Many people often mistake a dentist and an orthodontist for the same person. More specifically, they think a dentist can do what orthodontists do. Well, it is important to understand that there are quite a lot of differences between the two, and knowing those differences is vital to knowing who to work with to meet your dental needs.
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about dentists and orthodontists:
What’s A Dentist?
A dentist is a person who usually works with patients in correcting the appearance of their teeth. This may mean dealing with the way the teeth are angled, straightening them out, or making them as straight as possible.
Most dentists can also correct the spacing of the teeth and make sure that the teeth are healthy. But, in some cases, someone who wants to get their teeth straightened out will need to see an orthodontist.
What’s An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a person that is responsible for working with patients who need braces. Braces straighten the teeth. Braces can come in metal, ceramic, or even plastic.
Since orthodontists specialize in teeth alignment, they are also responsible for making sure that the teeth are properly spaced. Sometimes, braces are needed for this.
What’s The Main Difference Between The Two?
The main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that an orthodontist only works with people who require braces. Dentists may indeed work with patients who require braces, but they also work with people who need to have their teeth aligned in another way (like straightening them out) or making them healthier.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now, which one should you choose, a dentist or an orthodontist? Well, you might be surprised to know that neither one makes everyone happy all of the time. In fact, a lot of people are unhappy with the decision that they make.
For example, many times, patients will first go to see a dentist when they think that they might need braces. However, a dentist might tell them that they don’t need braces and that they should go to an orthodontist instead.
On the other hand, they may go see an orthodontist because they want to get their teeth aligned. However, the orthodontist may recommend that they need to see a dentist because they have an infection or other problems with their teeth.
So, with all of these considerations, who should you choose to work with?
The answer is that you might need to work with both of them. In fact, many dentists work with orthodontists and refer their patients to them. The key is to know who to talk to about your needs.
Conclusion
That’s pretty much it. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about dentists and orthodontists, and most people have a hard time understanding the differences between them. This is why it’s important to know the basic differences between the two.
If you’re not sure what you should do, then you should definitely ask your dentist. They can ensure that you get the best care possible and make the proper recommendations based on what you need.
Solarte Orthodontics is a specialist ortho that offers a variety of orthodontic services. If you are interested in orthodontics near you in Virginia, get in touch with us today!
