Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
You may only be referred to an orthodontist a few times in your life or you may have a dental issue that requires you to visit an orthodontist on a regular basis. If you ever do have to visit one of these professionals, one of the first questions you will probably have is: What is the difference between an orthodontist and a regular dentist? Many people wrongly assume these professionals are a lot the same. Even though both practitioners have similar fields, they are actually quite different. Here is a look at some of the ways an orthodontist differs from a traditional dentist.
Orthodontists offer different treatments than a regular dentist.
You can pay a visit to your local dentist to get a tooth filled, a tooth extracted, or a root canal. However, you would visit an orthodontist to correct bite issues, gaps between your teeth, and jaw alignment issues. The treatments offered by both professionals in the dental field can look very different from one another.
Orthodontists have more years of education than dentists.
One of the biggest differences between an orthodontist and a dentist is the fact that an orthodontist has to go to school longer than the average dentist. Just like a doctor who specializes in a certain field, orthodontists must have extra classes and training that a dentist will not have to have during their educational career. For example, a student planning to become an orthodontist will have to have classes and training on maxillofacial surgery whereas a student working to become a dentist would not.
Dentists do not offer treatments for teeth alignment.
Even though dentists can help you out with certain dental alignment issues, they do not have the training necessary to perform dental alignment treatments. For example, if you have teeth that have a severe underbite, you will likely be referred to an orthodontist for treatment. Orthodontists have extra training in the structures of the mouth, face, and jaw, so they know how to safely use devices and instruments to help you achieve an aligned smile.
Overall, both professionals are valued in the dental field, but orthodontists and dentists operate in different fields of dental care. Just as you would not go to a cardiologist if you had a broken bone, you should also know which dental professional can help with certain problems. Reach out to a local orthodontist for more information or to make an appointment.
Share11 October 2019
