General dentists are highly qualified professionals who care about the overall health, well-being, and beauty of your smile. Orthodontists are dentists who have received additional education to specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting teeth and jaws that are out of position. The fields of practice of a dentist and an orthodontist are not identical. Specifically, the orthodontist is qualified to perform corrective work on the teeth that the dentist cannot do.
If you're currently looking for an orthodontist, contact Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics today. We'll work with you to make sure you get the best treatment for your needs. Dentists treat patients' general oral health, explains the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Through regular checkups, dentists can detect and treat cavities, mild gum disease and oral hygiene problems, and they can also remove teeth that can't be saved.
Dentists also improve the function and appearance of teeth by applying adhesives, veneers, or crowns to teeth that are broken, chipped, misshapen, or severely decayed. In addition, the dentist examines the inside of the mouth for signs of oral diseases and gives you advice on how to maintain oral health. If your dentist detects a problem for which you are not qualified, he or she will refer you to a dental specialist or doctor, as appropriate. Are orthodontists really that “special”? Yes, they really are.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry and requires additional education in addition to everything else. They specialize in helping patients align their teeth, improve their bite, or place orthodontic devices such as braces, invisalign and more. Other dental specialists include endodontists, who specialize in endodontics; periodontists, who specialize in the treatment of gum disease; pediatric dentists, who specialize in dental care for the group under 21; and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who specialize in facial, oral and mandibular surgery. Despite the knowledge and skills that dentists have, certain areas of dentistry have educational programs beyond dental school.
To become a dentist, a person must complete four years of college education and four years of dental school, according to the American Dental Association. 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.
