When it comes to caring for your oral health there are various types of doctors and surgeons available. People are often confused as to what each doctor does. Many people think orthodontists only straighten teeth, but even if your teeth are straight you may have jaw and bite concerns. Today we want to answer the question, “Should you see an orthodontist or a dentist?”
Dentists are important when it comes to our dental health. They regularly clean your teeth and watch for signs in your oral health that can be a symptom of a larger problem. They also discover any cavities through x-rays and exams early if you are going to your twice a year check-ups. A cavity that is left untreated can cause a lot of damage and no one wants that.
Your dentist should also recommend that you see an orthodontist at age seven to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. Age seven is important because an orthodontist can evaluate a child to see if early intervention is needed to allow for the best possible smile as your child grows. An Orthodontist is important at this point versus a dentist because an orthodontist has had additional education specifically to identify and treat aligning your teeth and jaw.
Want to know more about why you should see an orthodontist for bite concerns or straightening your teeth? The American Association of Orthodontists has a great video describing just what an orthodontist is.