When your dentist tells you to see an orthodontist, knowing where to find great orthodontic care in Seattle can make a difference. Many people wonder why their dentist can’t just put braces on or set them up for Invisalign treatment. Let’s examine the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist in Seattle
An orthodontist is a dentist, but a dentist is not an orthodontist.
Both dentists and orthodontists complete initial dental training and are certified as either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Both suffixes carry the same educational requirements and only differ in what the university calls the degree.
Following dental school, doctors that choose the specialty field of orthodontics continue with a two- to three-year residency program. Although they still use the same suffix as a dentist (DMD or DDS) the additional certification in orthodontics changes the job description.
A dentist is primarily concerned with the teeth and gums. They worry about cavities, gum disease, oral hygiene, and all things concerning the teeth. An orthodontist focuses on the alignment of the teeth, the jaw, dental-facial relationships, and symmetry. So, although an orthodontist can identify a cavity, they will probably refer you back to your family dentist for treatment.
Exploring Orthodontic Treatments in Seattle
Being referred to an orthodontist doesn’t always mean braces or Invisalign. It means that your dentist has noticed something that may need additional attention in your alignment or the way teeth are growing. If you see an orthodontist and they recommend braces or Invisalign, knowing how these two corrective appliances function will help.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces work using the principle of tension to create force. After affixing tiny brackets to teeth, the orthodontist threads a wire (the archwire) through the brackets. As the orthodontist tightens the archwire, it creates tension. By tightening the archwire in different areas, the orthodontist can direct the amount of force applied to teeth to create movement. Each adjustment cycle (about every 6 to 8 weeks normally) moves teeth closer to their final positions of proper alignment.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an almost invisible tray alignment system developed by Align Technology. Popular with adults, Align has been expanding its capabilities. The system now offers treatment for children as young as 6 and 7!
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Working with the application of gentle pressure, the trays have proven very effective at moving teeth into alignment. Each tray is custom-fit, and patients switch to a new set of trays about every two weeks. As they progress through the sequence of tray sets, teeth shift closer to their final positions.
Beginning Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by their seventh birthday. The reasoning behind this recommendation is to catch potential problems while a child is still within their best window for growth. Correcting problems, if they exist, at this stage of growth is much easier on the child. The timing coincides with the period in which the child has lost most of their primary (baby) teeth and a good number of their secondary (adult) have come in or are poised to erupt.
Phase 1 treatment may consist of braces, Invisalign First, palatal expanders, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances. The program is pre-emptive in nature to catch potential problems before they become major alignment issues. Using X-rays and digital imaging an orthodontist can reliably predict future problems. Some of the problems corrected at this stage are crowding, crooked tooth growth, spacing, and jaw growth.
The majority of children who see an orthodontist at or near age seven do not require immediate intervention. Children in this category are placed into the Growth Evaluation Program at Orthodontic Excellence. This is a monitoring program that assists the doctor in the following areas:
- Identifying potential orthodontic problems
- Monitors a child’s unique growth pattern
- Allows the child to become familiar with the office, personnel, and procedures
The benefits of yearly examinations in a monitoring program outweigh waiting until the teen years. When earlier intervention is necessary, it often makes later Phase 2 treatment easier.
Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
This is when teens normally get braces. Depending on individual growth, this phase can begin as early as 10, but normally happens between 12 and 14 years of age. At this time, the majority of adult teeth have dropped into place.
Teens can opt for traditional metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign Teen. All are adept at making necessary orthodontic corrections. Many teens prefer the almost invisible tray aligners over braces because they are less conspicuous.
Traditional and clear braces are using smaller brackets, so they aren’t as bad as they used to be. By adding colored elastics, teens can have fun accessorizing their grins.
Treatment for Adults
Braces are becoming more acceptable in the adult community. Many people missed out on orthodontic care in their teen years. To improve their adult look, they are turning to both braces and Invisalign.
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The advantages of alignment treatment at any age include:
- Easier oral hygiene
- Better chewing with proper alignment
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- More reason to smile
Whether you need braces for yourself or a child, finding an orthodontist with an excellent reputation is an important part of the journey to a healthier smile. Find a family practice that makes both you and your children comfortable.
Ready to Begin Your Journey to a Straight Smile?
Although some orthodontists also practice general dentistry, finding a dedicated orthodontic practice is best. If your dentist says you should find an orthodontist in Seattle, Orthodontic Excellence is dedicated to providing superior orthodontic services for your entire family. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or any other orthodontic procedure, they will meet your needs.
You can begin with a Virtual Smile Assessment using the SmileSnap app on our site. You can also book an in-person appointment. Although our offices are in Bellevue and Newcastle, we serve patients in the entire Seattle area.
