Orthodontists & Dentists: Different Areas of Focus

Orthodontic Training Takes 2 – 3 Additional Years

While everyone understands that a Dentist takes care of teeth, not everyone is aware of what an Orthodontist does.  Some ask “Don’t they both do similar things?”

According to Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics which operates several offices south of Boston and on Cape Cod, “Perhaps the biggest misconception about Orthodontists is that we’re very much like your family Dentist. We’re actually very different.” While it’s true that both Orthodontists and Dentists care about helping you enjoy a lifetime of good dental and oral health, we go about achieving this goal in different ways. Dentists are the health professionals for regular oral hygiene exams and cleaning. They take care of cavities, treat gum disease, tooth decay, toothaches, and other common oral health problems.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, are specialized Dentists trained to diagnose, prevent and correct structural problems, as well as crooked or misaligned teeth.  It takes a decade of education to become an Orthodontist. This includes four years of college, four years of dental school, two to three years of post-graduate Orthodontics training, plus extensive written and clinical certification and licensing exams.

For structural problems, there are many treatment options: expanders headgears, lip bumpers. for crooked or misaligned teeth: retainers, clear aligners, and invisible, metal, and ceramic braces. Orthodontists have the specialized knowledge to consider all possibilities, based on variables like age, possible jaw imbalances, differences in the size of your teeth, and more. They know what to use and when to use it, and will work with you to make the best decisions – resulting in your best smile.

While children should visit their Dentist by age one or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in, every child should have an Orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to detect and treat any problems easily before they become advanced. Dentists often refer youngsters to an Orthodontist once some, but not all, adult teeth have grown in.

Another common misconception about Orthodontists is that they only treat children. Today, about 25% of Orthodontic patients are 21+ because crooked or misaligned teeth can be treated at any age. ARCH has patients from 4 to 84, and they say to all ages, “You can have the smile you want.”

ARCH founder Dr. Robert Chavez says, “It’s easy to find answers to Dental and Orthodontic questions on the internet, but there really is no substitute for the personal attention and specialized skills you receive during your Orthodontic appointment. at ARCH  We have thousands of patients who can attest to that.”

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, from now through March 31 any patient who refers a new patient to ARCH will be entered in a drawing to win a Bose portable speaker. ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing.  The practice also offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees in the towns where they have offices.  To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com  or visit   http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics .

ARCH Orthodontics offices are in Bridgewater • Brockton • Canton • Hyannis • Hyde Park  • Orleans  •  Randolph • Stoughton • Westwood.

                                                                                                 – By Stanley Hurwitz /   508-269-0570   / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

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