The Major Difference Between A Dentist and An Orthodontist

Doctors that treat or specialize in oral health are known as dentist and orthodontists. Both dentist and orthodontists though treat the ailments of teeth but carry out dental procedures for different types of oral health problems. 

Doctors who practice general dentistry are trained to treat and diagnose conditions of gums, tongue, mouth, and teeth. 

Orthodontists south-east London also receive this training, but they get an additional practice or education to specialize in treating and diagnosing misalignments of jaws and teeth.

We will help you understand in more detail how dentists and orthodontists differ. It will help you understand better which type of doctor is best to treat your condition. 

What is a general dentist and what do they do?

A dentist must acquire a pre-dentistry or pre-medical degree before obtaining a degree from the graduate school of dentistry. Before becoming a certified doctor, they must be trained thoroughly with adequate practice. Most of the dentist practice general dentistry.

Certified dentists can diagnose and treat the conditions of gums, tongue, teeth, and mouth. They also take care of cleaning your teeth from time to time.

Here are certain care treatments a general dentist south east London may provide

  • Repair cracked teeth
  • Fill cavities
  • Extract teeth
  • Conduct and interpret dental x-rays
  • Fill and bond teeth
  • Promote oral hygiene
  • Prescribe treatment and prescription drugs
  • Install veneers and crowns
  • Whiten teeth
  • Perform oral surgery

What is an orthodontist and what do they do?

Orthodontists are also the doctors of oral health, but they specifically treat the misalignments in jaws and teeth.

They are trained and diagnosed to treat oral health which pays special attention in making your teeth and jaw set in a correct position.

Here are the several activities conducted by an orthodontist south east London.

  • Treat misaligned jaws and teeth
  • Supervise the facial growth in children
  • Making a treatment plan that includes retainers and braces
  • Perform surgery for teeth straightening
  • Installation of dental appliances such as braces, aligners, headgear, palatal expanders, and other such appliances.

Qualification of dentist and orthodontist

Mostly, orthodontists and dentist receive the same basic dentistry education. But, orthodontist receives additional educational certification before beginning their practice.

Before applying for the graduate school of dentistry, a dentist must go for a pre-dentistry or pre-medical degree. A dentist must be trained extensively in their practice and completing a residency before getting certified. It requires passing a comprehensive exam before obtaining a certificate.

The beginning two years of dental school are usually in classroom and lab and the last two years involve working with patients under the supervision of the licensed dental school. After the completion of dental school, the dentist must pass the national dental examination to become a licensed professional.

An orthodontist must also pursue a pre-medical or pre-dentistry undergraduate degree before applying in a dentistry school. After completing a dental certification test, an orthodontist must attend a residency program for an additional 2 to 3 years to obtain a certificate in orthodontics.

Whom should you see an orthodontist or a dentist?

A general dentist south east London will resolve your standard dental issues related mostly to the gums, mouth, teeth, and tongue. If you face problems related to these areas like bleeding gums, lost or cracked tooth, cavities, replacement or placement of teeth, application of veneers, whitening tooth, etc. you can consult a general dentist.

Moreover, they also take care of your whole family from children to old adults.

An orthodontist is a specialist that only treats the conditions related to the misalignment of jaws and teeth. They focus mainly on correcting your bite structure giving you a more appealing look.

 Final Words

 Whether a dentist or an orthodontist both are equally important when it comes to taking care of your overall oral health. You must undergo a diagnosis at Mindfuldentist to identify the correct type of treatment done for you. For appointments contact at https://www.mindfuldentist.london/

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