Orthodontist Vs. Dentist: Which do you need?
When it comes to correcting misaligned teeth, Invisalign has gained significant popularity. Invisalign is an alternative to conventional braces. Rather than dealing with fixed brackets and wires, you wear clear plastic aligners over your teeth.
Why is Invisalign so popular? For one, the aligners are practically invisible. You can fix dental issues without anyone else noticing. They’re also removable. You take them out to eat and brush your teeth, making these tasks easier. Treatment also generally takes less time to complete, and it’s much more comfortable than fixing alignment issues with braces.
If you’re considering Invisalign for your alignment concerns, you may be wondering where to go. Your first instinct might be to call your general dentist. After all, they’re the one that typically provides you with dental care. While you can visit your general dentist, you may want to consider visiting an orthodontist.
Dentist Vs. Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
A dentist provides you with your routine dental care. They can diagnose and prescribe treatments for oral health conditions affecting your teeth, gums, and tongue—including the early stages of gum disease. Sometimes, diagnosis may require a dentist to take and evaluate X-rays. They also do the following:
- Extract teeth
- Fill cavities
- Perform root canals
- Place veneers or crowns
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Whiten your teeth
For the most part, your general dentist is the one you go to for cleanings and exams, as well as smaller dental procedures. While they can perform more advanced treatments, they may refer you to a specialist instead.
An orthodontist is a type of dental specialist. They specialize in correcting issues that affect the alignment of your teeth and jaws. An orthodontist can provide early intervention for children, ensuring proper mouth development. In doing so, they help to reduce or eliminate the need for braces later in life. They also:
- Create individualized treatment plans for each patient
- Diagnose and provide appropriate treatments for malocclusions
- Perform surgical procedures to help straighten teeth
- Place orthodontic appliances such as braces, Invisalign, Herbst appliances, palatal expanders, and more
Why Do You Need an Orthodontist for Invisalign?
Theoretically, a dentist could provide Invisalign. When it comes to correcting the alignment of your teeth, however, you want someone with experience. A dentist focuses on preventative care and repairing teeth, but an orthodontist focuses on proper tooth alignment.
An orthodontist like Dr. Hansen of Hansen Orthodontics has years of experience under his belt. He’s treated numerous patients successfully with Invisalign in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Hansen and his time understand the unique needs of each patient and which treatments will provide the best outcomes.
A dentist may be able to provide Invisalign, but an orthodontist will work with you every step of the way to help you achieve optimal results.
Where Can You Get Invisalign in Las Vegas, NV?
A general dentist plays an integral role in your oral health. But when it comes to Invisalign and fixing misaligned teeth, you’re in better hands with the knowledge and expertise of a qualified orthodontist. Dr. Hansen is here for you if you’re interested in Invisalign in Las Vegas, NV.
For more information on what we can do for you, contact Hansen Orthodontics to schedule your free consultation today.
