Our San Diego Orthodontist Describes What Dental Specialties You Should Visit Our Office For

When you think to have your dental issues treated, patients typically go to their dentist’s office! While they can solve many dental problems, there are areas within dentistry that require a specialist, including an orthodontist. Both dentists and orthodontists help patients obtain better dental health, but in different ways due to their studies, experiences, and expertise. Learn more about the difference between orthodontists and dentists, when you should visit an orthodontist, and much more with the help of our very own San Diego orthodontist.

 

What is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?

Both medical professionals provide dental care for patients, treating gum and teeth problems that may negatively affect the patient’s overall dental and oral health. Orthodontists have similar education to dentists, making them dentists themselves, but have furthered their studies to focus on orthodontic care. Orthodontists specialize in treating the misalignment of a patient’s teeth and jaw to correct them and improve their dental health.

 

The special training orthodontists undergo pertain to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of any irregularities found in the jaw and teeth. By correcting these issues, patients have a healthier smile overall. We’re also trained to care for patients of all ages while dentists may not be able to treat a wide variety of patients.

 

What Does Misalignment Mean?

When you think of an orthodontist, it’s commonly associated with traditional metal braces. These braces are made to correct the alignment of your teeth, which falls into many categories:

• Teeth that are too far apart

• Crowded teeth

• Overbites

• Underbites

• Crooked teeth

• Jaw misalignment

 

Traditional metal braces aren’t the only tools used to make these corrections – retainers and clear aligners are also utilized to ensure the patient’s bite is comfortable and in the proper position for a healthy and long-lasting smile.

 

When you think of a “healthy bite,” it has little to do with foods and more to do with the position that your jaw is in. The way your jaw naturally rests is an important factor to your dental and oral health, so if there are irregularities like a misshapen jaw, a strange bite pattern, or overcrowded teeth, our San Diego orthodontist is here to address and correct these issues.

 

If you have any other questions about orthodontists and our specialties, give one of our two convenient locations a call and we’ll happily assist you in scheduling a consultation so you can have all the information you need to be comfortable and confident in your choice of a dental professional.