Undoubtedly, you should be going to the dentist regularly for a routine dental cleaning. Taking care of your mouth and teeth is incredibly important because your oral health plays a big role in your overall health.
But what about going to the orthodontist? When you experience some dental pain and minor dental issues, should you still go to the dentist or look for an orthodontist, instead?
When to Go to the Dentist
To know which treatment you need, you probably have to head to the dentist first. Dentists have a general knowledge of oral health, treating and managing your overall dental health.
Dentists do the routine work like checking your teeth for any cavities and other problems. They also do oral prophylaxis or cleanings, which, by the way, should be done twice a year at minimum or once a year if you really can’t manage twice. On top of that, dentists do dental X-rays. If you need root canals, you can also count on dentists to do these apart from helping you care for your gums as needed.
Dentists perform dental repairs like filling cavities or working with dentures and bridges. But when you have a tooth that’s far too problematic to repair, chances are they will simply remove it. Then, they will give you a replacement bridge or crown, whichever makes the most sense.
If you want your teeth to look better, dentists also do whitening and work with veneers.
So When is it Time to See an Orthodontist?
If you have problems related to the alignment of your jaws and your teeth, go to an orthodontics clinic. Whether they are based in the mid-Peninsula of Redwood City or the outskirts of Houston, orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, correcting, and preventing malformations of the jaws and teeth.
Therefore, if you have an overbite, underbite, tooth gap, or even overcrowded (or overly spaced apart) teeth, chances are you will be referred to an orthodontist. They will then determine what kind of treatment you need for straightening your teeth and retraining your mouth to bite the right way.
Children and teenagers should see an orthodontist. This way, they can receive proper treatment for any jaw or teeth malformation they have before they become adults.
Orthodontists often work with wires, braces, Invisalign, retainers, and other orthodontic treatment options. They may also provide treatment requiring the use of other corrective dental appliances, such as expanders.
What You Need to Remember
When you go to a dental or orthodontics clinic, chances are they have both dentists and orthodontists in their team. Many orthodontists are dentists as well, so you can choose to see a single dental professional for all your oral health problems.
Keep in mind, though, that whether you need to see a dentist or orthodontist, go to someone reputable who will listen to you and has your best interests at heart. Also, remember to always take care of your teeth. Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to correct issues before they worsen.
