NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have you or your child thought about getting braces? If so, you may be debating whether or not an orthodontist is necessary, or whether your regular dentist can perform the necessary work. 

Perhaps you’re wondering what an orthodontist can do for you that a regular dentist can’t, but you have no idea what the differences are. It’s normal to feel more secure with what you already know and have experienced, but there are many good reasons to go to an orthodontist before committing to a permanent solution like braces if you’re considering a course of corrective treatment.

It’s important to remember that even if dentists and orthodontists share many similarities, you still need to choose one or the other depending on your needs. If you want to know what these variations are and why they matter, you should keep reading!

Education and training levels

Dentists and orthodontists have the common ground of having completed dental school, but their specialisations diverge from there. Only the best and brightest candidates from each graduating class of dental schools are invited to apply to orthodontic residency programmes. To become an orthodontist, one must first complete a four-year dental degree programme and then spend an additional two to three years in full-time orthodontic residency, where they learn to treat patients with braces, correct bite issues, and straighten teeth. Simply speaking, orthodontists are dentists who have received additional, specialised education in orthodontics.

After completing this degree, a dentist can legally call oneself an orthodontist.

Are general Dentists able to straighten teeth?

Yes, they can in a technical sense. Some dentists can help their patients straighten their teeth. However, there are restrictions in place. Dentists are often given this privilege provided they agree to participate in continuing education programmes and gain relevant work experience. The problem with this system is that workshops and seminars rarely provide the kind of rigorous instruction and assessment that is necessary to master complex topics. When it comes to orthodontics, a surface-level understanding isn’t always adequate to deliver the best possible therapy for patients.

Considering a Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment

If your family dentist also provides orthodontic services, you may want to consider having all of your orthodontic work done there. It’s logical that you’d feel at ease in your dentist’s waiting room. While it’s true that all dentists receive some form of orthodontic training in dental school, you should consult with an actual orthodontist before letting just anyone put braces on your teeth as an Orthodontist

• Will be able to offer a wider range of treatment alternatives, including a large selection of braces and therapeutic approaches.
• Will have had greater practice with patients who like you and had similar medical issues to yours and thus would be experts
• Will save time and effort because they only deal with orthodontics and nothing else 
• Will have knowledge of the latest technology and advancement in the orthodontics field as this is their focus area.
• Will be able to provide you with the optimal course of treatment and result, especially if your condition is particularly complex or severe.

Should you choose a Dentist or an Orthodontist for braces?

Patients have complete autonomy in selecting the healthcare practitioner they feel will best match their requirements. It’s true that some family dentists have extensive training in orthodontics. However, keep in mind that any orthodontist will be specialised in and have more experience with the treatment of specific oral conditions requiring orthodontic care.

Consider the following: if you suddenly needed open heart surgery, would you go to your family doctor or a cardiologist who specialises in such procedures? While your primary care physician may have some background knowledge in cardiac conditions, a cardiologist will have far more extensive training and expertise in this area. In the case of teeth, this can be similarly true. It would be like sending a general practitioner to undertake open heart surgery. Is it worth the potential downsides to do this?

Conclusion

Orthodontists give due importance on deciding  the safest and most effective methods of treatment possible. Because of their specialised training, orthodontists are in a better position than general dentists to identify potential problems and provide solutions that will save you time, money, and effort. Protect your dental health by going to a specialist.

Whether you need an orthodontist for yourself or your children, making the right choice is crucial. You want to know that you’re getting the highest quality care possible as this is about your teeth and smile!. Always give yourself plenty of time to think about which orthodontist would be the best for your needs. You can find the ideal orthodontist for you by doing proper research and listing down all clinics. 

This post will explain what orthodontic treatment entails and provide tips for finding a best orthodontist in Gurgaon.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned with the correction of malocclusions (misaligned teeth) in order to enhance the aesthetics of the teeth and smile. It’s good for your teeth, gums, and jaw joints in the long run.

8 things to consider when choosing a  orthodontist

1. Experience and Education

Every orthodontist does not have a Ph.D. or decades of expertise. When looking for an orthodontist, it’s important to find out how long they’ve been practising and where they went to study. You should expect superior service from an orthodontist if they have more experience and higher education in the field. If you or your child are going to be under a doctor’s care, it’s important to learn as much as possible about that doctor’s background and training.

2. Convenience

The time commitment involved in orthodontic treatment sometimes exceeds that of standard dental care. The recommended frequency of dental checkups and cleanings is twice yearly while orthodontic treatment generally requires regular clinic visits. This is why it’s important to locate a clinic that is both accessible and close to your house. Take note of the business hours, since many orthodontists now provide extended hours on the weeknights and weekends to accommodate patients who must work or attend school throughout the week.

3. Clinic Environment

Be mindful of the clinic’s atmosphere and setting. Could you tell if the clinic had been cleaned? Can yu assume that each patient is receiving care from instruments that have been individually wrapped and sterilised? Is it true that everybody in here has an appointment but nobody can get in because they overbooked? Take note of the employees as well. Find a clinic where you will be treated like a person and not a number by the staff.

4. Consultation Availability

Consultations as per your requirement might not be available at all Orthodontists. So while you are looking for braces treatment now, there might be orthodontists who are not available for consultation for the next 2-3 weeks. In that case you might want to avoid such an orthodontist as you’ll have problems in getting appointments during treatment as well. 

5. Family-Friendly Professionals

Always prefer an orthodontist who takes time to answer questions and address concerns. An orthodontist who is both kind and flexible will make patients feel better prepared for what to expect during the treatment process and after the braces are put on. Having an orthodontist who isn’t intimidating or hurried is vital if you want your children to look forward to their visits.

6. Types of Treatments Offered

The field of orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, and most orthodontists now provide a variety of services to meet the needs of their patients. It is important to ask about the availability of certain treatment options before committing to a patient, such as clear ceramic braces, metal braces, or Invisalign braces. If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted or have any other dental work done before getting braces, you’ll want to make sure that’s an option, too. You want to know you have a choice and can look into which orthodontic therapy best matches you and your lifestyle.

7. Cost of Treatment

Cost is a major factor to think about when selecting an orthodontist. In order to assess whether or not orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you or your kid, you need to be informed of the potential financial commitment involved. If you have dental insurance, call ahead to be sure the clinic accepts it. In the absence of health insurance, patients must seek out clinics that accept other payment methods. There are even places that offer discounts and specials on orthodontic care, making it more affordable for the average person to get the treatment they need.

8. Reputation of Orthodontist

Patients of orthodontists tend to be quite honest and forthright about how they truly feel. There is a considerable likelihood that patients who have had a negative experience would share that information with others through internet reviews or testimonials. Consult with people you know who have visited an orthodontist to hear firsthand accounts of their time there. Before deciding on an orthodontist, it’s a good idea to do some research online and read some patient reviews. The orthodontist can also have business accolades from prestigious institutions. You can research the orthodontist’s credentials by looking for accolades and case studies of satisfied patients.

Conclusion

Several dental problems can be remedied by wearing braces. Choosing an orthodontist is a serious matter that requires careful consideration. If you’re looking for braces treatment  your due diligence and homework can help you find an orthodontist in your area that will provide excellent service at a price that fits your budget. Before deciding on an orthodontist for yourself or your child, it would  be helpful to get opinions from more than one specialist.