Looking after one’s oral health is as important as physical and well-being. Furthermore, having straight, perfectly aligned teeth is equally important – not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. Unfortunately, the incidence of crooked teeth in British children and adults has increased exponentially over the years, resulting in an increased demand for orthodontic treatment.
If crooked or misaligned teeth affect your personality and smile, you can also benefit from various orthodontic treatments. However, like many people, if you’re confused between going to a general dentist and a specialist orthodontist, then there is no need to worry; this blog is all about understanding the difference between these dental professionals, and which one to choose for orthodontic care. So, read on to learn more and make an informed decision about your treatment.
What Advantages Does An Orthodontist Have?
Before we understand the advantages of visiting a specialist orthodontist, let us understand what an orthodontist is and what do they do. An orthodontist is a licensed dental professional who has obtained additional training and experience in treating problems related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Typically, dentists have to undertake 3-4 years of additional training to become qualified orthodontists. So, orthodontists are also dentists but they have become specialists in their fields.
Now let us take a look at the advantages of visiting a qualified orthodontist for straightening teeth:
- Specialised Orthodontic Care – Orthodontists provide specialised care in treating tooth alignment issues. On the other hand, general dentists look after general dental issues, such as teeth cleanings, dental fillings, or uncomplicated tooth extractions. So, orthodontists will provide the best treatment to someone who is seeking teeth straightening.
- Management of Complicated Issues – specialist orthodontists can treat even the most complicated orthodontic issues as they have obtained advanced training in this area. However, general dentists generally treat only uncomplicated and mild orthodontic problems.
What Does An Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental professional who treats all the problems related to the alignment of the teeth and the jaws. Normally, when we talk about orthodontic treatment, the first that comes to mind are braces. However, dental braces are not the only treatment options utilised by dentists. Instead, they use a variety of treatment options depending on individual patient needs. For example, a patient having mild to moderate crowding may benefit from Invisalign aligners while someone who has severe bite-related issues may need braces. Furthermore, some patients need to undergo surgery to fix their jaw alignment before treatment with braces or aligners can be initiated.
What Are The Things To Consider When Finding An Orthodontist?
It is important to consider a few things before selecting an orthodontist for your treatment.
- Select a Qualified Dentist – First, one should select a specialist orthodontist who has an experience of many years in treating orthodontic issues. You can check the online reviews of the orthodontist you’re considering to learn whether they are suitable for you.
- Availability of Services – The next thing to consider is finding an orthodontic practice that provides all the required services under one roof. This is very important because if all the services are not available in one place, you may have to go to other practices for them, costing you additional time and money.
- Friendly Dental Team – most importantly, the practice you choose should have a friendly team that you feel comfortable with.
- Flexible Payment Plans – finally, you should go with a practice that offers flexible payment plans, so that you can pay for your treatment in small, easy, and affordable instalments.
What Are The Benefits Of An Orthodontist?
Visiting an orthodontist for your or your children’s treatment can offer various advantages. Some of these are:
- Superior Treatment Quality – a general dentist can also straighten teeth. However, the treatment performed by a qualified and experienced orthodontist will always be of higher quality because of their experience. So, if you want the best aesthetic and functional treatment outcome, you should visit an orthodontist.
- Quicker Treatment – You can expect your treatment to be completed more speedily by an experienced orthodontist than by a general dentist. So, if specialist orthodontics charges higher, the lesser treatment time will significantly reduce the treatment costs.
- Optimal Oral Hygiene – orthodontists ensure that not only your teeth are straightened, but they also restore optimal oral hygiene.
When selecting an orthodontist for yourself or your family, there are various factors one should consider. For example, you should always select an orthodontist with sufficient experience. This ensures that they can handle any type of orthodontic problem. Furthermore, you should select an orthodontist practice that offers all your required services under one roof. This way, you won’t have to go to different places for a diagnostic test or treatment that is a part of your orthodontic treatment. Finally, you should select a dental practice that is near to your home or office. Why? Because this way you will save time and gas money that would have otherwise been spent on travelling long distances. If you live in Middlesbrough or its suburbs, Cleveland Orthodontics is the best place for you to get your teeth straightened. We have a team of highly qualified and skilled orthodontists who will utilise the latest technology and contemporary techniques to straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful and lasting smile. So, what are you waiting for? Request a consultation with our best orthodontists in town and take your first step towards your dream smile.
