Many people straighten their teeth at some point in life, for either medical or purely cosmetic reasons. Perhaps you’re looking into improving your smile with adult braces or Invisalign: a clear, less visible option over traditional metal brackets. You may just assume that your local family dentist offers this service, and many do. However, so do orthodontists, a niche type of dentistry. Who should you choose?
More than just aligning your teeth, braces and Invisalign both involve a deep understanding of an individual patient’s teeth and how they move, ensuring that the treatment will be safe and do what it is intended to do. While dentists are highly trained professionals, orthodontists specialize in fixing over and under bites, as well as straightening teeth. To get the best results, you may want to look into the extra training that goes into orthodontics.
Let’s further break down the differences between dentists and orthodontists when it comes to teeth straightening, so you can get the best smile for your buck!
Teeth Straightening 101: Understanding Invisalign
Far from the bulky, conspicuous-looking metal brackets you may recall from youth, Invisalign is a form of teeth straightening that is designed to be more discreet. It involves custom-fitted clear plastic aligners to fit snugly over your teeth, giving the appearance of “invisibility.” Many people consider this a more attractive option, as it’s less noticeable from a distance.
Another big reason many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces is that it can be removed easily. This allows you to enjoy foods that were previously “forbidden” with metal brackets, such as sticky sweets (in moderation, of course). The ease of removability also allows for simpler brushing and flossing. Your teeth can be straightened just as effectively without altering your daily routine too much. The key is remembering to put the aligners back in so they can continue to do their work.
Who Straightens Teeth: Dentists Or Orthodontists?
Understanding the differences between these two specialists will be helpful in making a decision about your dental care.
Let’s take a look:
Both dentists and orthodontists spend years in dental school to complete their training: four years in total to learn about general oral health. A dentist will eventually graduate with a degree in dental surgery or medicine: a DDS or DMD. Their practice will generally consist of showing patients how to keep their teeth and gums healthy, performing procedures such as cleanings, occasional fillings, crowns, and more.
While it is not beyond the scope of a dentist to correct small gaps or slightly crooked teeth, they may refer you to an orthodontist for more complex alignment issues.
The orthodontist takes their education further by spending an additional two or three years in a residency program, focusing on the movement of teeth, correcting bite problems, and issues with jaw alignment. This is what makes them experts in correcting complex alignment problems.
While dentists focus on keeping mouths clean and healthy, it’s the orthodontist who specializes in the appearance of your smile.
Choosing An Orthodontist For Teeth Straightening
The specialized skills of an orthodontist can help make the teeth straightening process go as smoothly as possible. This is important, since both Invisalign and traditional metal brackets will involve some degree of discomfort at first as your teeth begin to move. However, the confidence you have in your provider can make all the difference.
The training of an orthodontist makes them masters at understanding the art of tooth alignment and movement. They can show you with precise accuracy just how your teeth will shift over time. This knowledge will allow them to create the ideal treatment plan for your specific needs and health concerns, regardless of the complexity of your situation.
From overlapping teeth to severe bite problems, orthodontists have seen it all. A provider who does not have the same training and background could produce less than ideal results, which could delay the process. Orthodontists handle alignment issues every day of their careers, so their expertise allows them to anticipate any challenges that might come up, providing a treatment process that is efficient and timely.
Best of all, regular updates with your orthodontist will help ensure long-term results, meaning you shouldn’t have to resume wearing braces in the future.
When You Might See A Dentist For Teeth Straightening
We would be remiss not to mention a few instances in which it might make sense for a patient to see a dentist for teeth straightening:
Your Case Is Straightforward
If you’re fortunate enough to only have small gaps or minor crowding with your teeth, your dentist can perform teeth straightening. Such easy cases don’t typically involve the same degree of specialized training that an orthodontist would specialize in.
Cost Considerations
A dentist is more likely to offer Invisalign at a lower cost than an orthodontist. This is typically because the overhead costs are lower, whereas an orthodontist is being compensated for both equipment and specialized training.
For patients on a tight budget, this is an option worth considering. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a dentist’s office may have fewer resources to treat any complications that arise.
Convenience
If you already have a local dentist that you trust for routine cleanings and care, it can save time to add teeth straightening to your visits. This allows you to combine all your appointments to one facility – and at Eriks Dental Group, we have providers for everyone in the family, from pediatrics to geriatrics!
Teeth Straightening And More In South Florida
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of where to go for your teeth straightening and alignment needs. At Eriks Dental Group, a family dentistry in Boynton Beach, Invisalign is just one of many services we offer for patients of all ages. If you’re in the market for a complete smile makeover , ask us about professional whitening services, a much longer-lasting alternative than over-the-counter methods.
Call us today at 561-733-4004 to schedule your next dental appointment.