Dentists and Orthodontics both help to improve their oral health but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty which deals in gums, teeth, jaws, and nerves. Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry which focuses on correcting occlusion and straightness of the teeth. Orthodontist Vermont specialises in braces and making your smile beautiful making you feel confident.
So how are they similar?
Both dentist and orthodontics both focus on oral care. An orthodontist can work in a dental office and give the same care as that of a dentist. So, they are quite similar in this case as both are doctors who deal in gums and teeth.
We’ve seen the similarities, but how are they different then?
To become an orthodontist, one needs to have additional schooling as a dental specialty. The situation is similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. In addition, orthodontists specialize in helping patients in the alignment of the teeth, in improving their bite and fitting corrective braces when necessary. If a patient has an overbite, a dentist would refer him to an orthodontist.
Let us now see what myths are associated with orthodontics
Anyone who provides aligners or braces are orthodontics
Not True! There are dentists and online companies who provide braces and aligners. But, only an orthodontics who has taken that extra training in an accredited academic center can rightly call themselves specialists. In order to know if they are accredited or not, look for the AAO logo in the office.
They are expensive
Orthodontists with AAO can provide unique treatment with customized treatment plans hence the fees reflect differently for each case. Simple cases take a couple of months to treat, but certain complexities can take years. Hence, having an expert is definitely worth it. Most Orthodontists offer free consultations and flexible payment plans. They are willing to work with their patients to create that beautiful smile. Hence, you can trust your smile to a specialized orthodontist. They can safely straighten your teeth and monitor your progress slowly. An orthodontist can make sure that your bite is the best that it can be.
Orthodontics treatment takes several years
Orthodontics treatment requires controlled, careful movements of teeth to ensure that they are moving in the right position. From simple to complex cases, an AAO has the training, experience and the skill to deliver excellent result in the shortest amount of time. It is not worth the risk to have someone who practices this as a side business. One can end up losing a lot while trying to save a lot of money.
Orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic
There is much more to orthodontics than meets the eye. An improved appearance is the most obvious result. But, when the jaws and teeth are in alignment it means dual benefit and functioning is improved.
The gorgeous smile is an outward sign of oral good health and sets the stage for the patient’s overall well-being.
Orthodontists offer only metal braces
Orthodontists spend several years studying how teeth move. This makes them qualified to use all the tools available to provide the best care for the patients. This includes metal braces along with other range of appliances which are used to move teeth. They can be fixed or removed with clear options available. Orthodontists have a variety of tools available on their fingerprint compared to other companies which pressurize the customers to use a specific brand or product.
Kids take up treatment of orthodontists
Are you kidding? Patients of all ages old and young can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Age is not a concern when it comes to becoming healthy with a beautiful smile. In 2014, around 1.5 million people were treated with orthodontists with AAO certification. Adults can have more complicated issues compared to kids.
Orthodontics treatment is cosmetic
It requires careful and controlled movements of teeth to ensure they move in the proper position. From simple cases to complex ones, they have all the training, experience and skill to deliver excellent result in the shortest amount of time. It is not worth the risk to have someone who attempts to do orthodontics as a side business.
Better not to wear braces if active in sports as it might hurt your lips
Protecting your teeth is essential when playing sports to stay on course with your treatment plan. There are often patients who are scared of braces as they might have to give up something they love. However, we recommend them to use a mouth guard to prevent from harming their teeth. With a good mouth guard, any sport can be played using braces. Even the light contact sports can be played using braces.
Braces pain a lot
In the past, rigid steel wires were used and orthodontics applied a greater force creating discomfort and pain for the patients. The newer technologies have more flexible braces options like copper nickel-titanium alloy wires which allow straightening with minimal discomfort.
During the initial phase, it is normal to feel discomfort which might last a few days. However, if the pain persists, kindly contact the doctor.
If I want my teeth fixed, only braces can help!
Apart from braces, one can also think of lingual braces on the inside of the teeth. In addition, there is no choice of clear or colored brackets which are much more aesthetic. These braces are difficult to clean and are more expensive. In addition, they are not appropriate for severe cases.
These are almost invisible mouth guard without braces which uses transparent plastic aligners called Invisalign. However, one should understand that alternative technology cannot correct all types of malocclusions. If you wish to use such an option, kindly contact your dentist.
Orthodontic treatment is a wonderful procedure suitable for all patients of all ages. It can be accomplished with minimal discomfort. A reasonable with lasting results is conservative to all tooth structure. It is never too late to improve your smile. Visit your doctor today and make sure that you get your wonderful smile back!