When you’re having problems with your teeth, it’s important to know where to go. The same is true when you want to prevent possible painful or expensive situations with your teeth and mouth. You do not want to waste extra time and money by visiting the wrong specialist. When looking at orthodontists and dentists, there is one thing they have in common for sure, and that is teeth. So, which do you choose…orthodontist or dentist? When deciding, you have to look at the specific needs to be treated in your mouth. Do you have a toothache? Has it been a while since you’ve had your teeth cleaned? Do you look in the mirror and wonder if it’s OK to have that gap in your teeth? Is it OK that some of your teeth set higher in the gums than others? Let’s explore the details.
Orthodontist and Dentists
They both end with “ist”, but that is not the only thing the two have in common. The orthodontist and the williamsburg dentist are extensively trained in the care of your mouth, gum teeth and nerves all around that area. They both have to get formal training which leads to a professional degree that is nationally recognized. The differences start after the degree in dentistry is obtained. One profession casts a wider net by performing several different purposes including prevention, care, and treatment while the other profession has a target on a more specific game-plan treatment for teeth.
What can a dentist do for me?
We all know that we need to visit the dentist every six months. Have you ever wanted to know why? Dentists help us by preventing and treating many issues with our teeth, gums and the nerves all around that area. When our teeth and gums are not healthy the comfort level in our daily life can be significantly affected. Left untreated, issues with our teeth can also cause other potential health problems.
It is best to prevent problems first. When you are aiming to minimize visits to any specialist regarding your teeth, the dentist is the first line of defense. Some wait until there are problems that cause significant discomfort. If you have a toothache, bleeding of the gums, or other issues with your teeth and gums, a dentist should also be your first choice. They are trained to diagnose and treat anything that is causing you discomfort in your mouth.
All dentists are well educated and trained in their profession. Before they get to focus on the profession of dentistry in their academic learning, they have to take all the basics in college leading towards a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. In order to start or work at a dental practice with the well earned, dentist title, they must obtain a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree. In order to obtain a dental degree, they must continue on after their bachelor’s degree and attend four years of dental school.
What can an orthodontist do for me?
Actually, orthodontists are dentists who are specialists in orthodontia. This is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth that are not aligned as they grow in your mouth. They are specialists when it comes to helping you straighten out your teeth. They are trained in a specific area of tooth care which involves using braces, bands, wires and other tools to train teeth to move through the bone. Some people’s teeth grow in aligned just right, or just right enough where they don’t cause a problem. In this case, not everyone will need to use an orthodontist’s services. Some will want their teeth straightened out for appearance, while others may need them closer together for dental health. There are also times when orthodontists treat misaligned jaws. If you’re in need of an orthodontist, your visits will be more frequent than it would be going to the dentist. As teeth are being rearranged in your mouth, adjustment and tightening need to be done frequently.
All orthodontists are well trained in treating teeth. They have to get their DDS or DMD degree in dentistry first. Therefore, they can take care of you just as any other dentist. In fact, some small towns have the same person as the dentist and the orthodontist! After the DDS is obtained, they must attend school another two or three years to study the detailed practice of orthodontia. This is where they learn the specific techniques and practices to help their patients realign their teeth or work on jaw misalignment.
Does age matter when looking to visit a dentist or orthodontist?
In the case of visiting a dentist, we want to prevent problems before they happen. Once the first tooth starts to come in or at about age one or two, it is recommended to bring young children into the dentist. Visiting the dentist for prevention and treatment carries out throughout our entire lives. Whether your a small child, teen or adult, there’s no limit to the age where you can and should go to the dentist.
Most people generally think of teenagers when it comes to seeing someone with braces. However, that’s not the requirement or the case. Children can go to the orthodontist for an evaluation as young as seven. There are more types of treatment options than just metal braces. The orthodontist can evaluate and help decide what, if any actions can be taken at a young age or suggest to return at a certain age in the future. Adults can also go to the orthodontist to straighten out their teeth. In fact, there is no limit on the top end of the age scale for teeth alignment.
Dentists and orthodontists are related, but it’s all about your specific needs.
They are both definitely related, but each has special services that cater to specific issues with the teeth. After all, wouldn’t you want the person who is hovering over you with that bright light shining in your face to be not only capable but well-versed in your particular dental needs?