[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Twice a year, like clockwork, you visit your dentist for a great cleaning and examination of your teeth. Or, you regularly visit an orthodontist who tightens your braces and examines your teeth for any potential decay. So you don’t need both, do you? Aren’t they the same thing? The fact is, a dentist and an orthodontist are different, and yes, you may need both. Confusing? You’re not alone, but Kanning Orthodontics is here to help!
It may seem that a dentist and an orthodontist are interchangeable because they both treat your teeth. However, there are very distinct differences. The fact is, putting clear aligners or braces on your teeth doesn’t make a dentist an orthodontist. By using a dentist instead of an orthodontist, you run the risk of a not-so-satisfactory result. We’ll clear up the confusion and explain to you why you need both when it comes to your smile and your bite![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Dentist vs. Orthodontist
It may seem that a dentist and an orthodontist are the same thing. After all, they both work on your teeth and they both are concerned with your oral health. But an orthodontist has training and expertise a dentist does not. That training and expertise allows the orthodontist to create treatment plans that will create the smile you’ve always wanted in the most efficient way possible.
Both a dentist and an orthodontist start out the same way — with dental school. Once that is complete, both can work in general dentistry.
Here is where the difference comes in! An orthodontist continues that education by taking part in a special certification program for orthodontics. This program provides specialized training in the art and science of moving teeth. It’s that extended education that differentiates a dentist from an orthodontist.
To look at it another way, two people can go through medical school and both come out as general practice doctors. But one can continue his education and become specialized in brain surgery. So the question is, would you go to a general practice doctor for brain surgery, or would you go to a brain surgeon who is specially trained to operate on the brain?
That’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rd_images_gallery images=”3673,3565,3162,3293,3557,3269″ size=”400×400″ column=”ig_col_3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Advantages of Seeing an Orthodontist
It’s possible for a dentist to offer services similar to an orthodontist, such as treatment with clear aligners. But why do you need clear aligners? Is it just a few crooked teeth, or is there more going on? Are you having jaw pain or trouble chewing? There may be deeper issues involved. That’s why an orthodontist is so important.
An orthodontist is trained to look for orthodontic issues. We can properly diagnose a crossbite, overbite, or underbite, but we can also determine WHY you have these issues. Determining the “why” is important because without addressing it, your teeth can move out of place again. Who wants to go through the same treatment over and over?
An orthodontist can also address several issues at once. Many patients have more than one issue, such as an overbite and gapped teeth, or a crossbite and crowded teeth.
At Kanning Orthodontics, we can create a detailed treatment plan to solve several issues at once. This allows us to develop a treatment plan customized to your dental issues. This plan will provide the most efficient method to treat your teeth and create the smile of your dreams, not just one that’s simply better than you have now.
That’s not to say you don’t need a dentist. Even during treatment, you need a thorough cleaning and examination twice a year to ensure you avoid tooth decay. That way, you have the perfect smile with strong teeth once the braces or clear aligners come off![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Trust Kanning Orthodontics for Your Treatment!
Orthodontic treatment needs an orthodontist, and Kanning Orthodontics has two highly trained orthodontics with outstanding qualifications. Dr. Kanning and Dr. Parks are specially trained orthodontists who want to make sure your teeth and bite are cared for with the highest standards possible.
When it comes to braces or clear aligners, you need a specialist who knows how to treat not just your crooked teeth, but the reason why they’re crooked. You need a specialist with the expertise to provide a customized, detailed treatment plan that’s perfect for you and only you. If you’re in the Kansas City area, you need Kanning Orthodontics! Schedule a free consult today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
