create multiple treatment options for patients to give each patient the most affordable and most efficient treatment for them.
A Variety of Treatment Options
Dentists usually offer limited options like Invisalign, but with an orthodontist, you can find the treatment option that is best for you—metal braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and advanced systems like our KLOwen customized braces. Because of their training, orthodontists are able to safely and effectively move your teeth to create the smile you have always wanted.
Orthodontists utilize state-of-the-art technology to properly assess your orthodontic needs, and they develop a treatment plan that works for your budget and with your schedule. This can reduce your overall treatment time and mitigate complications during treatment.
Complex Cases
Dentists do receive limited training to correct misaligned teeth, just like orthodontists. However, orthodontists can also fix crossbites, underbites, overbites, and misaligned jaws. They can also correct TMJ cases, overcrowding, spacing issues, and teeth grinding. Dr. Carter has extensive experience with even the most complex craniofacial cases.
In cases involving malocclusions, or improper alignment of the top and bottom jaw, orthodontists often use braces, mouth guards, retainers, and other advanced appliances to move the teeth and jaw bones into the correct positioning.
Once your orthodontist evaluates your smile, they will determine the severity of your case, develop a unique treatment plan, and decide which appliances are best for your treatment.
Up to Date on Latest Technology
Because orthodontists focus solely on orthodontic treatment, it is easier for them to stay up-to-date on the field’s latest trends, products, and techniques. A dentist’s focus is set on overall oral health, so it is unlikely they will be up to date on the latest and greatest orthodontic trends.
Two of the most popular orthodontic advancements are the new 3D imaging and CBCT scanners (i-Cat Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System). At Platte River Orthodontics, we use this technology to capture a 360-degree scan of your mouth and to create a 3D image of your oral formation. This technology helps Dr. Carter to develop specialized treatment plans for every patient.
Your family dentist may have access to some of this technology as well, but orthodontists use these tools several times a day, every day. They are experts in advanced orthodontic technology!
Think about this scenario: if you have a heart condition, would you rather see your family practitioner or a cardiologist? Your family practitioner is a medical professional, and they will be able to provide you with some information about your condition, but the cardiologist is a pro when it comes to hearts. They have all the proper training, certifications, treatment options, and the best tools to manage your heart condition.
When it’s time for braces, trust the pros! Schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist today to begin your treatment process! When your treatment is over, you’ll have a straight and healthy smile to show off to the world!
Signs you should see an orthodontist
Now that you know about the extensive training orthodontists receive, here are some indicators that it may be time to visit an orthodontist:
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Misaligned jaws
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking
- Speech issues
- Bite abnormalities
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Inability to close mouth or lips
- Protruding teeth
- Jaws that pop or lock
If you or your child experiences any of the above issues, please contact us today at 402-322-8838. We are excited to meet you and thrilled to be a part of your orthodontic journey at Platte River Orthodontics in Gretna, NE.
