Dentist or Orthodontist? Many people get confused as to which is the better oral care professional to see, but it depends on your teeth’s needs.
Dentists and Orthodontists play a valuable role in keeping your teeth healthy, and they often work together with you to ensure your oral health is the best it can be. However, they do not fill the same role, and it’s important to know who to see when your teeth are in need of dental work.
A dentist undertakes general work and care of your teeth such as routine teeth check-ups, routine cleans, dental or cosmetic work, extractions, and cavity fillings. Dentists are skilled in different areas of dentistry, but when you have alignment issues with your teeth or jaw, your dentist will refer you to a specialist orthodontist.
A specialist orthodontist is a trained specialist dentist that specialises in correcting alignment issues that your teeth or jaw may have. An orthodontist undergoes the same five year dentistry university training as a dentist, but undertakes a minimum further three years of specialising in orthodontics. Orthodontists often treat issues such as overbites, underbites, spacing between teeth, and crowded teeth.
Proper alignment of your teeth is important, both for your confidence and your health. While a dentist can help with more general dental care, it’s best to see a specialist orthodontist when it’s the alignment of your teeth that’s concerning you. And remember, you don’t need a referral to see an orthodontist!
Choosing between a dentist and orthodontist comes down to the work your teeth requires. At Norwest Orthodontics, our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Purkayastha is an internationally published orthodontist that specialises in custom orthodontics for children, teenagers, and adults. If you’re worried about the alignment of your teeth, contact Norwest Orthodontics on 9672 6113 and expect excellence today!
