Why should I have an orthodontist put on my braces?

Many people are curious about general dentists and orthodontists. The common misconception is that both can put your braces on, and both give you the same results. The truth is that most general dentists are not trained to handle braces. The results are not comparable.

In dental school, most dentists receive only introductory courses in orthodontics, not enough to provide comprehensive treatment. Some pursue extra courses after dental school to learn how to apply braces, but general dentists are not orthodontists. They do not go through all the required hours of training or take the required tests. They are not certified by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA), a division of the American Dental Association (ADA) that oversees and monitors the nine specialties existing in dentistry.

General dentists routinely oversee the health of your teeth and gums. They perform exams, cleanings and checkups. They treat oral diseases such as cavities and infected lesions, and restore teeth and gums. They monitor and maintain your general oral health.  

Orthodontists routinely work on diagnosis, prevention and correction of malocclusion, or poor bite. Their job is to focus on the reconstruction of your smile. Their day-to-day activities focus on correcting the position of the teeth, bite, face and jaw to create beautiful smiles. Orthodontists do not practice general dentistry.

All orthodontists must go through two to three years of additional post-graduate study after dental school to specialize in orthodontia, the straightening of the teeth and jaw. They attend an accredited specialty program recognized by the ADA and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).  They must pass all the prerequisite courses and clinical training hours to be certified as a dental specialist. 

Orthodontics is one of the nine specialties in dentistry. Orthodontists focus on different types of bad bites such as over-bite, under-bite, open-bite and bite asymmetry. They are responsible for bite correction in children and adults using braces, arch wires, orthodontic devices, dental orthopedic appliances and removable appliances, such as Invisalign clear aligners. They may also work with an oral maxillofacial surgeon to plan and treat surgical cases, such as cleft palette or treatment for patients who need a combination of braces and jaw surgery to correct their bite.

Just as you go to a family physician for a physical check-up but go to a plastic surgeon for cosmetic surgeries, you go to a specialist because they have advanced training and they do these procedures daily. The same applies to your dentist and your orthodontist. Dr. Nancy Phan is a specialist in orthodontics. For more information, visit us at www.CareOrthodontics.com.