When we think about the good health of our teeth, we want guarantees that only work with the best specialists offers us. In this sense, knowing the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist it is the first step in making the right decision.
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In general, how is it possible to identify the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Undoubtedly, in both cases we refer to professionals with specialized knowledge in the care and health of our teeth; however, each of them has a specific area of study.
In this sense, while the dentist or dentist generally cares for all kinds of problems that may affect the mouth and teeth; the orthodontist, for his part, deals with skeletal, bite and / or dental malposition alterations.
In the same way, it must be taken into account that all dentists are considered dentists or vice versa; since this is related to their academic training.
However, as in medicine, there are a series of specializations that derive from dentistry and that involve some years of additional studies; being among them the orthodontics.
¿What does a dentist do?
As a result of your professional training; a dentist is fully capable of treating the following cases:
- Review of the patient's oral hygiene.
- Endodontic application.
- Performing extractions.
- Caries treatment.
- Dental cleaning.
- Placement of dental prostheses and implants.
- Complete revision of the oral cavity.
- Channeling specific cases to other specialists.
What does an orthodontist do?
On the other hand, the orthodontist has additional training that allows him to take advantage of the internal forces that move the teeth in a controlled manner; using intraoral appliances. In any case, the specific movements that are achieved with orthodontics, allow:
- Improve the position and alignment of the teeth.
- Correct bite problems.
- Grinding teeth treatment.
Even though this list can be considered short and simple; Each of these problems has its own classification, a variable level of complexity and a specific treatment for each patient.
Short treatments vs long treatments
In addition to the differences that we have already pointed out, there is another that has to do with the duration of each treatment.
In particular, visits to the dentist can be quite specific and occupy only a few moments of the day (for example, in case of cleaning, extractions or simply a routine check-up on your oral cavity).
Meanwhile, the orthodontic treatments they tend to be longer; however, everything will depend on the situation and the needs of the patient.
For example, a dental implant is generally a treatment applied by the dentist in the medium and long term. In the same way, the results after orthodontic application can only be seen after several months.
However, the control visits to adjust the appliances, in general terms, are not as time consuming.
In any case, the truth is that the dentist will be a companion that you must visit throughout your life if you want to maintain the good health of your mouth; while the orthodontist intervenes only during a specific stage.
If you are both dentists, can you apply some treatments equally?
Just as we have indicated the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist in its most specialized and professional aspect; It is no less true that in both cases there are university studies that accredit them to practice the profession.
In the case of the orthodontist, his additional studies have enabled him to apply the treatments that involve the use of intraoral appliances; however, this does not mean that you are limited or do not have the ability to perform a dental extraction or cleaning.
On the contrary, the dentist who does not have additional studies that specialize him in this or another area; you should not carry out more specific procedures, as you are not qualified to do so.
Finally, it is convenient that you take into account the training that your dentist has, after applying any procedure (in common cases, it will be he himself who will inform you if you need to visit another specialist); In this way, you can avoid complications and unpleasant consequences.
