Understanding the roles of various dental professionals is crucial when seeking dental care. While both orthodontists and general dentists play important roles in maintaining dental health, their areas of expertise differ significantly. If you're looking for specialized dental care, knowing these differences can guide you to the right professional for your needs. Today, let’s explore these distinctions, emphasizing the unique expertise of an orthodontist, particularly focusing on the services provided by an orthodontist in Greenwood Village.
Education and Training: A Fundamental Distinction
Both orthodontists and general dentists begin their careers in a similar fashion: completing a dental school program. However, the paths diverge significantly after these initial studies. General dentists typically proceed directly into practice, providing a wide range of dental care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and sometimes more advanced procedures like root canals and basic orthodontic care.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, undergo additional training — often two to three years — in an accredited orthodontic residency program after dental school. This training is rigorous and focuses specifically on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. This specialized education equips orthodontists with the skills necessary to manage facial growth and dental development issues, providing them with a deep understanding of the structure of the mouth in a way that general dentists typically do not possess. Both of our orthodontists are board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontists, ensuring that you'll get the highest quality of orthodontic care.
Scope of Practice: Specialization vs. Generalization
General dentists are the primary care providers in the dental profession. They diagnose, treat, and manage overall oral health care needs, which include gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education. They can also offer treatment involving tooth movement (orthodontics) but usually on a more basic level.
Orthodontists, such as those you might find at a practiced and skilled orthodontist Greenwood Village clinic, are specialized in orthodontic care, which includes braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, and other devices used to adjust the teeth’s alignment and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is equipped to treat complex cases involving the mouth's structure and its impact on the overall facial features.
Treatment Focus: Not Just Aesthetics
While many associate orthodontic work with aesthetics, the scope of an orthodontist's work extends far beyond creating a cosmetically appealing smile. Orthodontists are experts in creating a balanced, functional bite, ensuring proper alignment of teeth and jaw which can significantly impact overall oral health and function. For instance, correcting misaligned teeth can help solve issues like improper chewing, speech difficulties, and wear on tooth enamel. Furthermore, orthodontists are trained to address temporal mandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and sleep apnea related to oral structures.
At Iritani Orthodontics in Greenwood Village, the focus is on holistic patient care. The orthodontists here do not only aim for aesthetic improvement but also ensure the functional health of your entire oral cavity. This comprehensive approach helps in maintaining long-term dental health and overall well-being.
Technology and Techniques: Advanced and Specialized
The technological and procedural advancements in orthodontics are vast and continually evolving. Orthodontists stay at the forefront of these advancements, incorporating the latest techniques and materials into their practice to provide the most effective care. This includes 3D imaging, advanced braces systems, and cutting-edge aligner technology. General dentists may have access to some of these technologies, but they often do not possess the specialized training required to maximize their use.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Dental Needs
When deciding whether to visit a general dentist or an orthodontist, consider your specific needs. If your dental issues include the alignment of your teeth or jaw, consulting with an orthodontist is advisable. For regular check-ups, cleanings, and general dental treatments, a general dentist will be able to assist you.
If you are in or around Greenwood Village and considering orthodontic care, Iritani Orthodontics offers a blend of top-tier expertise, advanced treatment options, and a family-oriented approach. Whether you're an adult considering braces or a parent thinking about aligners for your child, our dedicated orthodontists, Mark Iritani and Matt Iritani, can guide you through the best options tailored to your unique needs.
Choosing the right dental care provider is an important decision. By understanding the differences between an orthodontist and a general dentist, you can make a more informed choice, ensuring that you and your family receive the appropriate care necessary to maintain both a healthy smile and overall well-being.
