Many people think that dentists and orthodontists are similar, but these disciplines are different. Dentists are specialists that diagnose and treat various oral diseases that affect the teeth, mouth, and gums. Dentists carry out various procedures like dental cleaning and implants. Orthodontists are dental doctors that receive additional training, and they specialize in correcting teeth and jaw misalignments. Both dentists and orthodontists play an essential role in improving dental and oral health. If you have dental problems like teeth misalignment, you can contact Pesh Orthodontics, Murrieta, for restoration. Also, dentist Hammersmith make your dental health to the next level to keep the happy smile on your face.
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The Roles of a Dentist
Dentists are required to go to college for a degree before advancing to a graduate school of dentistry. Before certification, they typically receive extensive training. The bulk of dentists are usually involved in general dentistry. Dentists help diagnose and treat various dental diseases. The following are some of their roles:
Oral examinations: dentists perform oral exams to diagnose and treat various dental disorders. The exams and treatments may be done manually or with the aid of technology like dental radiographs and dental lasers.
Educating patients: one of the main reasons why people develop dental diseases is ignorance. Dentists enlighten patients about various practices that are essential for dental health improvement.
Dental cleaning: poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of dental diseases. Poor dental hygiene precedes issues like teeth discoloration and teeth cavity. Dentists can perform dental cleaning as a single service or as a preparation for new procedures.
Repairing cracked teeth: teeth may develop cracks from force impact or because of neglect. Dentists administer various procedures to repair the teeth.
Extracting teeth: teeth extraction may be a result of gum disease, teeth breakage, teeth decay, and so on. Dentists are essential in performing teeth extractions.
Children’s teeth: children are generally disturbed by varied dental problems like teeth sensitivity, teeth decay, and dental-related phobias. Dentists help children transition into teenagers with strong and healthy teeth.
Installing dental crowns and veneers: whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to prevent tooth decay, dentists help with installing crowns and veneers.
The Roles of an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dental doctors that specialize in aligning teeth and jaws. They are extremely critical in diagnosing, preventing, and remedying teeth and jaw-related abnormalities. They regularly use orthodontic appliances to eliminate the irregularities of the jaw and teeth and ensure alignment.
Diagnosing oral abnormalities: orthodontists play an essential role in diagnosing jaw and teeth abnormalities in children and adults. The jaw and teeth problems may have varied causes, including genetics and traumatic events.
Evaluating treatment methods: different problems call for different treatments. It’s up to the orthodontist to determine what treatment is most suitable. Most orthodontic treatments involve realigning teeth and adjusting dental bones.
Designing and using appliances: there are different types of orthodontic appliances; headgear, positioners, retainers, separators, etc. Orthodontic doctors are involved in the designing and application of these appliances.
Facial growth observation: it usually takes time before children transition into their true facial forms. If you’re not careful, you may miss the signs, only to have a problem in later years. But when you take your child to an orthodontist, they can detect any early-stage irregularities of the jaw or teeth, and early diagnosis allows for early treatment, which helps save resources.
Examining patient records: orthodontists may dig up the patient’s history to better understand their dental issues and provide quality treatment.
Scheduling regular check-ups: many orthodontic procedures require regular check-ups and appliance corrections. Orthodontists plan for these check-ups, which might involve adjusting appliances and routine care.
Benefits of orthodontic treatment:
- It improves the capacity to chew food comfortably
- It eliminates various speech impediments
- It promotes dental hygiene
- It minimizes the possibility of development of dental diseases
- It minimizes the chances of teeth chipping or sensitivity
- It lowers the chances of dental injuries
Dentists and Orthodontists Qualifications and Training
Both dentists and orthodontists play a critical role in fostering dental health. And although they both pass through dental training, orthodontists undergo additional training before they become licensed.
Dentists attend college for a degree, and then they go to graduate school. They receive extensive training and finish their residency before getting a certification opportunity. Dentists must excel in the National Dental Examination before they become licensed.
Orthodontists go to college for an undergraduate degree, and then they proceed to a dentistry school. When they finish training and pass the test, they also need to complete a residency before becoming certified. Both orthodontists and dentists typically undergo extensive training.