Dentists and orthodontists both went to dental school, so they can both practice orthodontics, right? Well, that is one way of looking at it. However, orthodontists attend two or three extra years of school and go on to get certified in orthodontics. The extra time orthodontists spend training is used to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of dental and skeletal malocclusions.
While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Think of orthodontists as specialists and dentists as the general practitioners of dentistry.
If you are wondering why some dentists install braces, it is because they continue to add to their skills and experience over the course of their careers. Some dentists take professional courses and get certified for specific dental procedures.
Dentists who have training and experience with orthodontics can fit braces and other orthodontic appliances. However, crooked teeth may be caused by an underlying skeletal issue that is beyond a dentist’s skill set. When they encounter such situations, the dentist will refer the patient to an orthodontist.
Here are some questions that will help a person decide whether to see a dentist or an orthodontist for their dental problem:
A good dentist will answer these questions openly, taking pride in their training, skill and experience.
After the dentist does a comprehensive evaluation that typically includes X-ray images of the teeth and jaw, they will recommend a suitable orthodontic treatment. Common treatments done by dentists are:
This treatment straightens teeth with a series of trays. The trays fit tightly over a patient's teeth, forcing them to move into the alignment that the dentist wants. Once the teeth shift to the dentist’s satisfaction, the patient is given a new set of teeth trays that will continue to align the teeth. The process will be repeated until the teeth are straightened.
A dentist can fit braces on a patient’s teeth to correct dental malocclusions and crooked teeth. At regular intervals, the dentist will adjust the braces as the teeth shift into new positions.
Dentists with years of experience who have attained the rank of AGD, Fellows or Masters perform hundreds of orthodontic treatments every year. Such dentists can fit a patient with retainers and jaw expanders.
It is common for dentists to have a specialty. You may find a dentist who is extremely skilled and experienced when it comes to oral surgeries like extraction of impacted teeth or placement of dental implants. That person may not be as skilled when it comes to orthodontics. A good dentist will give you a referral when you need one. When that dentist meets a patient that they cannot help, they will immediately refer the patient to an orthodontist. The dentist will know when to call in the cavalry. If you are dealing with an issue that requires orthodontics, a good dentist will let you know the minute you need a referral.
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