Even though dentists and orthodontists help patients improve their oral health, they do so in different ways. Since their services differ, you can’t always expect a general dentist to fix your orthodontic concerns and vice versa. What is the main difference between dentists and orthodontists in Fort Pierce, FL? Let’s get into it!
Is There a Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?
The main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is the type of schooling they go through. A traditional dental school program is about four years, but to become an orthodontist, you’ll need to take a three-to-four-year orthodontics residency program.
Another major difference is that you may only need to see an orthodontist for as long as your treatment lasts, while you’ll need to see your general dentist for a lifetime. All orthodontists are dentists, but not dentists are orthodontists. In fact, approximately 6% of dentists are also orthodontists.
Reasons to Visit a Dentist
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, patients will need to visit dentists to treat their overall oral health. They specialize in improving the appearance and function of your teeth through various restorative and cosmetic procedures. Below are some of the reasons why people would need to visit a dentist.
When You Need to Fill a Cavity
When you have a cavity, a dentist can perform a filling to restore the tooth. During this dental procedure, your dentist will numb the gums around the affected tooth, provide a local anesthetic to calm you down, and remove the decay or damaged area of the tooth. Afterward, they’ll apply the filling. They’re also used to repair minor cracks in teeth.
When You Need to Treat Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection that damages the gum’s soft tissue and can destroy the supporting bone in your teeth. You’ll need to see a dentist if you have gum disease so they can come up with a treatment plan for you. Your plan may vary depending on how severe your gum disease is. Regularly visiting a dentist can also prevent it from occurring!
To Promote Better Oral Health and Hygiene
At the dentist, you’ll learn how to properly care for and clean your teeth so you can have the best oral health. You can expect routine cleanings to reduce your chances of any infections and so the dentist can spot any early signs of gum disease. Early detection can make treatment quicker and more effective.
For Cosmetic Treatments
When you want your smile to be more aesthetically pleasing, you can count on a dentist to provide various types of cosmetic treatments. From teeth whitening to dental veneers, these services can give you the nice teeth you’ve always wanted.
For Restorative Treatments
Has trauma or an infection caused your tooth to crack or chip? Dentists can also perform restorative treatments to get your tooth functioning like normal in no time. Some restorative treatments include dental crowns and root canals.
Reasons to Visit an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialized in aligning the jaw and teeth. People with concerns about gapped or crooked teeth come to an orthodontist for a solution. These doctors can also correct misalignments in the jaw and treat issues with bad bites. You may need to visit an orthodontist if you have any of the following concerns.
When You Have Misaligned Teeth
An orthodontist is trained to diagnose and treat any form of malocclusion. If your teeth are misaligned and cause difficulty with eating or properly cleaning, you’ll want to visit the orthodontist for the best treatment plan for your case.
When You Have Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can cause many issues with eating and speech, but an orthodontist will know the best solution to fix this concern. You will likely need to have some teeth extracted to make room in your mouth or to assist in getting braces.
When You Have Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Orthodontists also focus on the alignment of your jaw and can help treat common jaw disorders such as TMJ. They can provide the unique holistic care you need and discover the cause of the problem. By doing this, they can come up with the best solution for you to properly align your teeth and jaw.
When You Need Orthodontic Surgery
Some people may need to undergo corrective jaw surgery, and you’ll need to go to an orthodontist for this. This service is used to treat the most severe cases of jawbone abnormalities and bad bites. Orthodontists may also work closely with oral surgeons for the best outcomes.
When Children Require Facial Growth Supervision
Some oral surgeries can be prevented by providing pediatric care and supervision. If you’re worried about your child developing any jaw issues or misaligned teeth, taking them to a pediatric orthodontist can help save time, money, and stress. Orthodontists will closely monitor how your child’s face is growing and point out any abnormalities. They’ll also be able to come up with an effective solution.
Which One Do You Need?
It might be difficult to determine whether you’ll need to see a dentist or an orthodontist in some cases. As a general rule, you should see a dentist to continuously check the health of your teeth and gums. If any other issues require treatment outside of their specialty, they can refer you to someone who can give you the help you need. Your dentist may also be an orthodontist, which can be convenient for you!
Fun Facts About Orthodontics
Are you interested in learning more about the differences between dentistry and orthodontics? We’ve included some interesting facts about orthodontists that might surprise you!
- About 4 million American patients are undergoing an orthodontic treatment
- Braces were invented over 300 years ago
- Teeth can shift back into misalignment after an orthodontic treatment
- The best time to start an orthodontic treatment is at the age of 7
- The first known orthodontist was Edward Angle
- “Orthodontics” is of Greek origin
Looking For the Best Orthodontists in Fort Pierce, FL?
You can count on Shapiro Family Dentistry for quality orthodontic and dental care! We’ve been offering general dentistry and teeth straightening treatments to our patients for many years, and we’re excited to come up with the best treatment plan for your unique needs. Give us a call today if you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment!
