A dentist is a doctor who is trained to specialize in teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. Orthodontists are also dentists, but their specialty in dentistry focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, which is the way in which teeth come into contact with each other, and the rectitude of the teeth. Orthodontists and dentists share a lot of similarities: they work together to help you improve your overall oral health, but they actually work in very different ways. Dentists cover a wide range of oral health problems.
An orthodontist, on the other hand, is a dental specialist who focuses on issues such as straightening teeth and correcting inadequate bite patterns. If you've been given an orthodontic appliance and need it repaired, your orthodontist can help. This allows the orthodontist to detect potential problems as early as possible and help guide the child's growth and development. You can also check the registration details of an orthodontist with the government regulator for all health professionals.
Even while you're being treated with your orthodontist, you should have appointments with your family's dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned. When straightening your teeth, diagnosing and treating facial and jaw irregularities, you should turn to a qualified orthodontist. The American Orthodontic Association recommends that children visit an orthodontist for a checkup no later than age 7.To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with doctors, dentists treat patients' overall oral health, explains the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Only five universities in Australia offer orthodontic courses and all are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and reviewed by the Australian Society of Orthodontists.
Your dentist must complete 8 years of higher education, while your orthodontist must complete 10 or 11 years to become a specialist. And if you ever need treatment for crooked teeth or a problem affecting your bite, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist. It's a good idea for parents to take their children to an orthodontist between the ages of seven and eight to check how their adult teeth are progressing. Orthodontists usually specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, while dentists can help patients achieve a cleaner, healthier smile through cleanings, x-rays, and even surgery.
The orthodontist may recommend treatment at that time for a small number of specific problems or may recommend checking a child within six to 12 months to review his development, since a small number of children may benefit from early intervention orthodontics.