What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Most people equate dental care with seeing the dentist for a cleaning and exam. However, many individuals need to be made aware of another type of dental specialist: the orthodontist. Dentists and orthodontists are both oral health specialists, but there are some important distinctions. Because of the specialized nature of their practice, orthodontists may be more qualified to assist in the treatment of specific dental issues. When individuals need an orthodontist in Jersey City, NJ, they turn to the dependable and skilled specialists at Heights Orthodontics.

Their Main Concern

You see your dentist when you need a routine dental checkup. They will clean your teeth and assist you with any minor issues, such as pain, while you are there. Consult an orthodontist if your teeth or jaw are misaligned, whether slightly crooked or projecting out. If you ignore your misalignment, it may cause problems with eating, speaking, and even oral hygiene.

 

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Braces will likely be used to correct your teeth if an orthodontist operates on them. They are unable to do more intrusive procedures than dentists can. On occasion, a dentist may be able to provide you with teeth straightening technology, although they are usually more equipped with treatments such as veneers or crowns. They are primarily concerned with alleviating tooth and gum pain. As a result, they carry out procedures, including root canals and tooth extractions.

Other Specialty Dental Surgeons

Orthodontists are one of several types of dental experts. These are a few more examples of a specialist dental discipline:

Endodontists

Endodontists are dentists who focus on diagnosing and treating interior tooth disorders. They’ve been trained in root canals, dental anatomy, and other procedures involving the pulp and nerve of the tooth.

Periodontists

Periodontists are dentists whose expertise is in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontists have extensive training in the treatment of this problem, and they regularly cooperate with other dental specialists to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Prosthodontists

Dentists that specialize in tooth repair and replacement are known as prosthodontists. Bridges, implants, dentures, and veneers are just a handful of the procedures they utilize to restore patients’ smiles. In addition to clinical practice, prosthodontists do research on tooth loss and its effects on oral health.

Consultation With an Orthodontist

Orthodontists can assist you in improving your smile for both cosmetic and oral health reasons. Heights Orthodontics is proud to serve the people of New Jersey from its office in Jersey City, NJ. Not only will their staff correct your bite and misaligned teeth, but they will also educate you on the operations they conduct and how the technology they utilize may help you.

Do you have any reservations about visiting an orthodontist? Consult with your regular dentist at your next appointment; if they discover any abnormalities with your mouth, they will undoubtedly provide you with further information. Whatever type of dentist you require, the dentist you see understands how to help you achieve the greatest dental health possible.