When it comes to the oral health regime, people tend to get confused between a dentist and an orthodontist. While both of them have a say in improving your smile and your dental health, they have their own specializations.
Dentist vs Orthodontist – The difference in scope of practice
Dentists are oral health specialists who take care of a huge range of dental issues. Their area of practice covers areas which include tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. They perform regular dental checkups, cleaning, filling, and extractions – all of them related to your teeth.
Orthodontists are specialists who look after the misalignment of teeth and jaws. They take care of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites) and alignment issues. Orthodontists make use of braces, aligners, retainers, and other corrective appliances for the proper bites and aesthetics.
Dentists would primarily help you maintain proper oral hygiene and suggest preventive care, while an orthodontist will focus on the misalignment and positioning of your teeth. While a dentist takes care of preventing potential issues and restoring damaged teeth, an orthodontist works towards enhancing the appearance of your looks in addition to improving your chewing ability.
Dentist vs Orthodontist – Training and Qualification
Both dentists and orthodontists receive the same sort of education. The difference lies in the specializations that orthodontists go through. Dentists go through a four-year undergraduate course. They may follow it up with the Doctor of Dental surgery.
Orthodontists are the dentists who further go through the specialization in the field of orthodontics through the additional two or three years of post-graduation.
Should you see an orthodontist or a dentist?
Your dentist is akin to a general practitioner and an orthodontist to a specialist in the field. If you have a typical or standard dental issue, you will need to visit the dentist. Typical examples are tooth pain, decay, or toothache. They will also treat you in cases of gum disease and oral infections.
In contrast, the misalignment of teeth is when you are expected to visit an orthodontist. Tooth crowding, jaw misalignment, and palate expansion are a few of the examples where you would need to go with an orthodontist. A crooked tooth or an improper jawline may also need you to visit an orthodontist instead of a dentist.
An orthodontist and a dentist are both specialists who deal with dental issues and treat different types of dental problems and oral health. But there are some things only an orthodontist can handle and a dentist cannot.
Orthodontists receive extensive training for treating certain specific oral health conditions. They are highly qualified and can handle a wide range of tasks, such as a misaligned jaw, and help you install braces. If you are not sure whether you need to consult a dentist or an orthodontist, it is better to consult your dentist first. Your dentist will analyze your case and recommend you to an orthodontist if required.
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