Why choose a Specialist Orthodontist?
All orthodontists completed five years of dentistry training and three more years of full-time orthodontics training at an accredited university to become a Specialist Orthodontist. Only those who completed this specialist training can legally call themselves orthodontists. Some dentists call themselves orthodontist even if they have not had this training.
Orthodontists specialise in specific health areas such as crooked teeth and jaws, dental development, facial growth and the function of teeth and jaws. They are specially trained and skilled in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems.
Orthodontists are trained to fit braces and other orthodontic devices such as expanders, functional appliances and clear aligners. They are experts in tooth movements and best equipped to oversee all aspects of your orthodontic care. Most importantly, an Orthodontist` training prepares them to identify risks and problems before they appear. This helps them manage your orthodontic care safely.
Many dentists will refer not only their patients, but also their own family to an Orthodontist for the best advice and care. However, you are very welcome to see a Specialist Orthodontist without a dentist referral. Therefore, you may call an Orthodontist office directly for an initial assessment!
Articles:
- There are differences in orthodontic outcomes when comparing dentists with specialist orthodontists. Abei et al. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 126(5), 544-548, 2004.
- There are differences to treatment duration and orthodontic outcomes when comparing dentists with specialist orthodontists. Marques et al. The Angle Orthodontist 82 (1), 102-106, 2012.
- Specialist orthodontists identify complexities of difficult orthodontic cases better compared withgeneral dentists. Heath et al. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 151(2), 335-341. 2017.