Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist? Just like you trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, or your knees to an orthopedist, you should trust the alignment of your teeth to an orthodontist. Many people, however, are unaware of the difference between the two professions. American River Orthodontics near Arden-Arcade, CA, wants to make sure you receive the best treatment and knowing who to go to is a major part of that.
Differences between a Dentist vs. Orthodontist
- Dentists and Orthodontists need to go through different years of schooling in order to obtain their degrees. While both have completed medical school and have done post-graduate training, an orthodontist also has to complete a two-year residency program in orthodontics afterwards. This means that orthodontists are dentists when they begin but then go on to more years of school to becoming specialized in orthodontics. During this time, an orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth alignment and facial irregularities.
Dentists and orthodontists provide different care and services. A dentist specializes in the care of teeth and oral health. Specifically, dentists provide care in tooth decay, gum diseases, teeth whitening, etc. Orthodontists, however, specialize in the alignment of teeth providing services such as crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, etc. If you are looking to perfect your smile and strengthen your teeth, Dr. Michael Payne suggests you see an orthodontist. Not only can they provide the most options for teeth alignment such as Invisalign Teen, but they are specialists in the field and have more experience straightening teeth than Dentists do. - Both Dentists and Orthodontists, however, can carry out Invisalign Treatment, if they are certified. Dentists and Orthodontists both have the opportunity to complete Invisalign’s training program and be certified in providing both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Because of this, dentists technically do have the knowledge to provide a comprehensive treatment plan if you are looking for Invisalign. However, Dentists lack the additional training and constant experience which Orthodontists have. For this reason, many patients may prefer to go to an Orthodontist for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen to straighten their smile because they are specifically trained in aligning teeth and have far more experience with teeth movement, making them more qualified to provide treatment.
There are many differences between a Dentist and an Orthodontist which may affect your decision when choosing a provider for teeth alignment. Dr. Payne is an experienced orthodontic professional who is certified in providing orthodontic appliances and teeth alignment. American River Orthodontics wants to make sure you know the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist in order to choose the most qualified provider and receive the perfect smile.
Dr. Michael H. Payne and the team at American River Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic treatments. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen in Roseville, CA, Sacramento, CA, Arden-Arcade, CA, Rancho Cordova, CA, or the 95661 zip code area, or, would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Michael H. Payne contact American River Orthodontics at: (916) 486-4233