Tag Archives: Orthodontics

Do I Need an Orthodontist for Invisalign? A New Patient Guide

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If you’re considering Invisalign, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is the following:

Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist for Invisalign?

The short answer is that both dentists and orthodontists can provide Invisalign treatment, but the right choice depends on the complexity of your case and the experience of the clinician.

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between an Invisalign dentist and an orthodontist, when each may be appropriate, and how to choose the right provider for your smile.

Dentist or Orthodontist for Invisalign: What’s the Difference?

Many people assume that only orthodontists can provide Invisalign treatment, but that’s not the case.

Both general dentists and orthodontists can become certified Invisalign providers. The key difference is that orthodontists complete several additional years of specialist training focused on tooth movement, bite correction, and managing more complex orthodontic cases.

For straightforward alignment concerns, an experienced Invisalign dentist may be the right choice. However, patients with significant bite problems, severe crowding, or more complex orthodontic needs may benefit from treatment planned by an orthodontist.

The most important factor isn’t simply whether you choose a dentist or an orthodontist—it’s choosing a clinician with the experience to assess your smile and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting problems with tooth alignment and bite function.

Orthodontists are trained to treat the following:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Jaw alignment concerns

Their specialist knowledge allows them to plan and manage tooth movement using clear aligners, braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic treatments.

Can a Dentist Provide Invisalign Treatment?

Yes. Many general dentists successfully provide Invisalign treatment after completing Invisalign training and becoming certified providers.

For patients with mild to moderate crowding, small gaps between teeth, or minor cosmetic alignment concerns, an experienced Invisalign dentist can often achieve excellent results.

However, more complex cases involving significant tooth movement, bite correction, severe crowding, or previous orthodontic relapse may benefit from treatment planned by an orthodontist with additional specialist training.

The most important factor isn’t simply whether your provider is a dentist or an orthodontist – it’s choosing a clinician with the experience to assess your smile, explain your treatment options, and recommend the most appropriate approach for your individual needs.

Do All Dentists Offer Invisalign?

No. Not every dentist provides Invisalign treatment.

Dentists who offer Invisalign complete additional training and become certified Invisalign providers. While many general dentists provide Invisalign for suitable patients, others focus on routine dental care and may refer patients requiring orthodontic treatment to an experienced Invisalign provider or specialist orthodontist.

If you’re considering Invisalign, it’s worth asking your clinician about their experience, the types of cases they treat regularly, and whether your smile would benefit from treatment by a general dentist or an orthodontist.

Should You Choose a Dentist or an Orthodontist for Invisalign?

Both dentists and orthodontists can successfully provide Invisalign treatment. The right choice depends on the complexity of your case and the experience of the clinician.

An experienced Invisalign dentist may be the right choice if you have:

  • Mild to moderate crowding
  • Small gaps between teeth
  • Minor cosmetic alignment concerns
  • Relatively straightforward tooth movement

An orthodontist may be recommended if you have:

  • Significant crowding
  • Complex bite problems
  • Teeth that require extensive movement
  • Previous orthodontic treatment that has relapsed
  • Jaw alignment concerns

The best way to determine which option is right for you is to book a professional consultation. After assessing your teeth, bite, and treatment goals, your clinician can recommend whether Invisalign with an experienced dentist or treatment planned by an orthodontist is the most suitable approach.

Invisalign for Adults

One of the main reasons Invisalign has become so popular is its convenience.

The clear aligners are discreet, removable and designed to fit comfortably into everyday life. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign allows patients to remove their aligners when eating, drinking and cleaning their teeth.

Invisalign may help address:

  • Mild to moderate crowding
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Relapsed orthodontic treatment
  • Certain bite concerns
  • Cosmetic alignment issues

For many adults, Invisalign offers an effective way to improve confidence, oral health and smile appearance without the visibility of fixed braces.

Invisalign and Orthodontics for Children

Parents often ask whether Invisalign is suitable for children and teenagers.

While traditional braces remain a highly effective option for many younger patients, Invisalign may also be suitable in certain cases depending on a child’s age, dental development and orthodontic requirements.

When assessing orthodontics for children, clinicians consider the following:

  • Tooth development
  • Jaw growth
  • Bite alignment
  • Oral hygiene habits
  • Long-term treatment goals

Early orthodontic assessments can help identify developing issues and determine the most appropriate time to begin treatment.

Every child is different, which is why a professional assessment is important before deciding between Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment options.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better?

Both Invisalign and braces are designed to straighten teeth and improve bite function, but each has its own advantages.

Invisalign

  • Clear and discreet appearance
  • Removable aligners
  • No food restrictions
  • Easier brushing and flossing
  • Popular among adults and professionals

Braces

  • Fixed to the teeth
  • Suitable for complex orthodontic cases
  • Effective for significant tooth movement
  • Often recommended for some younger patients

The most suitable treatment depends on your individual orthodontic needs, lifestyle and treatment goals.

How Do I Know Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

The best way to determine whether Invisalign or braces are right for you is through a professional orthodontic assessment.

During your consultation, your clinician will assess:

  • Tooth alignment
  • Bite function
  • Jaw relationship
  • Overall oral health
  • Your smile goals and treatment objectives

They’ll also determine whether your case is suitable for treatment with Invisalign, whether braces may be a better option, and whether your treatment can be successfully managed by an experienced Invisalign dentist or would benefit from the expertise of an orthodontist.

Following your assessment, you’ll receive personalised recommendations and a treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible long-term outcome for your smile.

Considering Invisalign? New Patients Welcome

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, booking a consultation is the best way to find out whether it’s the right option for your smile.

At Landmark Dental, we welcome new patients from Hemel Hempstead, Apsley, Kings Langley, Berkhamsted, Luton, and Watford who are interested in Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments.

During your consultation, we’ll:

  • Assess your teeth, bite, and overall oral health
  • Discuss your smile goals and any concerns
  • Explain whether Invisalign or braces may be more suitable
  • Advise whether your treatment is appropriate for an experienced Invisalign dentist
  • or would benefit from specialist orthodontic care
  • Create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs

Whether you’re exploring Invisalign for yourself or orthodontic treatment for your child, we’ll help you understand your options and make an informed decision with confidence.

Book your consultation today to take the first step towards a straighter, healthier smile.

Invisalign and Orthodontic Treatment in Hemel Hempstead

Landmark Dental provides personalised orthodontic treatment for patients looking to improve the appearance, function and health of their smile.

Whether you’re considering Invisalign, braces or orthodontics for children, our experienced team can help you understand your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We proudly welcome patients from Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley, Luton and Watford seeking expert orthodontic advice and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an orthodontist to get Invisalign?

Not necessarily. Many dentists successfully provide Invisalign treatment. However, patients with more complex orthodontic concerns may benefit from treatment planned by a clinician with advanced orthodontic expertise.

Is Invisalign better than braces?

Neither treatment is universally better. The right option depends on your individual alignment issues, bite concerns and treatment goals.

Can children have Invisalign?

Some children and teenagers may be suitable candidates for Invisalign treatment. An orthodontic assessment can help determine the most appropriate option.

What age should a child see an orthodontist?

Many orthodontic professionals recommend that children have an orthodontic assessment by around age seven to identify any developing alignment or bite concerns.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of the case, but many patients complete Invisalign treatment within 6 to 18 months.

Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?

In many cases, Invisalign can successfully treat mild to moderate crowding. More complex cases require a professional assessment to determine suitability.

Can a dentist provide Invisalign treatment?

Yes. Many general dentists are certified Invisalign providers and successfully treat patients with mild to moderate alignment concerns. The most important factor is choosing a clinician with the experience to assess your smile and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Do all dentists offer Invisalign?

No. Not every dentist provides Invisalign treatment. Dentists who offer Invisalign complete additional training to become certified providers. If you’re interested in Invisalign, it’s worth checking whether your dentist offers clear aligner treatment or can refer you to the most appropriate clinician.

Should I choose a dentist or an orthodontist for Invisalign?

Both dentists and orthodontists can successfully provide Invisalign treatment. Patients with straightforward alignment concerns may be suitable for treatment with an experienced Invisalign dentist, while more complex cases involving significant bite correction or tooth movement may benefit from treatment planned by an orthodontist.

Is Invisalign considered orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal position. It can be used to treat many of the same alignment and bite concerns as traditional braces.

Not just for children. Why you are never too old for orthodontic treatment

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Not just for children. Why you are never too old for orthodontic treatment

These days, many young people have their teeth successfully straightened with orthodontic treatments, and growing numbers of adults recognise the advantages of orthodontic treatment and even shout about it on social media. If you have ever looked in the mirror and wanted a straighter and healthier smile, then orthodontic treatment could be for you. Although childhood is an excellent time to realign developing teeth, orthodontics can also be very successful during adulthood. Not only that, but transparent aligners or clear aligners such as Invisalign have also made the whole process more discreet and convenient. We answer your questions about having braces fitted as an adult.
  1. Is orthodontic treatment just for children? Having fixed ceramic braces or clear aligners fitted when you are younger is a great idea because your mouth and jaw are still growing. However orthodontic treatment can be just as successful when you are an adult and sometimes even more necessary. Adult orthodontic cases can sometimes be more complicated than childhood ones because adult teeth have often undergone the strains and stresses of previous damage or dental intervention. Because of this, it is vital that only qualified and experienced practitioners carry out adult orthodontic treatment. For optimum and healthy results, our professional team at Landmark Dental are also able to perform any necessary dental hygiene and other procedures prior to the fitting of orthodontic devices.
  2. Do I really need adult orthodontic treatment? Being happy with your smile is really important and restoring this can have a huge positive impact on your self-confidence in both business and social contexts. However, as an adult, orthodontic treatment is also important for the health and function of your teeth. Teeth that are misaligned can cause problems such as cracks and fissures, issues with speech, tooth decay and gum disease. As we age it becomes even more important to take care of our teeth and orthodontic treatment can often be the best way to preserve a healthy and happy smile into later adulthood.
  3. How long will my orthodontic treatment take? Adult teeth require gentle and controlled straightening. This is not a job that can be hurried but more simple cases may only require a few months of treatment. More complex treatments or a combination of treatments may take longer than this but the results and a healthy smile are always worth the time. Your orthodontic specialist is the best person to advise you on expected timescales for your treatment. Although teeth straightening cannot be hurried the good news is that some orthodontic devices, such as Invisalign braces, are virtually undetectable and can be removed for important occasions. Orthodontic treatment is far more convenient and comfortable than it once was.
  4. Will I need to wear metal braces to straighten my teeth? Each mouth is individual and it takes years of training to understand how different orthodontic devices gently move and adjust teeth. Our team are experts in selecting exactly the right combination of orthodontic tools to suit each of our patients. Some devices, such as Invisalign, offer discreet, almost invisible alignment and are particularly suitable for those who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth during treatment. Even our fixed ceramic braces are either white or transparent and connected with only the thinnest of metal wires. At Landmark Dental we understand the importance to our patients of appearance during treatment and do our very best to assure a satisfactory experience.
  5. How much will my adult orthodontic treatment cost? Many adults put off essential orthodontic treatment because of worries about costs but this can be false economy because correctly aligned teeth are more likely to be healthy than those that are crooked. At Landmark Dental we work with our patients to make orthodontics more affordable, and we offer low cost consultations and flexible payment plans. Before cost concerns put you off orthodontic treatment, get in touch with our team today to find out exactly what we recommend for your smile and how we can help you pay for improvements.
  6. Who is qualified to undertake my orthodontic treatment? Qualified orthodontic practitioners are required to have extensive knowledge of facial, teeth and jaw development in order to achieve optimum and safe results during and after orthodontic treatment. Anyone wanting to practice as an orthodontist must train first as a dentist and then undertake a further three years of study at Masters or PhD level. Although general dentists can provide elements of orthodontic treatment, only trained orthodontic specialists have the expertise to ensure optimum results. By choosing our orthodontic experts at Landmark Dental, you will be putting your smile in safe hands.
Orthodontic treatment can be as effective and satisfactory for adults as it is for children. Here at Landmark Dental we create orthodontic treatment plans for patients of all ages. If you are feeling unhappy with your smile or concerned about your teeth, and think that adult orthodontic treatment might be the answer you are looking for, all it takes to find out is a visit to your dentist. Get in touch with the team at Landmark Dental today to hear more about how orthodontics could help you find your way to a happier and healthier smile.