Although some people use the words orthodontist and dentist interchangeably, the two are different. A dentist refers to a doctor who works with several body parts. Their area of focus is mainly teeth, mouth, nerves, gums, and jaw. Orthodontists’ job is more specialized. Their main priority is treatment of irregularities in the jaws and teeth, which is called orthodontics. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist.

An Overview of an Orthodontist

An orthodontist diagnoses and treats overcrowded teeth, misaligned jaws and teeth, occlusions, and overbites. If not appropriately treated, crossbites, open bites, underbites, and overbites can get worse with time. The following are some of the conditions orthodontists treat according to ADA (American Dental Association):

• Protruding teeth
• Teeth with gaps between them
• Teeth that don’t meet properly
• Teeth that don’t meet at all
• Crowded teeth

Education

To be an orthodontist, one must first undergo regular dental training. They must then go through further training to practice as an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dental practitioner with nearly double the training, mainly specializing in teeth straightening. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, orthodontists in training are required to take the following steps being they are able to practice:

• Complete an undergraduate degree
• Complete the Dental Admission Test to qualify to register for dental school
• Go through dental residency and school
• Sit for the National Board Exam
• Get a practicing license, which may require them to pass a special national examination

The Kind of Orthodontist You Should Prioritize

The kind of orthodontist you should prioritize should go beyond offering you gentle and professional care. Professional orthodontists should have your best interests in mind and help you reach your smile goals. 

The orthodontist should prioritize patients’ education since you deserve to know how your treatment goes. A great orthodontist will empower you from the first appointment to the last.

To find a great orthodontist, here are a few things you should consider:

Have They Specialized in Orthodontics?

Just because dentists offer orthodontists services doesn’t always that they have undergone specialized orthodontics training. Some general dentists offer clear aligner therapy and braces alongside standard dental services. A good orthodontist should only specialize in offering orthodontist treatment services.

What Treatment Options Do They Offer?

The orthodontist should offer you several treatment options to enable you achieve your smile effectively and quickly. Modern and well equipped orthodontists should have state-of-the-art technology to help them treat your issues depending on your unique goals and needs. Below are the tools they may use to treat your dental issues:

Metal Braces

The modern, smaller, more comfortable and lighter metal braces have replaced the bulky, painful, and awkward traditional ones. The orthodontist will help you choose braces that offer optimal comfort and match your style.

Clear Braces

Older patients and teenagers who don’t like the metal look of metal braces may opt for clear braces. The braces use components similar to traditional metal braces, but the front brackets are made of transparent or tooth-colored ceramic. 

Invisalign

Invisalign uses technology to create custom-fit sets of removable, clear, plastic trays. The trays straighten the teeth by applying steady pressure on the teeth while worn.

Financial Clarity

Make sure you know your financial obligation before starting orthodontic treatment. The practice should let you know the treatment cost and any additional fees during the initial visit. Find out if the practice will offer a payment plan to make braces affordable.

It is good to find out if they accept varying payment methods such as cash, credit card, or automatic payments. Get to know the amount your dental insurance will cover and how much you are expected to pay. But even considering your budget, remember your dental health comes first and shouldn’t be compromised based on cost.

Get the Best Orthodontics Care Today

With the best orthodontics treatment, you may have a healthy smile for life. Many people only need one course of orthodontic treatment throughout their lives. Look for a board-certified orthodontist with a good track record. People are happy to share good orthodontic experiences, so check reviews or ask for recommendations. Don’t let misaligned teeth deny you the opportunity to have a great smile. Seek help from a reputable and dedicated orthodontist today.