The difference between an orthodontist & dentist

As a well-known and trusted provider of braces and Invisalign® in Charlottesville, the team at Charlottesville Orthodontics is very proud of the fact that we’ve been voted the “#1 Orthodontist” by Charlottesville Family Magazine from 2009 through 2016! Whether it’s Zion Crossroads braces or Charlottesville Invisalign treatment you’re interested in, you can count on us to provide you with an unmatched orthodontic experience we’re sure you’ll enjoy!

If you’re wondering what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist, you’re certainly not alone. Many people wonder the same thing because after all, both orthodontists and dentists work to improve smiles. Here is some information that can help you better understand how an orthodontist differs from a dentist.

The main differences

Even though orthodontists and dentists both help their patients achieve healthier and more attractive smiles, the two oral health professionals go about it in different ways.

Dentists: A dentist provides his or her patients with routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, and dental treatments like tooth fillings and root canals to repair and restore decayed or damaged teeth. Most dentists also offer treatments that can improve the appearance of teeth like professional teeth whitening, tooth bonding, and dental veneers.

Orthodontists: An orthodontist receives the same training a dentist does, along with a few extra years of specialized orthodontic training. During this orthodontic training, he or she learns how to bring misaligned teeth and jaws into proper alignment using appliances like braces and removable aligners.

However, this doesn’t mean that only orthodontists provide orthodontic treatment because many dentists today are offering orthodontic treatment using braces and aligners.

At Charlottesville Orthodontics, our doctors are orthodontic specialists who work exclusively to improve smiles using braces and Invisalign aligners.

Why choose an orthodontist over a dentist

Many general dentists are offering orthodontic treatment, especially Invisalign treatment because it’s a teeth straightening method that’s easy to learn. However, general dentists simply cannot provide the same precision and expertise when it comes to correcting orthodontic problems. An orthodontist has undergone the specialized orthodontic training necessary to know exactly how to create a healthy mouth and bite.

While your family dentist may be able to straighten teeth with braces or Invisalign, he or she may not know how to correct a problematic bite. This is why it’s always best to see an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment. The last thing you want to happen after undergoing treatment is to find out later that you need to wear braces all over again because an underlying bite problem you have wasn’t corrected.

Contact us for braces & Invisalign in Charlottesville

If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need! If you’re ready to get started improving your smile, please request your complimentary consultation today. With our three convenient office locations, there’s sure to be a Charlottesville Orthodontics office near you to make it easy to achieve your best possible smile! We love meeting new patients and are eager to get to know you soon!