General dentists and orthodontists are both highly qualified professionals who specialize in oral health care. Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth, while orthodontists specialize in correcting bites, occlusion, and the rectitude of the teeth. Approximately 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. To become an orthodontist, additional education is required beyond basic dental training, including a two- or three-year residency and more than 4,800 hours of orthodontic training.
Dentists must complete 8 years of higher education, while orthodontists must complete 10 or 11 years to become a specialist. Orthodontists can work in a dental office and perform the same tasks as a dentist, only that they have additional training that allows them to specialize in orthodontics. Qualified dentists include the letters DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) after their names. General dentists provide overall health, well-being, and beauty of your smile, while orthodontists design long-term care plans for patients that go beyond the duration of usual care.
Dentists can detect and treat cavities, minor gum disease, and oral hygiene problems, and they can also remove teeth that cannot be saved. They also improve the function and appearance of teeth by applying adhesives, veneers, or crowns to broken, chipped, misshapen, or severely decayed teeth. To help you decide between dentist and orthodontist and determine which one is best for you, it is important to understand the main aspects of each profession. A general dentist provides overall health care for your smile while an orthodontist specializes in correcting bites and occlusion.
Orthodontists have additional training beyond basic dental training which includes a two- or three-year residency and more than 4,800 hours of orthodontic training. Orthodontists design long-term care plans for patients that go beyond the duration of usual care. In conclusion, both dentists and orthodontists are highly qualified professionals who specialize in oral health care. Depending on your needs, you may need to visit both a general dentist for overall health care and an orthodontist for specialized treatment.
It is important to understand the differences between the two professions so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
