Common Misconceptions About Orthodontic Treatment
You may know what a dentist does but not what an orthodontist does. As a less-discussed but more-specialized profession, orthodontists and their job have many misconceptions.
Orthodontics and general dentistry may overlap; however, the two fields are distinct and have different areas of expertise. General dentists are responsible for the overall oral health of their patients. At the same time, orthodontists focus on correcting dental and facial irregularities; however, both are essential in maintaining patients’ oral health and overall well-being.
Since general dentistry is familiar to most, some can get nervous when referred to an orthodontist. To help you relax and understand what happens when you are going to see an orthodontist, we have debunked misconceptions about orthodontic treatment below.
Dentists and Orthodontists are Interchangeable
You might have heard this one! The most common myth about orthodontists is that they perform the same job as general dentists. Both professions focus on providing oral health care, but orthodontists specialize in the overall appearance of the teeth and jaw. Conversely, general dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral health problems. These two professions work hand in hand, depending on your needs.
Dentists and Orthodontists Receive The Same Education and Training
Dentists and orthodontists begin their careers in dental school; however, orthodontists must complete two to three years of specialized training in an orthodontic residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The technical training focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws. The program also only accepts top students from dental schools’ graduating classes.
The Specialized Treatment Dentists and Orthodontics Provide Are The Same
Both general dentists and orthodontists have a solid education, training, and experience. However, orthodontists undergo an additional 2-3 years of specialized training. Some dentists may provide primary orthodontic care but will refer you to orthodontists for concerns beyond their expertise.
Orthodontists help patients avoid unnecessary complications. They will notice small details dentists may overlook and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan that includes:
- a customized treatment plan based on your needs and desired result
- the best possible outcome for your smile
- more efficient treatments and visits
- a variety of materials for orthodontic corrections and treatments
Get a dental check-up in San Diego, CA, with Orthodontic and General Dentistry to correctly identify your oral health needs and the treatment you need. We have all that it takes for that perfect smile!
Orthodontist Only Treat Teens
People commonly believe that orthodontists only treat teenagers because they associate orthodontic treatment with braces, a standard treatment for teens.
But that isn’t true; orthodontic treatment is for all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. It’s just that most orthodontic patients are teens because they are the typical age group for treatment to begin as permanent teeth have erupted and jaws are still growing.
Orthodontists are trained to diagnose and treat various dental and orthodontic issues, including bite problems, jaw misalignment, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. So, if you have any concerns about your teeth or jaw, it’s worth consulting with an orthodontist to determine whether treatment could benefit you, regardless of age.
We have debunked the common misconceptions about orthodontic treatment, and we hope you are ready to get comprehensive orthodontic and general dentistry treatment in San Diego, CA. Our clinic is open 24/7. For physical consultations, you may visit 2138 Garnet Avenue in San Diego, California, 92109. Check out Orthodontic & General Dentistry today!