Orthodontist Vs. Dentist: Who Should You See?

Whether it is a severe issue in your mouth or you need a minor treatment, you should never take things lightly, especially if it is related to your oral health. Several clinical studies have proved that your oral health and your overall health are related to each other. A person needs healthy teeth to aid in the proper digestion of their food. If you have a dental problem, you want to know whether you need a dentist or orthodontist in Winnipeg to handle your case.

The Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist Near You

The educational background of orthodontists and dentists will be relatively the same. They are required to finish the corresponding Bachelor’s degree before they can apply to a dental school. Once they get into their preferred dental school, they have to complete their doctoral program that may last for four years. After that, the general dentist near you may start to practice dentistry. Those who want to be an orthodontist must serve a residency at the accredited orthodontic program for three years. To put it simply, a general dentist will require eight years of education while it needs 10 or 11 years of specialization, to become an orthodontist.

What Orthodontists Do

Orthodontists are professionals that deal with our oral health. Technically speaking, we can consider them as a type of dentist near you specializing in jaw and teeth alignment. Orthodontists that hold certifications are qualified to diagnose problems related to our mouth, gums, and teeth. However, they are mostly concerned about ensuring the proper positioning of our jaws and teeth. Here are some of the tasks of the orthodontist.

• Installing dental appliances including but not limited to Herbst appliances, orthodontic headgear, braces, and palatal expanders

• Performing teeth alignment surgery

• Developing a comprehensive treatment plan which includes retainers and braces

• Diagnosing malocclusion

• Monitoring the bite and jaw alignment of kids

What Dentists Do

Dentists are the doctors of our oral health. Just like any doctor, the dentist in Winnipeg needs to complete a comprehensive training process before they gain certification. According to the latest survey, at least 80% of the dentists today are practicing general dentistry. Certified dentists are capable of diagnosing and providing treatment for a range of oral problems. They can also perform a dental cleaning, but usually, the dental hygienist will handle that. Dentists are also skilled to perform the following procedures:

• Conduct oral surgery

• Monitor the development of the child’s teeth

• Install veneers and crowns

• Perform teeth whitening procedures

• Prescribe drugs and treatment

• Provide treatment for gum problems

• Handle dental X-rays and interpret them accurately

• Extract the problematic teeth

• Repair fractured or cracked teeth

• Fix cavities

Do You Need a Dentist or an Orthodontist?

The right decision will depend upon the nature of your oral health condition. When going through your regular dental appointment, you should listen to the opinion of your dentist. If you need orthodontic treatment, they will refer you to an orthodontist in Calgary. Since each doctor will possess specialization and unique skills, you must seek the assistance of the right professional.

Ensure that you have regular preventive checkups with your dentist in Calgary to prevent any possible dental problems. Just one problematic tooth can spiral out of control and affect the other areas of your mouth. If you notice a visible sign of infection and dental problems, call your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment. You should never wait for six months before dealing with your concerns. A simple infection can lead to unwanted shifting of the teeth, jawbone loss, and possible systemic diseases if you continuously ignore the issue.