While general dentistry and orthodontics concentrate on dental care, there are important distinctions between the two. While general dentistry focuses on oral health, orthodontics identifies and treats dental and facial irregularities.
The distinction between general dentistry and orthodontics is covered in this article. It covers the typical procedures and treatments in each category, how to pick a reputable orthodontist and the price and length of orthodontic treatment. Doing so lets you intelligently decide on your dental care requirements and get a straighter, healthier smile.
What Distinguishes General Dentistry from Orthodontics?
Orthodontics
Innovative orthodontic systems are a subset of dentistry that focuses on spotting, correcting, and preventing dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontics deals with the position of teeth and jaws and how they function, as opposed to general dentistry, which is concerned with the patient’s oral health.
When there are issues with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, which can cause various dental and health problems, orthodontic treatment is required. These include jaw pain, gum disease, tooth decay, and difficulty speaking and chewing. By straightening the teeth, enhancing the bite, and enhancing the smile, orthodontic treatment can help resolve these issues.
The most popular orthodontic procedures for treating dental and facial irregularities are listed below:
Standard Braces
- Traditional Braces
- Clear Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Self-Ligating Braces
- Invisalign
- Retainers
- Palatal Expander
- Headgear
The orthodontist will base the recommended course of treatment on the patient’s unique requirements and the severity of the dental and facial irregularities. Genetics, dental decay, trauma, and other factors can contribute to these conditions.
General Dentistry
A wide range of procedures and treatments in general dentistry aims to improve patients’ oral health. They are applied to fill cavities, restore broken teeth, and replace missing teeth. These procedures are all intended to enhance your mouth’s general health.
Some of the most popular treatments in this category are as follows:
- Dental Cleanings and Exams
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extraction
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Dental Sealants
- Dentures
- Fillings
- Dental implants
- DenturesÂ
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Bridges
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Emergency Dental Service
Emergency dental services aim to promptly treat patients experiencing severe dental problems or trauma outside of regular office hours. General dentists and other dental professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to diagnose and manage dental emergencies offer these services. Check this website https://hellofamilydental.com/emergency-dentist/ if you’re looking for emergency dentists.
How to Tell if a Dentist Has Orthodontic Skills?
Only orthodontists are specialists who have received additional training and education beyond dental school to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities, though dentists can perform some orthodontic treatments. Following dental school, orthodontic specialists complete an additional two to three years of specialized training before being certified by the American Dental Association as specialists in dentofacial orthopedics and orthodontics.
Although general dentists can perform some basic orthodontic procedures like Invisalign or minor tooth movement, they need to gain the specialized education and experience that orthodontists possess. For more complicated orthodontic cases, seeking treatment from an orthodontist is advised to ensure the best results.
What Are the Prices for These Treatments?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies according to the type of treatment, the severity of the dental issue, and the dental office’s location. While Invisalign can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, traditional braces can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000. A rough estimate may be higher or lower. Asking your dentist for a more precise estimate is always recommended.
It is also important to remember that your insurance might cover some of the cost of your orthodontic treatment. Before traveling, call your insurance company to confirm your coverage. Additionally, many dental offices provide flexible and convenient payment options that you can use to make weekly or monthly payments.
What Is the Duration of the Treatments?
The severity of the dental problem and the treatment option selected determines the length of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign typically takes six months to 2 years to complete, whereas traditional braces can take anywhere from 18 to 3 years. Before beginning the procedure, patients should talk to their orthodontist about how long the treatment will last.
Conclusion
The appearance, functionality, and general health of your smile can all be significantly enhanced by orthodontic treatment. There is a treatment option to suit every patient’s particular requirements. For more complicated cases, seek treatment from a licensed orthodontist because they have the necessary education and experience for the best results. Even though the price and length of treatment may differ, the advantages of having a straighter, healthier smile are immeasurable.
