Dentistry is an area of medicine dealing with the jaw, gum, nerves and teeth. Several dental experts like orthodontists and dentists work in this field to help improve the oral health of people. Dentistry has different branches, and orthodontics is one of them.
Orthodontics deals with straightening the teeth, correcting malocclusions and bite issues using various treatments options like invisible braces in London. Regardless of your dental problem, either minor or major, the most important thing is getting the right treatment and keeping your mouth healthy. For healthy gum and teeth, you need to eat balanced diets and foods that would provide your teeth with the right nutrients they need.
Different dental problems require various dental experts like an orthodontist or dentist and knowing the right person to see when you have a dental issue would help you get the proper care you need and saves you a lot of time.
Orthodontist Vs Dentist: Educational Background
Orthodontists and dentists have the same educational background. They both need an advanced degree to practice and must pass an exam to receive certification. Passing this exam means that they are skilled and knowledgeable to offer dental treatments.
Dentists and orthodontist have to get a bachelor’s degree first then apply to a dental school. They both complete a doctoral program that lasts for four years after which they are awarded a D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The two degrees have the same curriculum, but it lies with the dental school to award any of them. once the graduation completes, the person becomes a general dentist and can practice dentistry.
After a dentist graduates, he/she will undergo a residency in orthodontics for two or three years in an orthodontic clinic affiliated with a recognised university. After which, the orthodontist becomes certified to practice. An orthodontist also has the title of D.M.D or D.D.S and Master of Science (M.S).
Generally, orthodontists and dentists must be well-trained before practising, but, a dentist train for eight years, while an orthodontist train for either ten or eleven years to specialise in the orthodontics field.
Orthodontist Vs Dentists: Who You Need for a Dental Issue
Although both orthodontists and dentists have the same educational background and must be certified to practice, they have their area of speciality, which helps you know the right person to see for a dental issue.
The dentist is a primary dental care provider who can diagnose and manage overall dental health. A dentist can carry out routine dental work like x-rays, check-ups, and cleanings. A dentist also removes teeth, repairs them, make the models for dentures, and fill cavities. At your dentist’s office, you would have dental hygienists responsible for your teeth cleaning and helping the dentist out with other treatments. Some dentists meet the requirements to carry out orthodontic treatment, so your dentist may offer orthodontic treatments, but most times, dentists refer their patients for specialist care with an orthodontist.
A dentist offers the following treatments and dental procedures
- Fillings
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Teeth cleaning
- Root canals
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Gum care
If you have teeth and gum misalignment issues, you will need to visit an orthodontist. An orthodontist uses non-surgical procedures to align the jaws and teeth. An orthodontist diagnoses orthodontic issues and treats bite problems (malocclusion). If you have an overbite, gapped teeth, underbite, and crowded teeth, you can visit a dentist to get it corrected.
An orthodontist uses braces, retainers, and Invisalign to correct different orthodontic issues, after an examination to determine the best course of treatment.
An orthodontist offers the following treatments
- Retainers
- Invisalign
- Wires
- Braces and other corrective dental devices
Some dental clinics have in-office orthodontist and dentists, while others have separate clinics for both dental experts.
Maintaining Your Oral Health
Taking care of your gum and teeth is important for your oral health. You look better when you have a brighter smile and clean teeth.Paying attention to your gum and teeth helps you preserve the natural structure of your teeth, and you avoid dental issues like gum diseases and tooth decay.
Having some oral health issues may lead to some general health issues like heart disease, obesity, and malnutrition. If you a bad tooth and do not treat it, it could result in more problems like bone loss, infection or misalignment of the other teeth.
To avoid serious dental issues, ensure you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and schedule an appointment with your dentist whenever you notice a symptom or have a dental emergency.
If you have any teeth alignment or bite problem, contact an Invisalign dentist London for a consultation to know if you can get Invisalign before the problem gets worst.
Contact Dental Clinic London today, if you have any orthodontic issue. Our orthodontist would be glad to see you and guide you through your treatment.