What Sets an Orthodontist Apart from a Dentist? Find Out from Experienced Orthodontist in Livonia

Do you know how a dentist differs from an orthodontist? Many Livonia residents are confused as to which specialist to visit. Both play a vital role in having the best possible oral health with your smile. However, their expertise and specific areas of focus are different. And knowing these differences isn't merely helpful, but rather crucial to make sure you get the correct care for your specific needs.

In this article, Farmington Hills Orthodontist will briefly break down the roles of both dentists and orthodontists, which would determine how their services vary and allow professional input to guide you in making that informed decision on your dental health. Finally, whether you just want to brighten up your smile with some braces or just keep healthy teeth and gums, knowing who to visit makes all the difference. So, let's get into it!

Who is a Dentist?

A dentist is your regular health care professional for your teeth, gums, and your oral health. He or she gives routine care to keep your smile healthy and bright, helps in solving common dental problems, and works to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Dentists also give treatment for a wide variety of oral health problems.

These include general dental care and tooth fillings to more invasive treatments which eliminate the most acute forms of infection in your teeth. Your dentist will play an important role in maintaining your oral health and wellbeing as well as cosmetic treatments that make your smile more dazzling.

General Dentistry Services

General dentistry maintains and enhances your oral health by carrying out routine care and treatments. These routine visits and cleanings ensure plaque buildup and tartar don't cause cavities; therefore, the mouth is always healthy. Should a cavity or gum condition appear, a filling of cavities or a gum infection could be treated. It prevents damage due to conditions like gingivitis. A root canal procedure can salvage the tooth when the pulp becomes infected, and cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers are offered to improve the appearance of your smile, thereby enhancing aesthetics and confidence.

Who Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in tooth and jaw alignment to improve its function and aesthetic appearance. This is different from the general dental practitioner, where an orthodontist has particular education and training in the correction of malpositions, bites, and other related oral structural defects.

Farmington Hills orthodontist now has the newest techniques and facilities to diagnose and treat crooked teeth and jaw mismeasurements so that a patient may attain a well-aligned and beautiful smile. They are not cosmetic dentists, because they solve many problems which cause pain, mastication discomfort, or speech impediments.

Common Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments improve the form and function of your smile with many effective treatments. Braces are the most commonly used method of correcting malalignment, available in metal, ceramic, and lingual options for addressing crowding, irregular alignment, and even spacing between the teeth. More discreet treatments can be provided by Invisalign and clear aligners to straighten your teeth nearly imperceptibly with no hardware showing.

The treatment process is then followed by retaining to ensure the newly achieved position of the teeth and prevent any further shifting back. Orthodontist in Livonia also has the expertise in treating jaw alignment issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites to enhance not only comfort but also function. Children should also receive early treatment so that problems diagnosed early can prevent worse complications from arising later and, therefore, ensure a healthy smile.

When Should You Visit a Dentist vs. an Orthodontist?

Knowing which to see between a dentist or an orthodontist in Livonia can be your saving grace regarding time and being able to gain the right service for your needs on oral health. Although both professionals are necessary, they have a different field to practice. The dentist is a primary provider regarding general oral health and routine care. You have to visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups every six months to have healthy teeth and gums. They should also be seen whenever you feel toothache or sensitivity or some gum health problem, such as gingivitis or periodontal diseases. Besides these, they also carry out cosmetic treatment like whitening, veneers, or bonding that makes your smile more appealing and can at once treat tooth breakage or oral injury.

Orthodontists focus their attention on the orthodontic treatment of alignment of the teeth and jaw. They also address jaw discomfort caused by misalignment and provide early intervention for children to identify and correct alignment issues during growth stages.

You can start with a general care or pain relief dentist who may refer you to an orthodontist if he cannot help you.

Conclusion

Though both of them play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health, then you must also know when and how to get each of these professionals for care. Whether you may be in need of regular dental service or orthodontic treatment, recognizing the difference helps you get maximum results. If you are ready to achieve a stunning smile, rest assured that Farmington Hills orthodontist can provide you with the best treatment, like Masri Orthodontics, to help bring out the beauty in you.