Should you Choose Orthodontist vs Dentist for Invisalign Treatment?

Orthodontist vs Orthodontics - Are you thinking about fixing your smile with braces or clear aligners? Which one to choose?

It's a totally normal question.

If you want to straighten your teeth, it's confusing to know who the right person to see is. Let's break it down!

Here are some general guidelines on when it's best to visit an orthodontist rather than a regular dentist:

• Children: Orthodontist can do preventive and interceptive orthodontics. Align mal-aligned jaw bones with growth modification. Detect potential issues and intervene for prevention or correction. This is life changer
• Simple case: What you think is simple case could be a complicated case and dentist does not have the knowledge, the tools or the proper education to treat your malocclusion.
• If you want a beautiful Smile: A dentist might be able to give you straight teeth but NOT a beautiful smile.
• The Complex Cases: Overbites so big they could rival a bulldog, underbites that make your chin disappear. If your situation is seriously out of whack, an orthodontist is your best bet.
• Jaws Gone Wild: Sometimes, teeth aren't the only problem. Jaw pain, TMJ, a super-narrow mouth – orthodontists know how the whole jaw-and-teeth system is connected and can fix things even your dentist might miss.
• Braces + Surgery: When misalignment is so severe it needs a one-two punch of surgery and orthodontics, these specialists work with surgeons to create a master plan.
• When Eating and Talking Become a Struggle: Misaligned teeth messing with your bite or even your speech? An orthodontist can get you back to eating popcorn and chatting without worry.

They're fantastic at cleanings, fillings, and general checkups. Some offer orthodontic work (not recommended)

• "Not Perfect, But Not Terrible Either": Maybe a couple of teeth are slightly out of line, or there's a small gap bugging you. some dentists can handle these simpler fixes.
• Straightening for Grown-ups: As an adult, you might just want minor tweaks after you lost retainer. Brief braces might help

It's not that general dentists are bad; it's just that orthodontists have a laser focus on dental and facial development, breathing, swallowing and oral function and they can really help and save you time and money

Next, let's look at the biggest advantages of choosing an orthodontic specialist for your treatment.

Wondering if it's worth the extra time and money to have an orthodontist fix your smile?

With orthodontists, you'll have access to more innovative treatment options to potentially achieve better outcomes.

Orthodontists are the true experts at moving teeth and jaw bone into ideal alignment. They do it every day.

Their vast experience means they can typically get teeth to shift positions faster than general dentists. They know all the little tricks and techniques to make treatment as quick and efficient as possible.

You'll likely finish treatment much sooner seeing a specialist. Less overall time in braces or aligners makes many patients happy!

Orthodontists invest heavily in advanced diagnostic and treatment planning tools most dentists don't have. This includes:

• CBCT 3D Imaging - gives a 3D view of roots and jaw structure- better diagnosis and treatment planning
• Intraoral Scanning - fast digital impressions to plan treatment- easier, faster and more comfortable
• Advanced Software - creates predictive models and simulated results

This technology allows for very precise, customized orthodontic treatment.

• With advanced expertise comes fewer errors and problems over the course of treatment. You are less likely to experience issues like:

  • Tooth or root damage from improper forces
  • Excess gum recession around braces
  • Jaw joint pain from bite misalignment
  • Relapse of teeth shifting back after treatment

  Seeing a specialist lowers your risk for orthodontic complications.

For children, teenagers and adult cases, orthodontists are better equipped to achieve ideal alignment and proper function. General dentists often fall short of the same level of final results.

If you want the healthiest, straightest, most picture-perfect smile possible, visit an orthodontist.

When you want top-notch orthodontic care, it's worth seeking out a specialist with exceptional expertise. This is why patients come from all around to receive treatment from Dr. Amal Seifelnasr at Castle Hills 3D Orthodontics in Lewisville, Texas.

Dr. Seifelnasr is a highly skilled with extensive experience of all kinds of malocclusion. She provides advanced treatment options general dentists are unable to offer.

What makes Dr. Seifelnasr stand out from other orthodontists?