The Parent’s Guide to Braces for Kids

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03

Orthodontist vs Dentist: How They Are Different and Why It Matters

You undoubtedly already have a dentist.

But when it comes to considering an orthodontist, you’re probably wondering: Isn’t that going to cost us a lot just to get in and see them…and even more if my kids need braces? We’re a busy family. How many appointments will this be, on top of the trips to the dentist and family doctor? Do I really need to get orthodontic check-ups for my kids, or is this just another gimmick?

Don’t worry, these are all reasonable questions! It is true that, today, quite a few dentists dance over into the orthodontists’ territory, and although they’re not permitted to claim they’re the same as orthodontists, they’re able to do things like provide Invisalign and other braces.

This can be confusing, so keep reading for the facts.

How Is An Orthodontist Different From a Dentist?

All orthodontists are dentists and we all graduate from the same dental schools.

But that’s where education and training stops for dentists.

Orthodontists continue to go to school for an additional two to three years in order to become credentialed specialists at diagnosing and providing the best treatment for conditions like:

Difficulties chewing or biting
Constant biting into the cheek, gums, or roof of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
Teeth grinding or clenching
Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
Early or late loss of teeth
Teeth grown in badly
Teeth that protrude
Embarrassing personal appearance due to teeth
Facial imbalances
Teeth or jaw misalignment, TMJ
Chronic headaches and migraines
Poor sleep
Speech difficulties

These are not dental care issues. They are orthodontic issues.

Why You Should Choose a Specialist When Getting Braces for Kids

For some things, a generalist or jack-of-all-trades will do the job.

But for more specific and complex things, common sense tells us to seek out the best specialist we can afford.

Take your taxes as a good example……

If all your income is in a single W-2 from one employer, getting your taxes prepared at the seasonal pop-up H&R Block is probably fine.

But if you have a W-2 to report and a 1099, and investment income from real estate and you own stocks and you raise iguanas as a money hobby…

…you’ll be looking for a good CPA without a second thought.

Why are we so quick to find a specialist for our finances, but less so to find the most qualified person for your oral care, or the oral care of a child?

Typically it’s misinformation, or not having enough information. Let’s clear that up right now with more key distinctions between a dentist and an orthodontist.

Orthodontist vs Dentist vs Pediatric Dentist

Here are the expected roles from each of these three positions:

General Dentist: A general dentist gives routine checkups, preventative measures, cleans teeth, and fixes cavities. They may not start seeing children until they are seven to ten years old.

Pediatric Dentist: A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school. They specialize in providing dental care to children and adolescents, offering checkups, preventative measures, cleanings, and cavities.

Orthodontist: An orthodontist has two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school and is an expert at straightening teeth and aligning the jaws. They assess patients and determine the best treatment route to straighten their teeth and align their jaws.

How Can I Tell If They’re an Orthodontist?

Start by looking for proper certification. Only orthodontists can belong to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

You can go to the AAO website and select the option “Choose an Orthodontist” to find a specialist near you.

Alternatively, you can ask your doctor if he or she has completed a two- to three-year residency in orthodontics and check with your state dental board to follow up on his reply.

Dentists and orthodontists will be registered by their specific title in most state dental boards.

Do your homework; be a “dental detective” on the hunt for the correct credentials. Look for the words “specialist in orthodontics” on their website.

In urban and suburban areas, it will take minimal effort to find a specialist. In more remote, rural locations, your search might take you to another city or town. The travel will be worth it.

Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist if an orthodontist travels to your town every month to see patients. There’s a chance an orthodontist from a larger city comes to your town and works out of another dental office once or twice per month.

Looking around can save valuable driving time and money.

Important Note : there is no disrespect between orthodontists and dentists. As a matter of fact, many orthodontic patients are referred by their dentists.

Just as the family doctor refers his patients with possible or significant heart disease issues to a cardiologist, and if need be, the cardiologist refers to a surgeon, most dentists refer patients with orthodontic needs to orthodontists.

Orthodontists are required to take two to three extra years of university education beyond dental school and additional continuing clinical education every year. They must also invest in state-of-the-art technology for their offices (not found in dental offices)—all for a good reason.

Even though we orthodontists have the education and training to perform general dentist procedures, we don’t. We specialize.

Now that you know how to compare an orthodontist vs dentist like an expert, let’s talk about how to pick the best orthodontist when getting braces for kids.