Know the Difference and Choose the Right Specialist
When it comes to caring for your smile, you've likely heard the terms "dentist" and "orthodontist" used often. While both professionals play crucial roles in oral health, their areas of expertise are quite different. Understanding what separates orthodontics from general dentistry can help you make informed decisions about your care and when to seek specialized treatment.
At HLH Orthodontics in Sylvania, we're proud to provide focused, expert care in the field of orthodontics. Let's explore the key differences between these two important branches of dental care.
Education and Training
Both dentists and orthodontists start with the same foundation: dental school. After completing undergraduate education, they earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which typically takes four years.
However, orthodontists go further. After dental school, they complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This advanced education focuses exclusively on tooth movement, jaw alignment, facial growth, and bite correction. This extra training is what allows orthodontists to diagnose and treat complex alignment issues with precision and expertise.
Scope of Practice
General dentists provide comprehensive oral health care. They perform cleanings, fill cavities, treat gum disease, perform root canals, place crowns, and handle a wide range of preventive and restorative procedures. Your dentist is your primary care provider for overall dental health.
Orthodontics, on the other hand, is a specialized field focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners, retainers, palatal expanders, and other appliances to move teeth into proper positions and improve bite function. While dentists may offer some basic alignment services, orthodontists have the training and experience to handle everything from simple spacing issues to complex surgical cases.
What Orthodontics Treats
Orthodontics addresses a variety of concerns, including:
- Crowding: When there isn't enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly.
- Spacing issues: Gaps between teeth that affect function or aesthetics.
- Overbites and underbites: When the upper or lower teeth protrude too far.
- Crossbites: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
- Open bites: When the upper and lower teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed.
- Jaw alignment problems: Issues that affect chewing, speaking, or facial symmetry.
These conditions require the specialized knowledge and techniques that only orthodontics can provide.
Treatment Options and Technology
Orthodontists use a range of advanced tools and appliances tailored to each patient's needs. At HLH Orthodontics, we offer:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Palatal expanders
- Retainers
We also use cutting-edge technology like 3D imaging, digital treatment planning, and computer simulations to map out your treatment from start to finish. This level of precision is a hallmark of orthodontics and ensures predictable, effective results.
Why Specialized Care Matters
You wouldn't go to a general practitioner for heart surgery. The same principle applies to orthodontics. While general dentists are highly skilled in their field, orthodontists bring a level of expertise and focus that's essential for achieving optimal alignment and bite correction.
Orthodontic treatment isn't just about straightening teeth. It's about improving function, preventing future dental problems, and enhancing overall oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, and help distribute bite forces evenly to prevent excessive wear.
Working Together for Your Health
It's important to note that dentists and orthodontists often work together as a team. Your general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if they notice alignment issues during a routine exam. Similarly, orthodontists may refer patients back to their dentist for cleanings, fillings, or other general care during treatment. This collaborative approach ensures you receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your oral health.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. However, orthodontic treatment isn't just for kids. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontics, whether to correct long-standing issues or address teeth that have shifted over time.
If you or your child have crooked teeth, bite problems, or jaw discomfort, it's worth scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. At HLH Orthodontics in Sylvania, we provide personalized evaluations and treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs.
Experience the Difference at HLH Orthodontics
Understanding what separates orthodontics from general dentistry helps you appreciate the specialized care that goes into creating a healthy, beautiful smile. At HLH Orthodontics, our team of board-certified orthodontists is dedicated to providing expert treatment in a friendly, professional environment.
Whether you're considering braces, Invisalign, or early intervention for your child, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and discover the difference that specialized orthodontic care can make.