Can My Dentist Do My Braces?

 Orthodontists specialize in the prevention and correction of malocclusions, or bad bites. To become an orthodontist, one must receive 2 or 3 additional years of specialty training beyond dental school and obtain a specialty certificate. The orthodontist’s sole area of expertise is the correction of improper bites and their practice is exclusively devoted to this specialty.  There are unfortunately a growing number of general dentists performing orthodontics and even sometimes calling themselves orthodontist. This can be quite misleading to the general population and may lead to potential legal issues.  It is important to have a clear distinction between the two. A dentist who performs orthodontics will usually do so after having completed a short certification course. Their focus is general dentistry with a small orthodontic patient pool on the side. Although some of the simpler cases can be corrected by a dentist, it would be wise to consult with an orthodontist to ensure that proper treatment is performed. Just as one would not have their primary care physician perform a heart transplant, it would be foolish to have a dentist treat complex orthodontic cases. Simply put they may not have the adequate training for properly diagnosing and treating your or your child’s orthodontic problem.
In many cases, the fees charged by a dentist may be lower than those charged by an orthodontist. I would warn my readers that cheaper fees may not always mean better treatment. Allocating a little more towards better care is always a wiser decision than having to live with a bad bite for the rest of your life. Of course, not all orthodontists are equal. Those that are board certified will usually have more training and more expertise so please do some more research on your orthodontist as well.
When it comes to choosing the right doctor for your orthodontic needs, always do your research and understand the distinction between a dentist and an orthodontist. It will hopefully save you from a second round of treatment and more money out of your pocket.
Dr. Salmassian is a Board Certified Orthodontist and specializes in orthodontics for children and adults.  For any questions regarding this article or to schedule your complimentary evaluation please contact Salmassian Orthodontics at 661-222-7444.