Understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist means better oral health care for your family in Palo Alto, CA. Although these two professions are closely related, the actual focus of each type of doctor is unique. Knowing whether you need a dentist or an orthodontist will help you select the best oral health care provider.
Dentist vs Orthodontist in Palo Alto
Let’s start by exploring schooling. Both dentists and orthodontists complete a 4-year degree program before dental school. As with any medical degree, the first two years consist of general biology, anatomy, and many other prerequisite courses.
The final two years focus on general dentistry. Following a dental residency, successful completion of a battery of tests and certification requirements, they will have earned a degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). This process takes about eight years.
If a student decides to obtain certification as an orthodontist, they may enroll in an orthodontic residency program. This adds two to three years of additional study, then another round of examinations before certification. After being certified as an orthodontic specialist, they can begin working on straightening smiles.
What a Dentist Does
A dentist does more than drill and fill. Beginning with a complete oral examination, a dentist can tell a lot about the overall health of a patient just by looking into their mouth! During an examination, the dentist will make note of lumps, discoloration, or other anomalies in the mouth. They can even perform biopsies and other diagnostic tests for a great number of physical maladies.
Their scope of expertise, while focusing on the teeth and gums, also includes the muscles in the neck, head, and jaw. They are concerned with the tongue and the entire nervous system of the head and neck. The mouth often displays early warning signs of disease elsewhere within the body. This allows a dentist to refer a patient to a physician or other dental specialist if necessary.
Routine dental appointments are an important part of your overall physical health. Don’t wait until you have a toothache to see your dentist.
What an Orthodontist Does
An orthodontist can tell the future. Using diagnostic tools such as X-rays and digital imaging, they can accurately predict growth patterns to determine if a patient will experience future orthodontic problems. This superpower allows an orthodontist to perform corrective measures when problems are easier to correct. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states the duties of an orthodontist as:
- Treat dental irregularities
- Corrected various alignment issues
- Reposition teeth using braces, Invisalign, and other appliances
- Correct improperly aligned jaws to improve overall alignment
Although the majority of orthodontic patients are teenagers, that doesn’t mean that braces are just for teenagers. Many adults are seeking straighter smiles these days.
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The AAO recommends that children begin seeing an orthodontist by age seven. While not all children this young require early intervention, they can be placed into a monitoring program. When possible, an orthodontist will use the child’s normal growth period to make adjustments to improve tooth and jaw growth.
Do You Need a Dentist or an Orthodontist?
If you wait until you have a toothache to see a dentist, you’re doing it wrong. Regular dental checkups can prevent more than that random toothache. Make an appointment for a checkup and routine cleaning soon.
If you are not satisfied with your smile, make an appointment with Palo Alto Orthodontics. Whether you have slightly crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, or just a crowded smile, they can determine a treatment plan to give you the smile of your dreams.
Palo Alto Orthodontics — Your New Orthodontist
When you need a reliable orthodontist in Palo Alto, CA, turn to Palo Alto Orthodontics. Whether you need care for yourself, a teen, or a younger child, Palo Alto Ortho is ready to help. There are several ways to get started:
- Request a Virtual Consultation
- Schedule an in-person Consultation
- Call our office to speak with an Appointment Coordinator at (650) 327-2310
- Email our office at smile@PaloAltoOrthodontics.com
You may use the handy chat feature on our site for quick questions too. We also have fun pages on social media, so please stop by to visit us on Instagram and Facebook.