How to Know Whether You Need to Go to
a Dentists or an Orthodontist
It needs no special mention that visiting a dental clinic twice a year should be part of your health program to ensure a clean and healthy mouth interior.The dentist visits are essential as it helps to identify tooth and gum problems early and routinely clean the mouth to prevent any chances of infections. But there are times when your dentist might recommend you to see an orthodontist who is also a dentist but is a specialist to treat teeth' internal problems. For example, if you have gum inflammation and the dentist diagnoses it as a problem with the gums that affect your teeth' pulp, then it is a case for visiting Downey orthodontics. Similarly, if you have issues with the jaws, you must consult an orthodontist.
Dentists vs. Orthodontists
Both dentists and orthodontists have the same educational qualification and receive similar training during their academic days, but orthodontists undertake special training after graduating from a dental college. A dentist must complete 4 years of dental education followed by 4 years of training in a dental school as stipulated by the American Dental Association. On completing studies, dentists must clear a rigorous written exam and a clinical licensing exam before practicing the profession in general dentistry.
Those who want to go beyond general dentistry and specialize in some specified dental treatment areas can pursue orthodontics that involves special training. Orthodontics is a niche field, and approximately 6% of dentists take up the specialty. Orthodontics courses have a special focus that goes beyond general dentistry, and it includes 2-3 years additional residency and orthodontic training for more than 4800 hours.
The role of dentists
The dentist's role is to treat patients for their overall oral health consisting of regular checkups to identify cavities and treat them, treat mild gum diseases, extract teeth when it is a dire necessity, and treat oral hygiene problems.Dentists can also make cosmetic improvements to the teeth' appearance by applying veneers or bonding, treating broken, chipped, severely decayed, and misshapen teeth to salvage it by attaching a crown. The dentist examines the oral cavity to detect any signs of oral diseases and advises patients about ways of maintaining good oral health. According to Dr. DeFabio of DeFabio Dental Design, a Colts Neck dentist, the dentists remain within the boundaries of the treatment and would refer to some other physician or specialist if needed.
The role of orthodontists
The focus of orthodontists is on the various physical aspects of teeth movement and jaw alignment. The position of the teeth or their alignment is the focus of orthodontic treatment. It means that if you have crowded teeth, teeth that stick out, gaps between teeth, and problems with jaw alignment, then you must consult an orthodontist. Orthodontists use various tools, devices, and orthodontic appliances to help them move the teeth and achieve proper jaw alignment. Braces are the most popular orthodontic devices, and clear braces are becoming popular.
Orthodontists rely on some investigative techniques like X-rays and take photographs of the teeth, use the information for the diagnosis, and create an individual treatment plan. If you’re still unsure, you can consult your dentist to discuss suitable procedures for you — such as teeth polishing and Dental implants in Encino.
