A Specialist Orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional, specialized training beyond general dental education to become an expert in the field of Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, particularly issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws.
Here are some key differences between a general dentist and a Specialist Orthodontist:
Specialist Orthodontist:
1. Specialized Education: A specialist orthodontist completes a comprehensive orthodontic residency program. This additional training is focused exclusively on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics.
2. Orthodontic Expertise: Specialist orthodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including malocclusions (bite problems), crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and jaw misalignments. They have extensive knowledge and experience in guiding the growth and alignment of teeth and jaws to achieve optimal oral health, facial aesthetics, and bite function.
3. Evidence-based Techniques: They are trained in the use of various orthodontic appliances, including braces (metal and clear), clear aligners, headgear, and other orthodontic devices, to correct dental and facial irregularities. They are highly skilled through years of evidence-based training and research involvement to be able to diagnose orthodontic problems accurately, recommend effective treatments at the right age to give you a healthy smile and bite.
4. Treatment Planning: Orthodontists create individualized treatment plans for each patient, taking into account their specific orthodontic needs and goals. Orthodontist's expertise is particularly valuable for children and adolescents targeting teeth and jaw alignment issues while their jaws and facial structures are still developing.
General Dentist:
Broad Dental Care: General dentists focus on overall oral health and provide preventive and restorative care to patients of all ages. They may also refer patients to specialists for more complex cases. General dentists provide a wide range of dental services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and basic restorative procedures like crowns and bridges.
Limited Orthodontic Training: While general dentists receive some training in orthodontics during dental school, it is typically limited to basic orthodontic principles and the treatment of mild cases.
Patients with orthodontic concerns benefit most from seeking care from a specialist orthodontist to ensure the best possible results.
