While orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, they do so in very different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth and gums, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites.
The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they both focus on oral care. They are both considered doctors, and both deal with the teeth and gums…so in this respect, they are quite similar.
Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists, like Dr. John Wazio, complete further training after they graduate from dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. Dentists are trained to treat decayed teeth and remove failed teeth. Dentists look for abnormalities in the mouth and teach patients how to prevent dental disease. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite through braces and other corrective devices.
Another important distinction is that an orthodontist is a specialist in their field. Orthodontists must limit their practice to orthodontics. As a result, your orthodontist is best suited to treat and care for you or your child's orthodontic needs. While a dentist may be trained to provide some orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, trusting your smile to an orthodontist can better balance the different procedures you may require.
There is definitely some overlap between a dentist and orthodontist. Think of it this way...all orthodontists are dentist but very few dentists have undergone the extra 2 to 3 years in a certified orthodontic specialty training program which is required to become a specialist in orthodontics.
What is an Orthodontist? An orthodontist is a licensed dentist who specializes in the improvement of dental flaws such as overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must complete at least two additional years of coursework that is specific to the field of orthodontics. An orthodontist evaluates your bite to determine the best solution for your needs, such as braces. A dentist may refer patients to their preferred orthodontist if it is determined that further oral care is needed beyond the scope of general dentistry.
Common orthodontic issues such as crooked or misaligned teeth are not just unattractive, superficial concerns. They can contribute to a number of more serious problems, including headaches, lockjaw, speech impediments, and bone destruction, just to name a few. That’s why it’s important to talk to your general dentist to see if orthodontics is recommended.
The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your smile goes beyond having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew and speak effectively. Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:
Overbites: An overbite, or buck teeth, occurs when your top front teeth extend beyond your bottom front teeth. Many people have a slight overbite. A more severe overbite may lead to tooth decay, gum disease or jaw pain.
Underbites: An underbite is when the bottom teeth extend forward, giving the appearance that the jaw is pushing outward from the mouth. Not all underbites are the same. In a mild case, you might not be able to detect it from the outside. In severe cases, the jaw protrudes outward so far that it can be noticeable to others.
Crossbites: A crossbite is where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both. Normally, your upper teeth are wider and sit on the outside of your bottom teeth. Each upper tooth touches the matching lower tooth so that the force from chewing or clenching is evenly spread across your mouth. If you have a crossbite, these movements may cause irregular wear and damage to your teeth.
Spacing Issues: Spacing is an excess of space for your teeth which results in gaps between your teeth. This occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can also be caused by protrusive teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.
Crowding: Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship, or when the teeth are larger than the available space.
Misplaced Midlines: A Misplaced Midline is an asymmetry issue where the center of the two upper front teeth and the center of the two lower front teeth do not align. Ideally, the midline of the teeth should align with the center of the nose or the midpoint between the two eyes.
If you are looking for more information on how an orthodontist, like Dr. Wazio, can help you with your bite and tooth alignment, and transform your smile, contact Wazio Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. We have two convenient locations to serve you and your family…one in Batavia and one in St. Charles. Our goal is to help each and every patient achieve their dream of straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We hope to hear from you soon!
We appreciate your trust and allowing us the opportunity to meet your orthodontic needs. We love to see our patients smile. It is our mission to create a quality smile for each person we see. To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wazio, please give our team a call.