Invisalign teeth straightening is a specialist teeth-straightening system designed to gently move your teeth into a desired position. Invisalign aligners are almost invisible and present an inconspicuous option for those who want to carry on their everyday lives with the minimum of disruption. Specific training is required for all practitioners who want to treat patients with the Invisalign System. All orthodontic treatment is a complex process involving in-depth knowledge, and is far more effective and safe when undertaken by qualified orthodontists. We look at the differences between orthodontists and dentists and explain why you really should be looking for a qualified orthodontist to oversee your Invisalign or other teeth straightening programmes.
Why should I look for an orthodontist to fit my Invisalign braces?
Orthodontics and general dentistry have many similarities and both general dentists and orthodontists are qualified professionals. However there are some differences in training and experience between the two specialisms, which mean that an orthodontist is more qualified to safely fit Invisalign teeth straightening systems.
- Both general dentists and orthodontists undertake general dentistry training
- UK orthodontists then complete at least three years of focused further study at a post-graduate level (Masters or PhD)
- Orthodontists are qualified to assess the bite and alignment of teeth
- Orthodontists are experienced in treating misaligned and overcrowded teeth as well as issues with overbite or underbite
Why might my dentist recommend me to an orthodontist for treatment?
In today’s world of good looks and cosmetic awareness, most of us would like a beautiful set of straight and well-aligned teeth. Improving your smile can often add to your levels of self-confidence and have significant positive impact on your work and home experiences. Whilst your general dentist will be able to help you with your concerns related to decayed or damaged teeth, an orthodontist has the qualifications and experience to take a more specialist approach.
The successful straightening of teeth depends on a detailed understanding of the level of malalignment of your teeth, and the development of exactly the right treatment plan for you. Orthodontics are not just about straightening teeth, making sure that your upper and lower teeth fit together in the right way is also vital to prevent future potential problems. An orthodontist will have the level of expertise required to achieve this. Whilst Invisalign is a very successful and popular treatment, it is not the optimum solution for all orthodontic issues. By visiting an orthodontist for a consultation, you will have the opportunity to explain your worries and understand your corrective treatment options. At Landmark Dental these include Invisalign, which are comfortable to wear and very difficult to detect.
Why is a qualified orthodontist the best person for my Invisalign treatment?
Although an Invisalign aligner is an effective and user-friendly treatment, it may only form one aspect of your teeth alignment strategy. Whilst a number of general dentists have considerable experience with Invisalign, specialist orthodontists focus exclusively on orthodontic issues and have more experience handling specific cases. When you put your smile in the hands of an experienced orthodontist, you will be choosing the very best practitioner to prevent complications and suggest effective treatment approaches.
Not all dentists are orthodontists
It is important to remember that, while all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Here at Landmark Dental we are proud of our qualified and experienced orthodontists. If you are would like to see improvements to your smile or are worried about the positioning of your teeth then an orthodontic consultation might well be the answer. Get in touch with us today to find out whether Invisalign or another solution can solve your dental problems and bring back your smile.