You may have heard about orthodontists one way or another. However, you need to know who to go to, depending on your dental needs. This is where an orthodontist vs. dentist differs. As a leading orthodontist in Newcastle, we can clarify what orthodontists and dentists do and how they differ.
Orthodontist vs. Dentist
Looking at an orthodontist vs. dentist, dentists are your go-to professionals for all your general dental care needs. They are trained to diagnose and treat any oral health issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. They can also remove, fill, or repair broken teeth with crowns and bridges. In addition, dentists may provide preventive care such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
On the other hand, orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of misaligned teeth, jaws, and facial irregularities. They are also dentists who have gone through additional training to specialize in orthodontics. Orthodontists can use orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign to straighten crooked teeth and align jaws.
When deciding between an orthodontist vs. dentist, it is important to consider your individual needs. If you need a general dental checkup, then a dentist is the right choice. However, if you have orthodontic issues such as misaligned teeth or an overbite, then an orthodontist is the right choice.
Common Orthodontic Issues
#1 – Crooked Teeth
When teeth are gapped, overlapping, or not in their proper positions, you have teeth crookedness that may have resulted from thumb-sucking, teeth grinding, or other orthodontic causes. Crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult and can also cause TMJ problems.
Plus, when you have crooked teeth, it can affect your appearance and cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile. It may be necessary to see an orthodontist if you have crooked teeth that need correction.
#2 – Underbite/Overbite
An underbite refers to when the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw, causing your lower teeth to protrude in front of the upper teeth. It is also known as Class III malocclusion. An overbite, on the other hand, refers to when your upper teeth bite too far over your lower teeth, also known as Class II malocclusion. Both types of bites can cause difficulty eating and talking, pain in the jaw, and gum problems.
#3 – Crossbite/Open Bite
A crossbite refers to a condition in which the top teeth don’t line up properly with the bottom teeth when you bite down. An open bite is when there’s a space between the upper and lower teeth when you close your mouth. Either one of these orthodontic issues can be corrected and treated with orthodontic treatments by an orthodontist.
When to See an Orthodontist
If you’re considering an orthodontist vs. dentist, you should consult an orthodontist if you have any of the issues mentioned above. If you experience discomfort in your jaw, have difficulty eating or speaking, or if you simply want to improve the way your teeth look, an orthodontist can help. They will provide you with orthodontic treatments and advice on how to maintain your oral health.
Braces
Braces are the most commonly used appliance to correct orthodontic issues. Orthodontists use brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected with wires in order to move the teeth into their proper positions. In addition, orthodontists may use elastic bands or clear aligners to move the teeth into their ideal positions.
When you choose braces treatment in Newcastle, you will see your orthodontist for regular adjustments to ensure they are working correctly. This is important to ensure that the teeth and jaw are properly aligned and that orthodontic treatment is effective.
You can choose among metal braces, ceramic braces, or self-ligating braces to correct orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will help you decide which type of braces is best suited for your particular orthodontic needs and budget.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear orthodontic aligners instead of traditional braces to align teeth. The orthodontist will take impressions of the teeth and create a series of custom-made orthodontic aligners that you must wear for two weeks at a time.
The orthodontic aligners are changed every two weeks until your teeth are in the desired position. You can remove the orthodontic aligners for eating and brushing your teeth. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress to make sure that the orthodontic treatment is successful.
Consult an Orthodontist in Newcastle, WA
If you’re unsure about your treatment, our orthodontist at Newcastle can provide you with expert orthodontic services and advice. Dr. Megha Anand is a family orthodontist who has been working with patients for many years.
At OESmiles, we strive to provide every patient with our high-quality orthodontic treatment and care, using state-of-the-art technology and treatments, ensuring the best results possible in our Newcastle orthodontic offices.
We offer all types of braces and Invisalign as well as AcceleDent to help speed up your orthodontic treatment. Contact us today for a consultation and to discuss your needs! We look forward to helping you achieve the perfect smile.
