Dentists are our primary oral health providers. We see our family dentist whenever we have problems in our oral cavity. But have you ever been referred by your dentist to an orthodontist? This happens when your dentist is not an orthodontist himself. You should know that all orthodontists are dentists themselves, but all dentists are not necessarily orthodontists. General dentistry is a profession that requires eight years to complete while orthodontists, after finishing general dentistry, must then complete another three years of specialized orthodontic training. Before practicing orthodontics, he must pass the state board for orthodontists.
Dentistry is a broad medical spectrum that deals with the teeth, gums, nerves, and the jaws, while orthodontics is a specialized discipline that focuses on correcting bites, teeth alignment, and occlusion. When you have the following conditions, you ought to see an orthodontist.
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Incorrect bite
- Chewing difficulty
- Misaligned tips of teeth
Are you currently having one of these problems? Looking for the right orthodontist with whom you are comfortable with should be the first thing to do. Indeed, it is important to go for orthodontists who are patient, kind, and friendly. But the topmost consideration when choosing an orthodontist should be the experience and license. Here are some ways on how you can zero in the orthodontist to treat your problems.
Check Websites of List of Orthodontists Near You
You only have to screen which doctors are near your place. Some vital information is available for you. Before you make that big decision, it will surely help if you visit the individual websites of these orthodontists and interact with them. You can also make use of free consultations if there are before you finalize your decision.
Follow Your Family Dentist’s Referral
If you have been referred by your long-time family dentist to an orthodontist to improve your overbite, you can trust your dentist. After all, if you have been under his care for years already, he must have the best intentions for you. At least when you are referred by your dentist, he must know the orthodontist with whom he is referring you personally.
Hear What Past Clients Are Saying
One option that you may consider when choosing an orthodontist is to hear the recommendations of friends and acquaintances. You can also look for customer reviews. For sure, nobody will be saying good things about an orthodontist whose services are substandard.