As a parent, you probably put a lot of thought into choosing a dentist for your child. You may have asked for recommendations from family and friends, checked out Google reviews, and visited multiple websites before deciding on a practice. You were thorough because you know how important it is to find an experienced dental provider your whole family feels comfortable with. You’re aware that regular dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. But did you know that orthodontists also have an important role in the proper development of your child’s teeth and jaws?
Here at Luv Braces, we provide a range of dental and orthodontic services, which means Austin and Bee Cave families get the best of both worlds! Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour are dental specialists, but they’re also board-certified orthodontists. Many general dentists offer some form of orthodontic treatment these days, but there are some significant differences in the education and training these two professions receive. Understanding more about these can help you make an informed decision when it comes to your family’s oral health!
What are the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Orthodontists and dentists both begin their careers in dental school but go their separate ways after graduation. Dentists must complete four years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school, then pass a rigorous written exam and clinical licensing exam before they can begin practicing.
Orthodontics is a dental specialty requiring additional training. Once dental school is complete, they’ll begin a two- or three-year residency with a specific focus on diagnosing and correcting orthodontic issues. This additional education includes almost 5,000 hours of orthodontic training! This helps explain why only about 6 percent of dentists go on to become orthodontists, and it also means most general dentists won’t possess anywhere near this level of extensive training and experience.
A dentist will generally be concerned with the “big picture” aspects of a patient’s mouth when it comes to oral health. Regular checkups help them identify and treat many oral hygiene problems, and they can improve the function and appearance of a patient’s teeth with cosmetic and restorative treatments. Dentists are also trained to spot signs of oral disease and give you all the advice you’ll need on maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Orthodontists tend to provide more specialized care. Because they’re trained in various ways to align the jaws and move the teeth, they can correct a range of orthodontic issues like crowded teeth, overbites, and misalignments. They’re able to do this using orthodontic appliances such as traditional braces, clear aligners, and expanders. Our doctors are able to create customized treatment plans for every patient based on their specific needs. This helps ensure personalized care, a rewarding experience, and long-lasting results!
Why should you trust an orthodontist with your family’s smiles?
There may be some overlap in the services dentists and orthodontists offer in your area. Because all dentists receive some basic orthodontic training at school, some are capable of providing basic care to their patients, like braces or clear aligners. In general, however, a dentist won’t have the same education, training, or experience that an orthodontist has.
What does that mean for you and your family? If someone develops a toothache or cavity, you’ll want to make the dentist your first stop. But if you’re dealing with a misalignment between the teeth and jaw, crooked teeth, or other issues related to oral development, an orthodontic specialist is who you want to see!
Does your family dentist offer orthodontic care? If so, you may be tempted to consider them as an option. After all, you’re already familiar with their office and staff, and most of us prefer the known to the unknown. But before you move forward with orthodontic treatment by your dentist, take a moment to consider what experienced orthodontists like Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour can offer you. This will often include:
- a wider variety of treatment options
- a customized treatment plan built around your unique smile
- more efficient treatments and visits
- the best possible outcome, especially if your case is complex or severe
Luv Braces is committed to providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. We put a lot of hard work into perfecting our orthodontic techniques, and you’ll benefit from the cutting-edge technology we use in our Austin and Bee Cave offices. Since we perform teeth-straightening procedures daily, you can expect stable results you’ll enjoy for many years to come!
Trust your family’s oral health to Luv Braces
We’re on a mission to provide patients of all ages with a positive and stress-free orthodontic experience! Our dental and orthodontic expertise means we can offer your family affordable treatment options, world-class care, and a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you’d like to learn more about what orthodontics has to offer you and your family, we’d love to make that happen. When you schedule a FREE consultation with us, you’ll receive a thorough examination by one of our doctors. Following this exam, they’ll walk you through any issues that are present and outline a personalized treatment plan for you.
This no-pressure appointment is completely free of charge, and there are no worries if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately. Our team will still be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have to help you make an informed decision! Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation for you or another member of your family. We’re here to help each of you find your best smile!