Orthodontists are dentists who have decided to expand their training by specializing in the alignment of teeth. They spend a lot of time studying the jaw and the movement of the teeth, and then they address dental issues related to the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Most often they deal with problems related to the bite, called malocclusions. General dentists can sometimes provide orthodontic care to patients.
However, there are some requirements before that can or should happen. General dentists CAN offer braces to their patients. If a general dentist wants to offer orthodontics in their office, they must live up to the standard of care. This means that if a dentist can straighten and align teeth as well as an average orthodontist, then they can offer orthodontic appliances to their patients.
In fact, it's very interesting that a dentist can offer orthopedic appliances to his patients. Even while you're undergoing treatment with your orthodontist, you should go to appointments with your family dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned. A general dentist generally doesn't have the advantage of consulting with other orthodontists about complex cases in their office. Last fall, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) contacted the AAO to explain that these two statements are often true and not myths.
Dentists have not completed the additional three years of full-time college education required to become orthodontists. While you might see dentists advertising orthodontic treatments, only a dental professional who has received appropriate training can be called an orthodontist. In addition, the dentist examines the inside of the mouth for signs of oral diseases and gives you advice on how to maintain oral health. My dentist said that he can make braces for me, as he states that it will be “better than retainers”, because my teeth will fall out and the braces will give me a permanent solution.
In the case of patients who need to remove a tooth (or teeth) before using orthodontic appliances, the orthodontist will refer the patient to their general dentist or, for more complex procedures, to an oral surgeon. After finishing dental school, dentists must complete and pass the National Dental Exam to become licensed professionals. The orthodontist is much better at evaluating and predicting the complication than the general dentist, be careful. General dentists are a crucial healthcare provider who will ensure that your teeth are maintained in optimal health, in addition to providing comprehensive reconstruction of damaged or lost teeth, improvements in the shape and color of the teeth, and can work together on many patients to achieve the best possible bite and smile.
I would discuss your concerns with your dentist: it is possible to move your teeth too quickly and this can damage the root of the tooth. A general dentist is a competent professional in all aspects of dentistry, but they do not have the same level of experience to rely on and their competence in orthodontics has never been officially evaluated. For example, a dentist who wishes to offer Invisalign must first attend related workshops.
Leave a Comment