If you’ve been considering an orthodontic evaluation for you or another family member, you may be wondering if this is something your regular dentist can handle or if you need to find an orthodontist. After all, you’re already familiar with your dentist’s office—it’s understandable that you’d want to stick to what you know! Dentists and orthodontists are not interchangeable, however. There are actually some significant differences between them that you should be aware of that will help you see why you should trust your family’s smiles to an orthodontist.
Here at Elm Tree Orthodontics, we know that you want nothing but the best for your family, including healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Our practice is proud to offer expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages throughout our community! Dr. Shamik Desai is a highly trained and skilled orthodontic specialist who has been providing Hamden families with exceptional care for many years. Understanding how an orthodontist like Dr. Desai differs from a general dentist will help you make the most informed decision, so keep reading to learn more!
Additional Education, Specialized Training, More Experience
Dentists and orthodontists start off on the same path, each beginning their careers in dental school. Once they graduate, however, dentists typically begin practicing right away, while orthodontists must embark on another few years of specialized education.
During this time, orthodontists learn about the way our mouths grow and mature, develop specific diagnostic skills, and work on a number of case studies. They’ll also receive training in biomechanical techniques and learn how to successfully move the teeth with braces, aligners, and other appliances. As you can see, becoming an orthodontist is quite a process, which is one reason why only 6% of dentists pursue this specialty!
While all dentists receive some orthodontic training in dental school, it’s usually very basic. Most general dentists won’t possess the level of training and experience an orthodontist has when it comes to straightening smiles, although there are exceptions to every rule. Some general dentists are capable of providing quality orthodontic care to their patients, and many choose to sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops that cover related topics.
Unfortunately, these are often unable to sufficiently cover such extensive material. Even dentists with some orthodontic experience won’t possess the level of education and training an experienced orthodontist such as Dr. Desai has.
What are the benefits of choosing an orthodontist?
If your dentist offers orthodontic care, we understand why you’d consider choosing them for your family’s orthodontic care. But before you move forward with that plan, we encourage you to consider the benefits that come when you trust your family’s smiles to an orthodontist. These include:
- Wider variety of treatment options—Elm Tree Orthodontics offers Damon metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners
- Customized treatment plan—Dr. Desai will base this on your specific needs, lifestyle, and the desired results
- More efficient treatment process—orthodontics is our main focus, which means we can produce the best possible outcome, particularly in complex or severe cases
Our Hamden practice is focused on orthodontic care and treatment, with Dr. Desai performing teeth straightening procedures daily.
We’re always working to perfect our technique! We keep our team up to date on the latest in industry practice by regularly attending continuing education courses, both in-person and online (obviously the more popular option these days!) We also keep our office equipped with the best and latest in orthodontic technology, all of which allow us to provide patients with the highest-quality care and exceptional results.
Choose specialized care for a superior smile
As the patient, you’re in charge of your care. It’s up to you to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with in any situation! However, when it comes to creating a fully functional mouth that looks and feels good, an orthodontist is often the safest bet for the best results. While some dentists offer orthodontic services, Dr. Desai has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move the teeth, plus years of experience in creating beautiful smiles for patients of all ages.
Orthodontic care can also help avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things a general dentist may overlook. Dr. Desai and the team are committed to only recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient! This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. When you choose Elm Tree Orthodontics, you can be sure your treatment plan will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique needs.
Trust your family’s smiles to Elm Tree Orthodontics
Your smiles are too important to trust just anybody! Our expert team is proud to offer your family world-class service, affordable treatment options, and the latest in orthodontic technology. Since orthodontics is our only specialty, your smile will receive our full attention, giving you the best experience from start to finish.
If you and your family are ready to take the first steps toward a healthier smile, we’d love to schedule a FREE consultation for you! During this initial visit, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Desai, including a discussion of any issues and a personalized treatment plan.
This is a no-pressure visit! If you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll still be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you have in order to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves the best, including a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE in-office or virtual exam with Dr. Desai.