If you or a loved one needs braces, it’s not something that you can easily avoid. If you put off your child getting braces, for example, they may still need braces in the future. Without braces, you or your loved one may someday suffer from jaw pain, teeth crowding, and even difficulties eating. The next task becomes finding someone to apply braces. While you may be tempted to find a dentist to handle your braces issue, there are many reasons why you should only get braces from an orthodontist.

Dentists Versus Orthodontists: What’s The Difference?

At face value, you may not see a major difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. In reality, there are many differences to consider. According to Dentably, an orthodontist will typically take up to 10 years to finish their studies. Now, this doesn’t mean that they’re better than a dentist. It just means that orthodontists are a better fit for treating the types of issues that require orthodontic treatment.

Think of it this way: dentists and orthodontists have different specialties. Usually, dentists treat problems like tooth decay and gum disease. They don’t only treat the teeth. Usually, dentists also handle routine issues like teeth cleanings every six months, as well as ensuring that their patients maintain good oral hygiene. Some dentists may have more specific focuses like periodontists, who treat the gums and bones, or emergency dentists.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, focus more on the alignment of the teeth. They usually handle problems with the bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crowding. They typically become orthodontists through completing a separate residency, which allows them to acquire the skills they need to apply braces and other orthodontic devices. One important thing to remember is that braces are not one size fits all. They need to be manipulated to accommodate the needs of the specific patient.

Why Shouldn’t I Go To A Dentist For My Braces?

While dentists can learn how to apply braces, they don’t study the procedure for nearly as long as orthodontists do. A dentist will usually only be able to apply braces under specific circumstances. Therefore, your braces may not be right for your needs if applied by a dentist.

This isn’t to say that a dentist isn’t highly educated. But for braces, you should stick with orthodontists. If you are thinking about braces, look no further than David Ross Orthodontics.