Orthodontics is an important field in dentistry. Generally, it involves orthodontists that help patients improve their oral health in several ways. You probably already know that dentistry is a broad medical specialty dealing with gums, teeth, nerves, and the jaw. On the other hand, orthodontics focus on correcting occlusion, bites, and teeth straightness. It is vital to know the differences between orthodontic and orthodontics for better decision-making in the future.
How They are Different
Orthodontists and regular dentists have more differences than similarities. For instance, an orthodontist needs more educational qualifications to be licensed. It is similar to a doctor who requires additional schooling to become a surgeon. There are several other differences between the two professions. For instance, orthodontists specialize in treating patients with more complex dental problems.
They help improve a patient’s bite, align teeth, and fit them with appropriate corrective devices. In case you have an overbite, a dentist will refer you to an orthodontist because they have more experience. Furthermore, orthodontists help with crooked teeth and other related oral problems. These could be cross-bites, under-bites, teeth overcrowding, spaces between teeth, and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. If you have another problem with your jaw, an orthodontist is the right person to handle it.
Orthodontists need specialized training to handle various oral procedures. They are trained to handle more sophisticated conditions like advanced gum disease. Therefore, if you are looking for a more advanced oral expert, an orthodontist will be a good option.
Even though dentists are trained to provide various orthodontic care procedures, they may not be able to handle complex oral surgery. Nonetheless, they can perform extractions, dental fillings, TMJ treatments, and root canal procedures. If you are interested in learning more about the differences between orthodontic and orthodontics, schedule a consultative appointment with us.
