A smile is often one of the first features that people notice, so general dentists and orthodontists work hard to improve people’s smiles so that they can be beautiful and healthy. However, there is a distinct difference in both dental professions:
While dentistry concentration is a primary distinction between dentists and orthodontists, it’s not the variance. In this blog, we describe how general dentists and orthodontists differ in education, training, and services typically provided.
To become a licensed dentist in the United States, dentists must complete and pass:
In addition to the education and training that a general dentist must complete, orthodontists become specialists after:
General dentists are most people’s go-to oral health professionals for managing and developing a healthy smile at every stage of life. The ADA recommends that people visit their dentist at least every six months for dental cleanings and exams, but people also visit the general dentist for:
Today, many general dentists offer clear aligner therapy to keep up with the growing demand and desire for straight teeth. By providing clear aligner treatment (such as Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®), the general dentist’s clinic becomes a one-stop-shop for dentistry and orthodontics.
What does an orthodontist do daily? Orthodontists prescribe treatments to properly align the teeth and jaws with mending a variety of health problems, including:
While many general dentists can prescribe clear aligner therapy for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions (misaligned bites), they may refer patients to an orthodontist for two reasons:
Whether you need a dental cleaning or want to improve appearances, visiting a general dentist is a solid first step to improving the health or appearance of your smile. If needed, your general dentist can refer you to an orthodontist for more extensive orthodontic treatment. Dentists and orthodontists often work closely together so that patients can have a healthy, straight smile.
At Advanced Family Dentistry, Dr. Payam K. Asadi is a general dentist in Tucson, AZ. He offers a wide array of dental and orthodontic services:
Book your next dental or Invisalign appointment with us by calling (520) 353-3002.
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