Who Is An Orthodontist? What They Do, And What Conditions Do They Treat?

Orthodontics is the branch of modern dentistry that deals with straightening teeth and jaws that are misaligned or positioned improperly, and an orthodontist is a dental professional who has expertise in fixing the misaligned teeth and jaw. Compared to a general dentist, an orthodontist, after finishing a five-year degree, has to undergo a further three years of expert training in the field of orthodontics.

What Does An Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is qualified in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial peculiarities. Based on their experience and the medical condition of the patient, our orthodontists can provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments in New Lenox alternatives to straighten misaligned teeth, correct bad bites, and align the jaws perfectly. If you or your child are getting the teeth straightening of Invisalign or metal braces, then you need to ensure that you are getting the treatment from an orthodontist and not a dentist.

What Orthodontic Treatment Options Are Available?

Based on the experience and expertise in identifying facial irregularities and tooth moves, a professional orthodontist will suggest you the treatment choices best for you and your child.

There are orthodontic treatments to suit different lifestyles and conditions, such as metal, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. It is advised to visit an orthodontist nearby to complete the treatment that is best for you based on your existing oral health.

What Conditions Can Orthodontist In New Lenox Treat?

• Overbite – It is a dental condition where the upper front teeth lie far beyond & over the lower teeth.
• Underbite – An underbite is a condition in which the lower teeth extend out farther beyond the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite – In crossbite, there is a misalignment between the front teeth or back teeth or both.
• Open Bite – In an open bite, there is a space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
• Spacing – It is a dental condition in which there is a gap or space between two teeth.
• Crowded teeth: it is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit within the jaws. Crowded teeth can make it problematic to brush and floss properly.

How Are Orthodontists & Dentists Different?

It may be astonishing to you, but there are more distinctions between dentists and an orthodontist than similarities. Now that you know what is an orthodontist, to become one you need 5 a years degree from a dental school, & additional schooling is required to become an orthodontist than a dentist. Think of it like a doctor who wants to become a surgeon, so additional schooling, training, and certifications are needed to become a specialist in some particular field. 

Another difference is that orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bites, and fitting them with braces and other corrective devices. While on the other hand, a dentist is only responsible for filling cavities, teaching oral hygiene, reviewing x-rays, giving anesthesia, putting in sealants, repairing damaged teeth, and checking the growth of teeth & jaws.

How Are Orthodontists & Dentists Similar?

The most obvious similarity between a dentist and an orthodontist is that they both deal with oral care & offer services. An orthodontist can work in a dental office and even give the same care that a dentist provides, but a dentist cannot work as an orthodontist. For working as an orthodontist, a dentist needs certification & training. They are both considered dentists, and they both work with patients’ teeth and gums. They both provide oral care services but in different ways. 

Consult With An Orthodontist In New Lenox

Now that you know whom to approach when looking for the best one to straighten your teeth. If you live in New Lenox or a nearby community, you should visit the best orthodontist & know what orthodontic treatment will best suit your needs. Contact us today & schedule your appointment.