Has your general dentist recommended braces? If so, they might be able to apply the braces themselves. But it’s far more likely that your general dentist will recommend an orthodontist to assist you with your dental braces.
General dentists have a specific range of knowledge that almost always focuses on tooth and gum health. Yet orthodontists have an extensive understanding of tooth and jaw movement and positioning.
In short, most general dentists don’t typically have the experience or skill to apply braces. Still, this rule doesn’t apply to all dentists. Read on to learn more!
Does a General Dentist Straighten Teeth?
Typically, a general dentist does not apply braces. Instead, they leave those duties to orthodontists.
Orthodontists are primarily concerned with repositioning teeth. They have years of study and experience that allow them to apply or remove dental braces with relative ease.
Still, some general dentists do offer orthodontic services like dental braces. So, what’s the difference between these types of dental professionals?
Orthodontist Vs. Dentist
Some general dentists do offer limited orthodontic services. But this isn’t the norm.
That’s because orthodontist training and qualifications differ from general dentistry training and qualifications. So, let’s take a quick look at each type of dental professional and their required education to understand more.
General Dentist: An Overview
A general dentist is like a general practitioner. Their job is to care for a person’s overall dental needs. They can:
- Perform general cleanings
- Take x-rays of a person’s teeth and jaw
- Perform essential dental treatments like filling cavities
However, general dentists typically don’t perform surgeries (such as wisdom tooth extraction) or orthodontic treatment (like applying braces). Though these dentists complete four to eight years of post-secondary schooling, they don’t know everything.
As such, they rely on other dental specialists for complex treatments. For example, a general dentist might recommend their patient to an oral surgeon to have wisdom teeth removed. They might also refer a patient to an orthodontist to get braces.
Orthodontist: An Overview
Orthodontists are similar to general dentists. However, after their first four years of college, they often decide to study orthodontia for the next two to three years.
On the other hand, a general dentist might spend their post-graduate education studying for their Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
This difference grants students the ability to learn more about a specific field within the dental industry. It also gives burgeoning orthodontists the chance to practice their newfound skills.
Find out more about the differences in these types of dental professionals today!
Choose the Best Dental Care
A general dentist can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Some general dentists might also be able to apply dental braces and permanent retainers. However, these professionals must have training and experience in practicing orthodontia.
In most cases, a general dentist will refer you to a local orthodontist if you need braces. Choosing wisely when pursuing braces is crucial, as standard options are semi-permanent. So, if you’re unsure about your general dentist’s orthodontic skills, you might want to opt for a well-reviewed orthodontist.
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