Invisalign is an excellent, thoroughly modern approach to straightening teeth. It has become incredibly popular, and many dentists now offer Invisalign services. However, you might wonder whether seeing an orthodontist would be a better choice. Here are some considerations.
What Is Invisalign?
While traditional braces use wires and metal brackets, Invisalign uses a customized series of clear, smooth, medical grade aligners to gently reposition the teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for 22 hours per day and then switch to the next set at home every week or as directed. Since the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods and perform your normal oral hygiene routine.
What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist treats overall oral health. He or she focuses on preventing dental issues and restoring teeth that have become damaged or decayed. Comprehensive oral evaluations, x-rays, dental bridges, root canals, fillings, and dental crowns are just a few of the procedures that dentists handle quite skillfully each day. Some dentists also have specialized training in cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, as well as dental implants and Invisalign.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a smile specialist focused on dental irregularities involving the misalignment of the jaw, teeth, or bite. Orthodontists carefully analyze the way the teeth come together and focus on improving both the functionality and the form of the teeth and jaws, along with creating a beautiful smile.
Should I See a Dentist or an Orthodontist for Invisalign?
An orthodontist has 4 years of college, 4 years of dental school training, and 3 additional years of specialty training focused solely on the movement of teeth. It’s a lot more complicated than it looks!
Dentists are responsible for fixing many different kinds of dental issues. This means that they typically have less experience with any one specialized procedure. The typical orthodontist uses Invisalign very frequently, while the typical dentist uses it less often.
Orthodontists focus on dental irregularities, which means that they frequently treat complicated bite issues and crooked teeth. Therefore, it is best to seek treatment from an orthodontist. At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we have a highly experienced team that offers numerous orthodontic solutions for kids, teens and adults. We will help you choose just the right option based on a careful and comprehensive assessment of the teeth, jaws, and bite.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for a pediatric orthodontist you can trust, contact Elm Tree Orthodontics today at 203-281-1022 to schedule your appointment.