What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Sometimes folks wonder what the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is. They might wonder why they might need to go to both. Don’t they both deal with teeth? On a certain level, this is true. But think of it this way. Say your knee hurts really badly, and you go to your family doctor. Your family doctor has the general knowledge and expertise to diagnose you with a torn ligament in your knee. This doctor, who always treats you and takes great care of you, knows that you’ll need to see a specialist get that ligament fixed, so she sends you to see an orthopedic surgeon. In the same way, dentists, who take great care of you, see a problem with your teeth that takes a specialized approach, so she sends you to the orthodontist for treatment.
How do I know when to see a dentist or an orthodontist?
Most of the time, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist when he or she sees the need for you to see one. During the course of your regular check-ups, if the dentist notices something requiring orthodontic treatment, you’ll get a referral to an orthodontist the dentist trusts. Other times, though, you may feel like something off or something you don’t like about your smile. In that case, you do your internet research, choose the one you think will do the best job for you, and schedule an appointment. The simple answer to when to see an orthodontist is whenever the dentist tells you to or when you are unhappy with the way your teeth look or how they feel when you bite.
What is Invisalign? Are there any food restrictions during Invisalign treatment?
There are several treatment options available to you that aren’t restricted to traditional braces. One of them is Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear aligner that is barely noticeable most of the time and does the same kind of work traditional braces do. There are several differences, though, that there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. That’s good news for a lot of people! You take out your aligner, eat your food, brush your teeth, and put it back in. You can have anything you want!
Ready To Get Started?
If you think Invisalign is an option for you, we invite you to explore your options further with us. We are invested in your oral health as well as the satisfaction that comes from having a smile you feel good about. If you have any questions after you’ve had a chance to explore our information pages about the different types of treatment we offer, including Invisalign, try our Virtual Consult which will give you the opportunity to get an introductory consultation from the convenience of your smartphone. We can’t wait to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
