While it’s true that both dentists and orthodontists take care of your oral health, there is a significant difference between the two. Dentists complete their advanced education in eight years — and a routine visit to one includes a check-up for tooth decay and gum disease, teeth cleaning, and X-rays. They may also perform fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, and crowns. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on straightening teeth and bad bites, also known as malocclusions. Orthodontists serve an extra two to three years of residency at a university program approved by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), learning how to move teeth and align jaws properly with treatment such as braces.
Orthodontics Is a Specialty
Orthodontists will have 10-11 years of higher education before they can begin their practice, with the last two years of schooling dedicated to their specialty of orthodontics. In these two years, they will learn how to move teeth correctly and become qualified to perform orthodontic procedures and treatments with appliances like traditional or ceramic braces, invisible aligners, and other advanced orthodontic treatments. As specialists in straightening teeth and correcting bites, they can help improve conditions such as:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Teeth Crowding
- Gaps
When it Comes to Straightening Teeth, Choose an Orthodontist
Your dentist can help you maintain your child or teen’s oral health, which is essential to their overall health. However, when it comes to correcting bites and alighting teeth, your dentist should recommend an orthodontist to help you achieve your child or teen’s happiest, healthiest smile.
Schedule Your Child's Complimentary Consultation Today
When you are ready to learn more about how an orthodontist can help you, schedule your child’s or teen’s Downers Grove Orthodontics initial exam, complimentary consultation, digital x-rays, complete examination, discussion of your goals, a free copy of Dr. Balakrishnan’s book, and more, by calling (630) 515-2727 or click here for our convenient online form.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontic care feel free to contact Downers Grove Orthodontics by clicking here.
